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Why is it not advisable to eat watermelon seeds on an empty stomach?

Feb 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the reasons for not eating watermelon seeds on an empty stomach include stimulation of gastric acid secretion, indigestion, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Watermelon seeds contain a certain amount of fat and protein, which, when consumed on an empty stomach, can stimulate the gastric mucosa, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion and possibly causing stomach pain.

Generally, the reasons why watermelon seeds should not be consumed on an empty stomach include stimulation of gastric acid secretion, indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The specific details are as follows:

1. Stimulation of gastric acid secretion: Watermelon seeds contain a certain amount of fat and protein. When consumed on an empty stomach, these components may stimulate the gastric mucosa, leading to excessive secretion of gastric acid and possibly causing stomach pain. Avoid eating watermelon seeds, especially on an empty stomach. If discomfort has already occurred, drink an appropriate amount of warm water or milk to neutralize the gastric acid and alleviate symptoms.

2. Indigestion: Watermelon seeds have a high oil content. Consuming them on an empty stomach may make them difficult to digest, thus increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and causing indigestion with symptoms such as abdominal distension. Maintain regular eating habits and avoid consuming watermelon seeds on an empty stomach. Digestive medications such as Bao He Wan (Preserved Harmony Pills), Jian Wei Xiao Shi Pian (digestive tablets), and Si Mo Tang oral liquid may be used under a doctor's guidance to aid digestion.

3. Gastritis: Eating watermelon seeds on an empty stomach may irritate the gastric mucosa, causing congestion, edema, and even gastritis with symptoms such as upper abdominal pain. Medications such as复合凝乳酶胶囊 (Compound Rennet Enzyme Capsules), 枸橼酸铋钾片 (Bismuth Potassium Citrate Tablets), and 铝碳酸镁咀嚼片 (Aluminum Magnesium Carbonate Chewable Tablets) may be used under medical guidance to protect the gastric mucosa.

4. Peptic Ulcer: Long-term consumption of watermelon seeds on an empty stomach may worsen gastric mucosal damage, leading to peptic ulcers and symptoms such as acid regurgitation and belching. Follow medical advice to use medications such as esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated tablets, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and lansoprazole tablets to reduce gastric acid irritation and protect the gastric mucosa.

5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Consuming watermelon seeds on an empty stomach can lead to excessive gastric acid secretion, which may worsen symptoms of GERD, accompanied by heartburn and chest pain. Follow medical advice to use medications such as cimetidine tablets, ranitidine hydrochloride tablets, and domperidone tablets to reduce gastric acid secretion and promote gastrointestinal motility.

To avoid these discomforts and diseases, it is recommended to maintain regular eating habits and avoid consuming watermelon seeds or other hard-to-digest foods on an empty stomach.

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