Watermelon for pancreatitis: can you eat it or not?

Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have pancreatitis?

Watermelon has a rich chemical composition, which determines its wide healing properties and high benefits for the human body.

According to traditional medicine recipes, it is recommended to use it for many different diseases. And pancreatitis is no exception.

Points for and against

The first argument in favor of using melons for pancreatitis is that it consists of 92% water. Also, watermelon is completely free of fats and proteins that can harm the pancreas. At the same time, the berry is rich in simple carbohydrates: glucose and sugar. The pulp also contains pectin, and this can negatively affect an unhealthy organ.

In case of chronic inflammation, the choleretic properties of the sweet berry will provoke a relapse of the disease. Watermelon also causes colic, fermentation in the intestines and swelling. However, the berry has a high content of vitamins and microelements. Folic acid is considered an indispensable activator of proper digestion.

Important! The antioxidants that melons are rich in have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.

Chemical composition

Watermelon is a herbaceous annual plant of the pumpkin family, which, according to culinary classification, is considered a fruit.

The amount of useful components filling its pulp brings melons to a leading position among food products approved for consumption for pancreatitis. Its chemical composition is represented by vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins that watermelons are rich in:

B9 – 3 mcg;
B4 – 4.1 mg;
A – 28.0 µg;
E – 0.1 mg;
C – 8.1 mg.

Minerals:

iron – 0.2 mg;
sodium – 1 mg;
calcium – 7 mg;
phosphorus – 11 mg;
magnesium – 10 mg;
potassium – 112 mg.

KBZHU

The ratio of calories, fats, proteins and carbohydrates per 100 g of product:

calories – 30 kcal,
proteins – 0.6 g,
fats – 0.1 g,
carbohydrates – 5.8 g.

Chemical composition and calorie content of watermelon

Watermelon is a pumpkin fruit of a herbaceous annual plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is considered the largest berry, the shape of which can vary from a regular ball, oval to cube. According to culinary classification, watermelon is considered a fruit.

In terms of the number of useful components among fruits, the described fruit occupies a leading position. Its chemical composition is represented by vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins:

groups B (B1, B2, B6, B9): take an active part in energy exchange, improve and normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, relieve insomnia, and help reduce stress;
vitamin E: has pronounced antioxidant properties, prevents rapid aging of the body, participates in cell regeneration, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails;
vitamin H: normalizes blood clotting, takes part in the functioning of the kidneys, liver, and genitourinary system, helps neutralize the effects of poisons and chemicals;
vitamin PP: regulates cholesterol levels in the blood, maintains the required glucose level, fights free radicals;
ascorbic acid: strengthens the immune system, helps produce collagen, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and capillaries, increases the body's protective functions.

Minerals:

potassium: regulates the acid-base balance, activates the work of many enzymes, improves the functioning of the digestive tract;
calcium: strengthens musculoskeletal tissue, is responsible for blood clotting, normalizes hormone levels, required for the transmission of nerve impulses;
magnesium: activates collagen synthesis, interacts with many enzymes, ensures the most important metabolic processes, normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
iron: transports oxygen to blood cells, prevents the risk of anemia, has a positive effect on metabolism, takes part in hematopoietic processes;
phosphorus: necessary for bone formation, participates in cellular energy metabolism, takes part in many physiological processes, regulates acid-base balance in the body;
sodium: necessary for the functioning of the kidneys and liver, is responsible for transporting amino acids and glucose into blood cells, retains minerals in the blood, protects cells and tissues from dehydration.

The benefits and harms of watermelon for illness

Eating aromatic and juicy berries for inflammation of the pancreas is allowed when the disease is in remission. This is due to a number of positive properties of the product. Thus, watermelon acts as an element of dietary nutrition due to its low calorie content.

Antioxidants in its composition effectively fight free radicals, cleansing the body, and folic acid enhances protein processing and takes part in the process of cell division.

Reference. Thanks to magnesium and potassium, watermelon improves the functioning of the neuromuscular system and regulates heart rate.

If sweet berries are consumed during an exacerbation of pancreatitis, irreparable harm will be caused to the body. A single dose in large quantities will cause an increase in the load on the pancreas. Increased peristalsis is fraught with stagnation of pancreatic secretions and the development of pancreatic necrosis . Uncontrolled consumption of watermelon will cause nausea, diarrhea, colic and flatulence.

Chronic stage (remission)

After inflammation ends, when remission occurs, watermelon for pancreatitis restores its beneficial properties. There are no problems with processing carbohydrates. The sweet taste of watermelon is due to the presence of fructose, not glucose (which means that processing will require less insulin).

Pancreas

You are allowed to eat watermelon:

straight from the garden;
in salads;
in various mousses;
in jam;
in candied fruits;
in cans.

Fans of spicy dishes are known to marinate pieces of watermelon for the winter. You are allowed to try such recipes once the disease has subsided: pickled foods are harmful for inflammation of the pancreas.

The daily intake of watermelon is at the discretion of the patient. It’s not difficult to stop in time: the body will tell you when the sweet taste sets your teeth on edge. Doctors recommend consuming from 150 g to one and a half kg, and only then proceed from the sensations of the body. It is advisable to increase the portion gradually: starting with a small amount and ending with a large one.

Why shouldn't you overuse watermelon?

Regardless of the form of pancreatitis, incidents occur that put an end to the use of this tasty berry. Watermelon causes active secretion of bile, which is disrupted during the disease, which is why profuse vomiting occurs. Sometimes the culprit is watermelon juice, which quenches thirst but contains carbohydrates. The secretion of pancreatic juice increases. Difficulties arise with the transfer of secretions to the stomach and the digestion of the organ itself.

What should you be careful about?

When August is just beginning, the huge size of the berries on the shelves of shops and markets arouses interest. Sellers are trying to sell their goods as quickly as possible, urging them to taste summer. Don't rush into purchasing. To quickly grow early watermelons, strong fertilizers are used. The berries may be safe from a chemical composition point of view (no nitrates or GMOs). However, watermelon purchased during the peak berry ripening season is safer and healthier.

The same applies to watermelon juice, which is useful for chronic pancreatitis. It is better to prepare such a delicacy yourself. Juice in boxes, sold in abundance in stores, in most cases is prepared using unhealthy technology: the juice is squeezed out, the pulp is removed, preservatives and harmful substances are added. The body of a healthy person may react normally to supplements, unlike an inflamed pancreas. It's better not to take risks.

Alternatively, mix watermelon juice with carrot or beet juice. The result will be an unusual, specific taste, not pleasant to everyone, but useful against pancreatitis. Some juices (including citric acid) must be heavily diluted with boiled water to avoid harmful effects, which does not apply to watermelon.

You can prepare a lot from watermelon and other fruits and vegetables that are allowed for pancreatitis; you just have to be creative with the recipe. Cook with inspiration and your diet meals will turn out delicious.

Watermelon during exacerbation of pancreatitis

During an exacerbation of the disease, it is forbidden to eat any fruits, vegetables and berries raw. And melon culture is no exception. This is done to reduce the load on the gastrointestinal tract.

In chronic form

Doctors allow the use of watermelon for chronic pancreatitis, but only during the period of remission, when there are no symptoms . It is allowed to eat the pulp of the berry boiled, as part of salads, compotes and juices, or even raw. At this time, watermelon will not only not provoke increased secretion of pancreatic juice, but will also have a positive effect on the entire body.

Attention! The product consumed must be at room temperature.

Is it possible to eat watermelon during pancreatic inflammation?

According to the botanical classification, watermelon is a berry. Due to the large amount of useful substances and water in its composition, it is included in the menu of many therapeutic diets. The berry is also not prohibited for pancreatitis. But, despite this, it can be eaten only after a full examination by a specialist, carrying out the necessary tests, instrumental research methods, and accurately establishing the stage of the disease.

Watermelon in the acute stage of the disease

The inflammatory process in the pancreas is characterized by damage to the gland tissue, swelling of its excretory ducts, and narrowing of their lumen. This state of the organ does not allow it to fully participate in the digestive processes.

On the first day of acute, reactive pancreatitis or during exacerbation of chronic pathology, it is recommended to follow the principles of therapeutic fasting: eat nothing, drink only clean still water or weakly brewed rosehip tea.

After acute symptoms subside (reduction of abdominal pain, relief of vomiting, diarrhea, normalization of body temperature and general condition of the patient), the patient is recommended to follow a strict diet based on the consumption of pureed and liquid dishes from certain cereals and vegetables. Raw fruits and berries, including watermelon, are excluded from the menu during an exacerbation.

Watermelon for chronic pancreatitis, in the remission phase of the disease

After the cessation of intense abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and normalization of the patient’s tests, the doctor allows watermelon to be introduced into the diet. It can be eaten fresh, prepared into mousses, jams, candied fruits, and added to fruit salads.

Start eating fresh pulp or watermelon juice, 1 spoon at a time. If your health does not deteriorate after a meal, then the one-time volume of the fetus can be increased to 150−200 g. During the day, you are allowed to eat up to 1.5 kg of a high-quality product.

Watermelons are also used to make preparations for the winter - salted or pickled. Such dishes should not be consumed during pancreatitis due to the presence of preservatives and salt that are harmful to the condition of the pancreas.

Rules for use for pancreatitis

Eating watermelon pulp starts with 1 tbsp. l. per day, gradually increasing the daily norm to 200 g.

In the absence of a negative reaction from the body, the dose is increased to 1-1.5 kg. Eating salted or pickled berries is strictly prohibited.

In what form is it better to eat watermelon for pancreatitis?

A person will benefit from consuming the pumpkin family only if the fruit is natural and of high quality. When purchasing, it is recommended to find out where the product was grown, because watermelon tends to accumulate harmful substances and toxins.

People with pancreatitis are allowed to eat:

fresh berries from the garden;
salads;
mousses;
candied fruit;
jam;
juices

Several suitable recipes

To prepare a refreshing natural juice, choose a ripe fruit without visible defects. Then they wash it, cut it and remove the pulp, clearing it of seeds.

The best option for separating the liquid is a juicer. In its absence, the pulp is crushed with a blender and filtered through cheesecloth. It is acceptable to mix the finished product with apple, currant or pumpkin juice.

Important! It is recommended to drink the prepared watermelon drink throughout the day, without placing it in the refrigerator.

To prepare the mousse you will need 800 g of seedless watermelon pulp, 10 g of gelatin and 80 g of sugar. Gelatin is diluted with warm water and left to swell for 15 minutes. At this time, the watermelon is pureed with sugar, brought to a boil, the prepared gelatin is poured in and mixed. After cooling, beat until foamy. The dish is ready.

Watermelon honey is prepared from the pulp of 3 ripe large berries. The juice is first squeezed out and boiled on the stove for about 4 minutes. The cooled liquid is cleared of remaining fibers by straining through thick gauze and boiled over low heat until thickened (about 3.5 hours). During the cooking process, the product is stirred and the foam is removed from it. The finished honey is poured into sterilized jars. No sugar needed.

Chronic form and watermelon

After eliminating acute symptoms, the patient is interested in whether it is possible to drink juice, eat watermelons and melons with chronic pancreatitis. With pancreatitis of the pancreas, which has a chronic form, the fetus causes virtually no harm to the pancreas. Despite this, watermelon is added to the diet with caution.

If the remission stage has begun, expand the menu to include vegetables, fruits and berries, the amount of which, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s pathology, ranges from 100 g to 1.5 kg. At the same time, the daily norm of the product, which the patient can eat during stable remission, is divided into several doses (3-4), avoiding overeating.

Contraindications

The use of melons is strictly contraindicated at the stage of disease progression.

Eating watermelon is prohibited if you have the following symptoms:

nausea;
vomit;
diarrhea;
pain in the abdomen or stomach;
flatulence;
colic;
bloating.

Precautionary measures

To accelerate the ripening of early watermelons, fertilizers are used, which can be hazardous to health, especially with pancreatitis.

According to experts, in watermelon grown with the use of chemicals, a large number of yellow veins are visible in the pulp. The rich red color also indicates that ripening has been artificially accelerated.

The ideal fetal size is limited to 5 kg. Large berries indicate the use of growth stimulants, and small ones indicate a lack of nutritional components. A ripe product makes a dull sound when tapped, and a cracking sound when pressed.

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Eating watermelon during an exacerbation

Pancreatitis is nothing more than inflammation of the pancreas due to the action of its own enzymes, which are activated ahead of time. To reduce the synthesis of pancreatic enzymes, you need to avoid fried, fatty foods and those that cause increased secretion.

Therefore, the first recommendation during an exacerbation is to create functional rest for the pancreas and other proximal organs.

During the period of exacerbation of pancreatitis, when the patient experiences nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain radiating to the back and shoulder blades, consuming melons will only intensify the symptoms. The carbohydrates they contain cause an increase in the secretion of enzymes.

Watermelon has a choleretic effect and leads to increased gas formation because it contains fiber. Even a little eaten juicy pulp can cause unpleasant symptoms in the form of intestinal colic, diarrhea and flatulence.

You can taste a little of the juicy pulp only when the inflammatory process has almost passed, and then this is only permissible in case of a chronic or mild form of the disease.

During an exacerbation, the consumption of any berries, vegetables and fruits that have not undergone heat treatment is prohibited.

Consequently, the answer to the question whether it is possible to eat watermelon during an acute stage of pancreatitis is clearly negative. But if the inflammatory process, localized in the area of the pancreas or gall bladder, is quickly treatable and the person does not experience discomfort, then, in agreement with the attending physician, a small amount of melons can be included in the diet.

First, you can try them in the form of a mousse and monitor your individual reaction. If you do not feel heaviness and bloating, and there is no frequent urge to go to the toilet, then you can switch to eating fresh watermelons and melons, but in small portions.

Use during acute illness

Diet rules for patients with acute pancreatic inflammation indicate that fresh fruits, berries and vegetables should not be consumed. Food must be cooked and pureed. Watermelon for pancreatitis is no exception!

This is explained by the fact that the juicy pulp of this product includes dietary fiber, which can provoke the formation of strong gases in the intestines. If the patient dares to eat a little watermelon, he will be overtaken by such adverse consequences as intense colic in the intestines, repeated loose stools and bloating.

Usually people buy melon along with watermelon. It is also forbidden to eat it during acute pancreatitis and during an exacerbation of the chronic form of the pathology. The reason is that when you eat melon, the following happens:

The work of the endocrine system is activated, the production of secretions from the digestive organs increases.
Due to the entry of large amounts of sugar into the blood, the activity of the pancreas increases and intensive synthesis of insulin occurs.
The production of hydrochloric acid and pancreatic juice increases.

As soon as the inflammatory process begins to subside, the doctor may allow you to include watermelons or melons in your diet. However, this is a possible option only if the pathology is mild.

general information

Watermelon consists of approximately 80% water, so it can quickly quench your thirst.

Beneficial features:

Watermelon is a dietary product, as it has a minimal amount of fat and protein. Per 100 grams of product there are approximately 0.7 g of protein and 0.2 g of fat.
Watermelon contains antioxidants. This component prevents aging and also fights a variety of cancer tumors. In addition, lycopene (an antioxidant) helps stop the inflammatory process.
It has a fairly strong diuretic spectrum of action.
The composition contains folic acid, which in turn helps to better digest food proteins.

Additional components: fluorine (20 mcg), manganese (35 mcg), ash (approximately 0.6 g). The composition contains a small amount of vitamin A - 0.1 mg.

Sometimes with mild pancreatitis (usually chronic) and excellent treatment results in some cases, watermelon is included in the diet after the inflammation subsides at the very end of the period of nutritional rehabilitation.

In addition to the components described above, watermelon contains a lot of magnesium, which helps to absorb useful minerals in the body and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.

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Exacerbation of pancreatitis

Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have pancreatitis? During the period of exacerbation of the disease, the patient experiences a strong inflammatory process, so he has to give up many fruits and vegetables in order to improve his condition.

During an exacerbation, it is better not to eat watermelon. Why? The fact is that the pulp of the fruit itself contains a lot of dietary fiber, so it will negatively affect the intestinal mucosa.

If you eat watermelon during pancreatitis during this period, it will cause flatulence, intestinal colic, diarrhea, or even severe vomiting may appear. As soon as the exacerbation begins to subside, you can gradually introduce the fruit into the diet.

Chronic disease and watermelon

Is it possible to drink watermelon during a chronic course, because during this period there is no clear clinical picture? At the time of remission of the disease, you can eat watermelon, in which case it will only bring benefits.

Eating watermelon is allowed during remission and in the chronic form of the disease.

Since it contains fructose, due to its sweet taste, less insulin processing is required, unlike those products that contain glucose.

In case of chronic disease, you can eat watermelon not only fresh. You are allowed to prepare mousse, jam or other recipe at home. Candied fruits are often prepared from the product or canned.

Important! Pickled watermelon is eaten only after the disease has subsided. If you eat a pickled product even during a chronic course of the disease, there is a possibility that the clinical picture will worsen.