When should you not eat watermelon?
Oct 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
People with diabetes, those with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, individuals with kidney dysfunction, patients with oral ulcers, and those in the early stages of a cold should not eat watermelon. In the case of diabetes, watermelon is generally avoided because it contains relatively high amounts of sugar. Diabetic patients already have elevated blood glucose levels; consuming excessive sugar can easily lead to further increases in blood glucose, thereby worsening their condition.
Generally, people with diabetes, those with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, patients with renal insufficiency, individuals with oral ulcers, and those in the early stages of a cold should avoid eating watermelon. The specific reasons are as follows:
1. Diabetes
People with diabetes should generally avoid watermelon because it contains relatively high amounts of sugar. Since diabetic patients already have elevated blood glucose levels, consuming excessive sugar can lead to further increases in blood sugar, potentially worsening their condition.
2. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency-Cold
Watermelon is inherently cold in nature. For individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, whose bodies already contain excess internal cold, eating too much watermelon may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and lead to discomforts such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loose stools. Therefore, these individuals should avoid consuming watermelon.
3. Renal Insufficiency
Patients with renal insufficiency usually have reduced ability to excrete fluids. Because watermelon is high in water content, excessive consumption may lead to fluid retention, exacerbating the condition and potentially causing edema. In severe cases, it could even trigger acute heart failure. Thus, patients with kidney problems should consume watermelon cautiously.
4. Oral Ulcer Patients
Oral ulcers are ulcerative lesions on the oral mucosa that typically cause pain and discomfort. Certain foods may irritate the ulcers and worsen symptoms. While triggers vary among individuals, some people find that eating watermelon may provoke or aggravate their oral ulcers. This might be due to the mild acidity of watermelon or certain components that irritate the ulcer surface.
5. Early-Stage Cold
In the initial phase of a cold or other respiratory infections, symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever commonly occur. At this time, the throat may be inflamed and particularly sensitive to irritation. Watermelon, being a cold food, may stimulate the throat or exacerbate inflammation, leading to increased discomfort.
Although watermelon is delicious and refreshing, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid placing excessive strain on the gastrointestinal system.
