There are several theories about how watermelon can help treat ulcers, but none of them have been confirmed as fact. However, many people claim that it helps so we will discuss the possible benefits of eating watermelon if you’re in the market for some internal cleansing.
Watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene which may contribute to its claimed health benefits. Lycopene is a natural antioxidant found in tomatoes and other red fruits like strawberries.
It may reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin growth by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. This could mean reducing stomach or intestinal inflammatory conditions suchas gastric ulcers or Crohn’s disease.
Another theory suggests that lysine in watermelons aids in mucus production, helping to protect your airways when dry coughing or breathing becomes difficult. Because most ulcer patients suffer from chronic cough, this could be another reason why watermelon has been suggested for use in their condition.
However, there isn’t enough evidence to say whether or not having watermelon actually helps ease digestive issues. So while it’s always nice to try new foods, because they aren’t necessarily medically approved, going into heavy consumption mode wouldn’t make the difference either way.
Causes of ulcers
There are many things that can cause stomach pain or inflammation. Certain foods may actually contribute to an ulceration!
Certain types of food can play a major role in whether you develop an acute gastric ulcer (sudden, severe stomach ache) or a chronic gastric ulcer (long-lasting stomach pains).
These include certain beverages like alcohol or fatty snacks, smoking, use of strong acid drugs such as aspirin or NSAIDs (pain relievers called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), poor nutritional intake (such as low levels of vitamin B6 or zinc), stress, and genetics.
Watermelon is known to soothe digestive issues and aid in weight loss, so some people believe it helps treat ulcers as well. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, eating too much watermelon could be harmful if you have an existing ulcer.
So what is the truth about the effects of watermelon on stomach health? Here’s everything you need to know.
Does drinking one glass of watermelon per day help treat ulcers?
Many individuals claim that drinking one cup of watermelon every night aids in treating stomach ulcers.
However, this theory has been debunked due to the high sugar content. The average one-cup serving of watermelon contains around six grams of sugar.
This amount of sugar could potentially worsen your symptoms and make the problem worse.
Helpful foods for ulcers
Recent studies suggest that eating certain fruits can help reduce symptoms of an acute stomach or intestinal inflammation, called gastritis.
Gastritis is often caused by stress, smoking, alcohol use, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and bacterial infections. It can also be due to specific conditions like Helicobacter pylori infection or acid reflux.
When you eat something irritates your digestive system and it may cause pain and redness in the area affected. You may feel bloated and uncomfortable afterwards.
Certain fruits can soothe inflamed tissues in the gut and ease abdominal discomfort. For this reason, some people recommend them as a way to relax after a meal and/or to help manage gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
Many sizzling dishes include watermelon, which has been linked with improved digestion and lower cholesterol. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat!
Watermelon may also boost the effects of other GI supplements, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs decrease acid production in the body, helping mitigate symptoms of GERD.
Red meat
Recent studies suggest that eating red meat can be helpful in treating ulcerative colitis, an inflammation of the large intestine. However to only eat one serving (four ounces) every two weeks is the most effective way to use watermelon as a health supplement.
Watermelon contains lycopene, which may reduce oxidative stress. Oxidized LDL cholesterol has been linked to cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
Another compound in watermelon called epicatechin may decrease blood pressure. Both of these benefits are possible ways watermelon helps treat ulcerative colitis.
It is important to note that not everyone should ingest too much raw food like fruits and vegetables due to potential exposure to toxins or infectious agents.
People with active inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis should limit intake of red foods until they have recovered.
Sour foods
Recent studies show that eating more sour fruits and vegetables can help treat your stomach ulcer. While not all people feel comfortable consuming enough amounts of tart fruits to make a difference, watermelon is one fruit you may want to try!
Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system working well. It also contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked with reduced risk of several cancers.
Drinking water while eating watermelon can help wash away some of the sugar content, thus reducing the chances of food poisoning.
If you are already a fan of this juicy vegetable, add some recipes or do something new! Try making watermelon salad, watermelon snacks, or even adding watermelon to your favorite drinks.
Lessening stress
There are several theories as to why eating watermelon may help treat your stomach ulcer. One theory is that it acts as a source of liquid, so you feel fuller than if you were not drinking enough fluids.
Another is that its lycopene content can reduce inflammation in the body. Both of these reasons help relieve mental stress, which can contribute to ulcer symptoms.
Watermelon can be a delicious way to enjoy yourself after an exhausting day.
