Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have a stomach and duodenal ulcer: the benefits and possible harm of the berry

Gastric and duodenal ulcers are chronic diseases. Patients are forced to constantly monitor their diet, avoid foods that cause irritation of the mucous membrane and increase the production of hydrochloric acid. Watermelons are on the list of prohibited foods.

In this article we will talk about the benefits and harms of watermelon pulp for ulcers. You will also find out in what cases you will have to stop using it.

The benefits and harms of watermelon

Watermelon pulp has powerful healing effect on the human body due to its rich chemical composition:

1. The amino acid L-citrulline prevents muscle pain after hard workouts in the gym. Those who drank a glass of fresh watermelon before class noted a decrease in pain within a day.
2. Vitamin A has a beneficial effect on vision.
3. The substances arginine and citrulline reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
4. Fiber normalizes digestion and eliminates spasms in the gallbladder.
5. High diuretic activity helps cleanse urine and reduce oxalates in the kidneys.
6. Arginine improves erectile function.
7. Lycopene reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer in women during menopause.
8. Watermelon pulp increases skin elasticity, moisturizes and prolongs youth.
9. In the kidneys, citrulline is synthesized into the amino acid arginine, which supports the body's defenses and improves the functioning of the heart muscle.
10. Lycopene has antioxidant properties and prevents the development of cancer cells.

The harmful effects of watermelon on the body develop with excessive consumption. and combination with heavy foods. Instead of digestion, food begins to ferment in the stomach, which leads to unpleasant sensations (diarrhea, bloating, heartburn) and disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Chemical composition

Detailed The vitamin and mineral composition of watermelon is given in the table.

KBZHU

Nutritional value of watermelon:

• calorie content – ​​27 kcal;
• proteins – 0.7 g;
• fats – 0.1 g;
• carbohydrates – 5.8 g;
• fiber – 0.4 g;
• water – 93 g.

Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have stomach and duodenal ulcers?

Gastric and duodenal ulcers – local damage to the mucous membrane, formed under the influence of the gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This is a dangerous condition that aggravates the reflux of bile into the stomach and provokes the production of hydrochloric acid.Without treatment, internal bleeding develops or, worse, a through hole appears.

After identifying the disease, doctors prescribe appropriate treatment and diet., without which full recovery is impossible. During this period, foods that cause irritation to the walls of the intestines and stomach are prohibited. This list also includes melon crops such as melon and watermelon.

Doctors are of the opinion that It is better to avoid eating watermelon during an exacerbation of the disease. It is allowed to gradually return to the diet in the remission stage, starting with small portions.

Points for and against

Let's start with the arguments against watermelon in the acute period of the disease:

1. The pulp contains a lot of vitamin C (7 mg per 100 g), which has an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa and provokes bleeding.
2. The product promotes the production of hydrochloric acid, which causes a chemical burn of the walls of the digestive tract, aggravating the course of the disease.
3. Watermelon increases the acidity of the stomach, causing discomfort (pain, heartburn).
4. The pulp is prohibited due to fiber, which injures the intestinal walls.
5. A stomach ulcer is accompanied by diarrhea, and the strong diuretic effect of the product contributes to the intensification of the unpleasant phenomenon. This leads to dehydration and increases the risk of relapse.

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It is advisable to talk about the positive effect of watermelon on the body during ulcers in the case ofwhen the disease went into remission. Even a small amount of pulp will help:

• strengthen the immune system thanks to the same vitamin C;
• strengthen capillaries and blood vessels;
• remove toxins;
• eliminate bleeding gums;
• improve complexion;
• replenish potassium reserves and improve heart function;
• remove excess fluid from subcutaneous fat.

Watermelon for exacerbation of ulcers

During the period of exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers, patients They go on a strict diet that excludes the consumption of fruits, berries, and raw vegetables. That is, products containing coarse fiber that can injure the affected mucous membrane. All food should be boiled, steamed or crushed. No hot sauces, fried or overly fatty foods, or foods marinated in vinegar.

Watermelon is on the list of prohibited foods due to the increased content of ascorbic acid and fiber, the ability to increase stomach acidity. If you have a duodenal ulcer, you can drink watermelon juice diluted with water, but you should not eat the pulp.

In chronic form

During the period of remission, berries can be returned to the diet no earlier than after six months after completion of the main treatment. During this time, the tissues of the intestines and stomach will have time to fully recover. The decision on the possibility of introducing non-acidic berries and fruits into the diet is made by a gastroenterologist after assessing the condition of the mucous membrane.

If the pain returns, you will have to stop eating watermelon pulp.

Rules for use for ulcers

In order not to harm your health, doctors recommend adhere to the rules for consuming watermelons for ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract:

1. Eat the product no more than twice a week.
2. Discard early fruits harvested in early August. They contain a high content of nitrates.
3. Pay attention to the color of the pulp.It should be dense, red or scarlet in color, without yellowness or white streaks.
4. Do not consume the product immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator. Cold food irritates the mucous membranes.
5. Eat watermelons during the period when the symptoms of the disease subside and only as a dessert, after the main course.
6. Do not swallow watermelon seeds.

Standards of use

For stomach and duodenal ulcers in remission The daily consumption rate is 150-300 g. Doctors recommend dividing this amount into two doses to understand how the body reacts.

Contraindications and precautions

Doctors recommend use the product with caution:

• with type 2 diabetes due to large amounts of fructose;
• in cases of renal dysfunction due to diuretic effects;
• if there is a violation of the outflow of urine;
• with pyelonephritis;
• for ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract in the stage of subsiding symptoms.

You will have to completely abandon the product if symptoms increase. ulcers in the acute period of the disease.

Reference. Watermelon pulp should not be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of bloating.

Conclusion

Watermelon is one of the foods that are hard to avoid during the summer season. But gastrointestinal diseases require adherence to a gentle diet with strict control of products. In case of ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum during the period of exacerbation, doctors strongly recommend avoiding the use of melon berries. The ban is caused by the increased content of ascorbic acid and fiber, which provoke irritation of the walls.

You can return the treat to your diet when the disease becomes chronic. But even during this period, experts advise monitoring the body’s reaction.