Can people with gastritis eat watermelon?

Patients with gastritis are generally advised to avoid eating watermelon, as it may exacerbate their condition.

Common symptoms of gastritis include gastric pain and a burning sensation in the stomach. Watermelon is considered a “cool” (i.e., cold-natured) fruit in traditional Chinese medicine; consuming it may irritate the gastric mucosa, significantly increase gastric acid secretion, and thereby worsen these symptoms. Additional gastrointestinal discomfort—such as diarrhea, abdominal distension, vomiting, and nausea—may also occur. If patients with gastritis wish to consume fruit, they should opt for milder, more neutral options such as apples or bananas. For staple foods, easily digestible, bland, and nutrient-rich options are recommended—for example, pumpkin porridge, millet porridge, or chicken soup. However, patients must strictly avoid raw, cold, or spicy-irritating foods and refrain from overeating or binge-eating, as these behaviors can impede recovery.

Under medical supervision, patients with gastritis may be prescribed gastric mucosal protective agents for treatment. Commonly used medications include rabeprazole and omeprazole. These may be combined with prokinetic agents—such as domperidone or mosapride—to enhance gastric motility.