Home
Articles
Q&A

Can patients with gastritis eat watermelon?

May 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, patients with gastritis can eat watermelon, but should consume it in moderation. Watermelon is considered a raw and cold food, containing a high amount of sugar and a certain amount of fruit acid. The gastric mucosa of gastritis patients already has varying degrees of inflammation. Excessive consumption of watermelon may irritate the gastric mucosa due to its cold nature, stimulate increased gastric acid secretion, and thereby worsen the damage to the gastric mucosa.

Generally speaking, patients with gastritis can eat watermelon, but they should do so in moderation. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Watermelon is rich in water content, which can help replenish the body's fluid needs and promote the secretion of digestive juices, thereby enhancing appetite to some extent. Moreover, watermelon contains various vitamins, including vitamin C, which may benefit the repair of gastric mucosa.

However, it should be noted that watermelon is a raw and cold food, and it contains a high amount of sugar and some citric acid. The gastric mucosa of patients with gastritis already has inflammation to varying degrees. Consuming excessive watermelon may irritate the gastric mucosa due to its cold nature, stimulate increased gastric acid secretion, and consequently worsen mucosal damage, causing discomfort symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn. Additionally, patients with gastritis often have weakened digestive function. Since watermelon has a high sugar content, excessive consumption may lead to indigestion and increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.

If patients with gastritis wish to eat watermelon, they may do so in small amounts during periods of stable condition. It is recommended to consume it between half an hour to one hour after a meal, avoiding consumption on an empty stomach. If the patient is experiencing an acute flare-up of gastritis with obvious symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting, it is advisable to avoid eating watermelon temporarily to prevent worsening of the condition.

Related Articles

View All
Is the sugar content of watermelon high?
Overall, the sugar content of watermelon typically ranges between 5% and 8%, which is relatively low compared to fruits like grapes and lychees that often exceed 10% sugar content. The sugars in watermelon are primarily fructose and glucose, both of which are rapidly absorbed and can quickly replenish energy, making watermelon a suitable choice for moderate consumption after exercise.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
What causes stomach acid, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn?
In general, the main causes of stomach acid, bloating, acid reflux, and heartburn include improper diet, high levels of mental stress, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, and gastric ulcers. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating; reduce intake of coffee and strong tea; and maintain a positive mindset, avoiding excessive tension.
avatar
Dr. Huang Yuhong
View Full Answer
Why does it feel like something is pressing inside the stomach right after eating, and what should I do about it?
In general, the main causes of feeling a sensation of blockage in the stomach after eating include eating too quickly, an improper diet structure, functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, and gastric polyps. Patients can choose appropriate management approaches such as lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgical treatment based on their specific conditions. In daily life, it is important to maintain regular eating habits and avoid overeating; chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to reduce air ingestion.
avatar
Dr. Huang Yuhong
View Full Answer
What are the ten major禁忌 (taboos) of eating plums?
On an empty stomach, the concentration of gastric acid in the stomach is relatively high. The organic acids in plums can further irritate the gastric mucosa, potentially causing discomfort such as stomach spasms and acid reflux, with more pronounced effects in individuals with weak gastrointestinal function. People with gastrointestinal disorders should consume plums cautiously; those suffering from conditions such as gastritis or gastric ulcers should avoid eating them altogether. Plums are considered cooling in nature and contain tannic acid, which may increase the digestive burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
What should a pregnant woman eat to quickly relieve a sore throat?
For sore throat during pregnancy, both relief of discomfort and pregnancy safety should be considered. Certain foods can gently nourish the throat, while medications should be selected from those suitable for use during pregnancy. Commonly recommended foods generally include pears, honey water, oranges, white radish, and tremella. Medications typically include Compound Solidaster Spray, Watermelon Frost Throat Lozenges, Vitamin C Tablets, Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid (Herba Taraxaci and Radix Isatidis oral liquid), and Honeysuckle Granules.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
What causes loss of appetite and having no desire to eat?
In general, the main causes of poor appetite and loss of appetite include emotional fluctuations, monotonous diet, chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, and pyloric obstruction. If symptoms persist or are accompanied by other discomforts, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to maintain a positive emotional state, eat a balanced diet, and avoid long-term use of medications that irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
avatar
Dr. Huang Yuhong
View Full Answer
What diseases are people who drink alcohol regularly prone to?
Under normal circumstances, people who regularly consume alcohol may be prone to develop alcoholic liver disease, chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, hypertension and atherosclerosis, alcoholic encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal cancers. Alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, and its metabolic product, acetaldehyde, can damage liver cells, interfere with fat metabolism, and trigger fatty liver disease. Long-term excessive alcohol consumption can further progress to hepatitis and liver fibrosis.
avatar
Dr. Gao Jun
View Full Answer
What fruits are good to eat in summer?
In general, it is better to eat fruits such as watermelon, peaches, grapes, cantaloupe, and lychee during summer. These fruits are typically effective in hydrating the body, relieving heat, and supplying essential nutrients, thus meeting the body's needs during the hot season. When consuming fruits in summer, it is recommended to choose according to individual body conditions—for example, those with weak spleen and stomach functions or cold syndromes should consume fewer cold-natured fruits. Additionally, ensure fruits are thoroughly washed and avoid eating excessive amounts at one time.
avatar
Dr. Yu Yongchao
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.