Is it possible to eat melon if you have a stomach ulcer: arguments for and against, contraindications

Can you eat melon if you have a stomach ulcer? There is no clear answer; experts have differing opinions. The fruit is beneficial for the whole body and can suppress inflammation. Melon saturates quickly and for a long time, removes waste and toxins, improves intestinal motility, and increases the functionality of the nervous system. This is a good antioxidant.

The arguments against it are the fact that due to the content of various acids in the composition, melon can cause an exacerbation of stomach ulcers, increase the level of acidity and excitability of the stomach, and slow down the regeneration processes. Let's consider the benefits and harms of melon for the body with stomach and duodenal ulcers, rules of use for diseases of the digestive system, and precautions.

Is it possible to eat melon if you have an ulcer and is it useful at all?

Melon is not only a valuable food product, it is widely used for the treatment and prevention of somatic diseases.

To confirm the usefulness of the fruit for the body, the following main qualities are distinguished:

• strengthens the immune system;
• enhances peristalsis intestines, normalizes metabolism, water balance;
• removes waste and toxins from the body;
• improves the condition of skin, hair, nails, eyes;
• relieves depression, calms the nervous system;
• vitamins, micro- and macroelements in the composition have a positive effect on intellectual abilities;
• calcium contained in the pulp of the fruit is important for the health of bones and teeth;
• magnesium and potassium improve neuromuscular transmission, prevent or alleviate spasms;
• zinc increases the production of testosterone in men, which is responsible for libido and sexual health;
• Vitamin A, as a good antioxidant, prevents the formation of cancer cells;
• vegetable fiber accelerates the process of fat breakdown, promotes quick and long-term saturation, due to which there is no need for snacks, and extra pounds are lost;
• Folic acid ensures normal growth and development of the immune and circulatory systems.

Melon can bring both benefit and harm to the body. The opinion that it can adversely affect the overall well-being and functionality of individual organs and systems is associated with the consumption of the fruit by people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis with high acidity, urolithiasis and cholelithiasis. In such cases, it is better to abandon the product due to the fact that melon is difficult and long to digest and has an acidic environment, which causes mechanical and chemical irritation of the mucous membrane.

Taking into account the beneficial properties and possible harm to the body, healthy people are recommended to include melon in their diet in moderation in the absence of contraindications. It's better to eat fruit self-grown no pesticides.

If this is not possible, it is important to learn how to choose the right fruits:

• buy melon in a store or at a good market, drive past roadside stalls;
• ask the seller for a certificate confirming that the fruit is grown without nitrates;
• choose only whole fruits without damage or suspicious spots, pure yellow color, with a pleasant smell and a dry “tail”.

For stomach ulcers

Correction of diet for gastric ulcers is an integral and important component of complex therapy. There is no special diet as such, since it is not the same during different periods of the disease.

However, we can say for sure that regardless of the stage of the pathology, it is important to exclude strong secretion stimulants and mucosal irritants from the diet. Melon is one of the products that It is recommended to limit or completely remove from the diet.

It contains ascorbic and folic acids, which cause chemical irritation of the mucous membrane, and coarse plant fiber, which has a mechanical effect. Such conditions are unfavorable for the treatment of gastric ulcers, slow down the recovery process of the mucous membrane and disrupt the functions of the stomach.

For duodenal ulcer

Patients with duodenal ulcer also need a gentle diet, from which mucosal irritants should be excluded. In this case, melon has a mechanical and chemical effect on the mucous membrane, which can cause an exacerbation of the disease.

For reference. In addition to melon, gooseberries, grapes, dates, raisins, currants, radishes, and other vegetables and fruits that contain a lot of coarse fiber are contraindicated in the acute period of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Melon during an acute form of peptic ulcer

During the period of exacerbation of gastric ulcer, melon is strictly contraindicated, since it contains coarse fiber and an acidic environment, which irritate the mucous membrane. During this period, factors of mechanical and chemical influence should be limited as much as possible.

Food is prepared in liquid and jelly form. Avoid indigestible foods such as mushrooms, vegetables, fruits, and any secretion agents (broths, fermented milk products, sour drinks).

Rules for use for ulcers

In order not to harm the body, it is important to consume melon in limited quantities outside the period of exacerbation of gastric ulcer and completely exclude it from the diet in the first 5–7 days from the moment of the attack. Considering that melon takes a long time and is difficult to digest in the intestines, nutritionists recommend eating it 2-3 hours after the main meal. It is optimal to include melon in the menu for second breakfast. Fruits are contraindicated on an empty stomach.

You can't eat too much melon at one time. For an adult, 2-3 medium slices are enough. Melon is not compatible with milk, hot drinks, or alcohol. It is consumed as an independent product or as an ingredient in fruit salad. Otherwise, there is a high risk of causing loose, frequent stools (diarrhea).

Advice. Be sure to include cereal dishes, low-calorie dairy products, steamed omelettes, and non-concentrated soups in your diet. To make the ulcer heal faster, increase the amount of protein foods.

The benefits and harms of melon for humans

Melon is a valuable food product. It contains a variety of vitamins, micro- and macroelements, which have a beneficial effect on the entire body, improve the condition and functions of the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems.

Retinol (vitamin A) increases the protection of mucous membranes, restores and maintains epithelial tissue, slows down the aging process, takes part in the formation of new cells, and is important for the health of teeth and bones. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) takes part in the formation of collagen, regulates the synthesis of steroid hormones, has an antiallergic effect, and inhibits inflammatory processes.

When consumed regularly, melon satisfies the body's need for vitamin E to some extent.. Its natural function is to maintain normal activity of the gonads. It also protects against the formation of free radicals, improves blood circulation, supports metabolism in skeletal muscles and myocardium, prevents the development of cataracts, and alleviates the symptoms and course of premenstrual syndrome.

Vitamin B12 provides stress resistance. It is necessary for the health of the nervous system and strengthens the body's immune defense. With its deficiency, the condition of bones and teeth worsens.

Vitamin B6, responsible for the absorption of unsaturated fatty acids, the metabolism of proteins and fats, acts as a natural diuretic, improves the contractility of the heart muscles.

Contains vitamin B2 in small quantities. Its deficiency negatively affects the condition of the skin, hair, eyes, and can lead to growth retardation and mental development.

Micro- and macroelements in melon perform a number of important functions:

1. Magnesium increases resistance to genitourinary infections, relieves or prevents muscle spasms, dilates blood vessels, which helps blood flow more freely.
2. Calcium takes part in the construction of bone tissue, mineralization of teeth, transmission of nerve impulses, and blood clotting processes.
3. Iron stimulates intracellular metabolic processes and ensures the normal functioning of the reproductive and immune systems.
4. Manganese activates oxidation processes, regulates the functioning of reproductive organs, and participates in the formation of connective and bone tissue.
5. Copper enhances water and mineral metabolism, stimulates the functioning of the endocrine glands, and provides oxygen to the body tissues.

The dietary fiber contained in the pulp of the fruit is of particular value to the body. They remove waste and toxins in a natural and safe way without disturbing the qualitative and quantitative state of the intestinal biocenosis.

Also, pectin substances normalize digestive processes, coat the mucous membrane of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract, enhance intestinal motility, ensure regular bowel movements, and serve as a good preventive measure for constipation.

For reference. Pectin is especially necessary for people who want to lose weight. Plant fiber gives a long-lasting feeling of fullness, which is due to the ability of pectin fibers to swell and reduce the free volume of the stomach. This eliminates the need for snacks and reduces the size of portions, which promotes weight loss.

Melon removes harmful substances from the body, reduces cholesterol levels, due to which it is used as a prophylactic for diseases associated with an excess of cholesterol in the body: cardiovascular pathologies, hypertension and cholelithiasis.

The fruit has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and the heart: improves the condition of the walls of blood vessels, increases their elasticity, maintains the normal functioning of the myocardium, protects against atherosclerosis, suppresses the synthesis of stress hormones, which has a positive effect on the condition of the heart.

Despite its beneficial qualities, melon also has a “other side of the coin”. Eating the fruit in large quantities can cause increased gas formation, a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the stomach. Melon is unsafe for people with diseases of the digestive system, especially during exacerbations, diabetes, and the presence of stones in the kidneys, gall bladder, or bile ducts.

Chemical composition

Melon is 90% water. The remaining 10% is:

• beta-carotene;
• B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12;
• vitamins C (ascorbic acid), A, E, D, K, PP;
• trace elements: boron, iron, aluminum, vanadium, iodine, manganese, lithium, cobalt, nickel, rubidium, copper, molybdenum, manganese, selenium, strontium, fluorine, zirconium, chromium, zinc;
• macroelements: sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine.

The pulp also contains starch, sucrose, fructose, glucose, saturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, sugar, and pectin.

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The nutritional qualities and energy value of melon depend on the variety. For example, 100 g of common melon contains 35 kcal, fat - 0.3 g, protein - 0.6 g, carbohydrates - 7.4 g.

Contraindications

Melon is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the product. Relative contraindications include diseases and conditions such as:

• diabetes;
• gastric and duodenal ulcers in the acute stage;
• cholelithiasis;
• formation of large salt stones in the kidneys;
• gastritis with high acidity.

Precautionary measures

It is recommended to limit the amount of melon or completely exclude it from the diet of nursing women. The product may be difficult for the child’s gastrointestinal tract, causing colic and increased gas formation.

Melon is introduced into the diet gradually, starting with one slice. In the absence of side effects and allergic reactions, the daily norm is gradually increased to 2-3 pieces.

Read also:

The benefits and harms of melon seeds for the body.

What is healthier - watermelon or melon: comparison of compositions and properties.

Is it possible to have melon while breastfeeding, how to choose it correctly and how much to eat.

Conclusion

In the acute period of gastric and duodenal ulcers, melon is strictly contraindicated. During the remission phase, the fruit is allowed in small quantities. Otherwise, instead of pleasure and healing effects on the body, an exacerbation of the disease and a deterioration in general well-being are possible.

If you want to enjoy melon, follow the moderation. Or completely replace it with baked apples, non-acidic fruits and berries, pears, and blueberries.