Can patients with ulcerative colitis eat watermelon?

Generally speaking, whether patients with ulcerative colitis can eat watermelon depends on the specific stage of their condition. If the patient is in a stable phase of ulcerative colitis, eating watermelon is usually acceptable. However, if the patient is experiencing an acute flare-up of ulcerative colitis, eating watermelon is generally not recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the patient is in the stable phase of ulcerative colitis, moderate consumption of watermelon is typically feasible and generally does not worsen symptoms. It may even help boost immunity and promote recovery from the disease, so moderate consumption is acceptable.

However, if the patient is experiencing an acute flare-up of ulcerative colitis, watermelon should be avoided because it is relatively cold in nature and may irritate the intestines after consumption, thereby exacerbating symptoms and negatively affecting disease control and recovery. Therefore, eating watermelon is not advisable.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, such as regular sleep patterns and moderate exercise, can help control and prevent the disease.