Why is it not advisable to eat watermelon after a meal?

Generally speaking, eating watermelon after a meal may not be advisable due to factors such as increased gastrointestinal burden, dilution of digestive juices, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Increased gastrointestinal burden: After a meal, there is already food in the stomach. Eating watermelon immediately afterward causes a sudden increase in stomach volume and increased pressure on gastrointestinal peristalsis, leading to slow digestion, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Wait 1–2 hours after a meal before eating watermelon, and consume no more than 200 grams each time to reduce gastrointestinal burden and avoid discomfort such as bloating.

2. Dilution of digestive juices: Watermelon has a high water content. Eating it immediately after a meal dilutes gastric digestive juices, reduces the activity of digestive enzymes, impairs digestion and absorption, and can lead to indigestion accompanied by belching and reduced appetite. Consume watermelon between meals, avoid eating too close to main meals, and chew slowly to reduce excessive dilution of digestive juices.

3. Indigestion: Individuals with inherently weak gastrointestinal function may experience further increased digestive burden when eating watermelon after a meal. Food remains in the gastrointestinal tract for a prolonged period, fermenting and producing gas, which can cause bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. Patients should reduce watermelon intake, take an appropriate walk after meals to aid digestion, and follow medical advice to take medications such as Weixiaoshi tablets, lactase tablets, or domperidone tablets to improve gastrointestinal motility and alleviate indigestion.

4. Irritable bowel syndrome: In sensitive individuals, eating watermelon after a meal may stimulate the intestines due to its cold nature and sugar content, causing intestinal smooth muscle spasms, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a sense of urgency during bowel movements, with symptoms recurring frequently. Patients should avoid eating watermelon after meals and choose warm-natured fruits instead. Follow medical advice to use medications such as trimebutine maleate tablets, pinaverium bromide tablets, or compound glutamine enteric-coated capsules to regulate intestinal function and reduce discomfort caused by intestinal irritation.

5. Diabetes: Watermelon has a high sugar content. Eating it immediately after a meal can rapidly elevate blood glucose levels, increasing the burden on pancreatic function, leading to significant blood sugar fluctuations accompanied by thirst and frequent urination, which is detrimental to blood sugar control. Diabetic patients must strictly control their watermelon intake, consuming only small amounts between meals, while monitoring blood glucose changes. If necessary, follow medical advice to use medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, glimepiride tablets, or insulin injection to regulate blood sugar levels and maintain stable glycemic control.

When consuming watermelon in daily life, pay attention to moderation and avoid eating too much at once, especially avoiding chilled watermelon to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Maintain regular eating habits, avoid lying down immediately after meals, engage in appropriate physical activity to aid digestion, and adjust the timing and quantity of watermelon consumption based on individual gastrointestinal function to reduce the occurrence of discomfort symptoms.