Can a watermelon with a stomach ulcer

Treatment of gastrointestinal diseases begins with the introduction of a strict diet that requires the exclusion of all products, capable of causing irritation of the mucosa of the tract and increase in gastric juice of hydrochloric acid, which will make it more aggressive.

In the case of an ulcer, most fruits fall into the ban, as they contribute to the formation of gas and the rise of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice. But whence to take necessary vitamins and microcells? In the melon season it is often asked whether a watermelon is possible with a stomach ulcer, because the berry is not acidic and should not raise the pH of gastric juice.

To understand whether it is possible to eat a ripe watermelon with a stomach ulcer, you need to understand what substances are in the composition of the berry and how they affect the digestive system and the body as a whole.

Watermelon Composition

Watermelon contains the following useful components:

• Carbohydrates. Presented starch, fructose and glucose, with prolonged storage in the berry formed sucrose. These carbohydrates are easily absorbed by the body and they charge the cells with the necessary energy.
• Proteins. The cells are provided with the necessary amino acids, which can not be synthesized in the human body. The resulting amino acids decompose to release energy or are used to biosynthesize their own proteins.
• Fiber. These complex carbohydrates help maintain the normal composition of the intestinal microflora, fight inflammatory processes, reduce the risk of cancer. Soluble fiber includes pectins. They are almost not digested in the human body, but are enterosorbents, that is, exogenous and endogenous substances are withdrawn from the gastrointestinal tract.

Watermelon has almost no contraindications to the consumption of

The list of substances in the product continues:

• Vitamin C, P, A and Group B. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, important for the formation of collagen, serotonin, catecholamines and corticosteroids. In addition, ascorbic acid stimulates the synthesis of interferon, which helps fight viral agents. Vitamins of group B ensure the flow of many biochemical processes in the human body. Carotene is an antioxidant, stimulates immunity and has an adaptogenic effect.
• Trace Elements. Contains magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and iron. They are needed for the normal functioning of the body, since they affect the digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine system, are essential for the normal functioning of the hematopoiesis.
• Organic acids. Positively affect metabolism and digestive system.
• Lycopene. It is an antioxidant. Removes radicals from tissues, thereby preventing the formation of cancer cells, prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it protects the retina, the lens and the yellow spot from photonic damage.

As a watermelon acts on the digestive system

Due to this composition watermelon has a diuretic, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, laxative, fortifying effect. Berry helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, which prevents thrombosis, and strengthens the intestinal peristalsis, and this helps to cleanse the digestive tract and cope with constipation.

Despite all the useful properties, it is still not recommended to use berries in unlimited quantities for stomach ulcer or intestinal ulcer. There are several reasons for this. Watermelon has the ability to accumulate nitrates, and their excess can lead to serious poisoning not only of people with gastrointestinal problems, but also of healthy ones.

If the fruit appeared on store shelves outside the ripening season, then there is a high probability that it was "fed" with fertilizers. The watermelon ripens in August-September, it is at this time of year that the berry can be eaten. Do not buy ripe watermelons.

When using watermelon, skin color improves, bleeding gums flow, excess fluid is eliminated from the body.

Fiber contained in the berry can enhance the inflammatory process, as it has a mechanical effect on the walls of the digestive tract. And this provokes an aggravation of pathological processes.

In the stomach, the pulp of watermelon stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid. With this pathology, wounds( ulcers) form on the mucous tissues of the stomach and duodenum. Affecting the affected area, the acid provokes a burn and severe pain.

A large amount of juicy pulp( more than 1.5-2 kg) leads to a digestive system disorder. This applies both to people with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, and to the healthy. There is discomfort in the stomach, swelling and stool disorders.

Ascorbic acid causes a chemical burn of the affected area. As a result, the focus increases, and the person feels severe pain in the place where there is damage to the body wall. If the acid is too much, then it can cause bleeding from the ulcer.

It is not desirable for people with peptic ulcer to eat foods that have a diuretic effect, since pathology is already characterized by a weak stool. Frequent urination and insufficient drinking regimen can lead to dehydration of the mucosa, which will exacerbate the disease.

Watermelon is allowed in case of peptic ulcer

Doctors are allowed to eat watermelon in peptic ulcer of stomach and duodenum, but the portions should not be large and the patient must adhere to certain recommendations so that the use of this berry would be beneficial for health and did not provoke undesirable consequences.

If there are complaints of epigastric pain, heartburn, appetite is absent, nausea and vomiting are noted, the use of watermelon will only increase the severity of the existing symptoms of

. First of all, it is necessary to refrain from watermelon and melon during the whole period of peptic ulcer exacerbation. It is recommended that you generally refuse fruits, berries, vegetables, and switch to a sparing diet, where all food is cooked or steamed and ground.

Doctors advise to include in the menu melons only at the time of remission, when after therapy more than six months have passed. It is after this period that we can talk about the regeneration of the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract. If periodic pain continues to bother the patient, it is better to refrain from drinking watermelon.

Should be advised about the inclusion of the menu is not sour fruits and berries with the treating gastroenterologist. The doctor will determine at what stage the mucosal repair is located, and will tell what products are already allowed to add to the diet and whether it is possible to eat a ripe watermelon with stomach ulcer at this stage of the disease.

How to avoid exacerbation of the disease

To minimize the risk of irritation of the mucosa and exacerbation of peptic ulcer it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

• per day, you can eat no more than 300 grams of watermelon. This amount is better divided into 2-3 receptions, so as not to cause excessive production of hydrochloric acid and tissue irritation with cellulose;
• is not allowed to eat watermelon, which appeared before the season. Such fruits and taste will not please and will not bring benefits to the body, but indigestion is quite capable;
• eating berries can be no more than twice a week;
• eat watermelon only after eating;
• watermelon bones, although they have useful properties, but with ulcer disease they are more likely to harm, so they are not recommended to swallow;
• watermelon should not be too cold, since cold food negatively affects the mucosa of the esophagus and stomach;
• because the seasonal berry, trying to keep it for the winter, people came up with how to pick it up. From the canned watermelon the patient should refrain.

How to choose a watermelon

As already mentioned, you can eat only a watermelon that does not contain nitrates, this recommendation is especially relevant for people with pathologies of the digestive system. Unfortunately, it is impossible to establish the presence of a nitric acid salt in appearance.

To understand if you can try a watermelon, you will need to see its flesh. It should not contain veins, the color should be uniform without gloss( if the grains are visible, this indicates not only the absence of nitrates, but also the sweetness of the berry).

Watermelon does not overload the stomach and pancreas, which makes its use possible with gastritis or pancreatitis.

It will help to determine the presence of nitrates and the so-called test with water. A small amount of pulp of the striped berries crush with a fork and fill with water. If after two hours the color of water changed slightly, that is, watermelon can be without fear of poisoning. And if the water has turned red, then it's better to throw out such a pumpkin.

Before you buy a watermelon, inspect its surface well. If it is deformed or if you hear a crunch on it, then it's better to refuse the purchase. Depending on the variety, a watermelon is kept for two to three weeks.

After the storage period, the berry turns sour, and although this does not affect the organoleptic characteristics of the watermelon pulp, after its use, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea are possible. Therefore, it is recommended that the seller ask for accompanying documents.

Watermelon is 96% water, so digestion takes a little over a quarter of an hour. If you do not get carried away eating striped berries, you can not only enjoy the juicy sweet pulp, but also replenish the body with useful vitamins and microelements, "clean" the intestines, and remove the radicals. With peptic ulcer of the stomach, you can eat watermelon, but it is important to be careful not to cause complications or provoke an exacerbation.