Why does watermelon make my stomach hurt?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “why does watermelon make my stomach hurt,” and discuss  whether watermelon causes digestive discomfort, and when you should not eat watermelon.

Why does watermelon make my stomach hurt?

There are three main reasons why watermelon can give you an upset stomach.

The first is that, like all fruits, it’s high in fructose, a natural sugar that our digestive system has trouble absorbing. This means that your body ends up with extra fructose floating around in your GI tract, which causes gas and sometimes an upset stomach.

The second reason is that watermelon is high in fiber, it’s actually the highest-fiber fruit around. Fiber is great for your overall health, but it can be tough on some people’s digestive systems. If you’re experiencing an upset stomach after eating watermelon, try skipping the rind and seeds, which contain most of the fiber.

Finally, watermelon can be irritating to certain people who have conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease. 

Do watermelons cause any health risks? 

Yes, watermelons cause health risks. Although watermelons are a delightful and refreshing treat, they may have some side effects of which you should be aware.

Watermelons are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A and lycopene. These nutrients help to support the immune system and may help to prevent heart disease. While watermelons are generally considered safe, there are a few side effects you should be aware of.

As long as you eat watermelon in reasonable amounts, you shouldn’t experience any serious side effects. If you eat an abundance of the fruit daily, however, you may experience problems from having too much lycopene or potassium.

Consuming too much lycopene can cause nausea, diarrhea and bloating; while eating too much potassium can cause weakness and swelling in the legs.

Does watermelon cause digestive discomfort?

It is not clear if watermelon causes digestive discomfort. While some people report digestive discomfort after eating watermelon, others do not.

The cause of the digestive discomfort from watermelon is unknown. Some believe that it is caused by a substance in the fruit called citrulline, but this has not been proven.

It seems that it may be possible for watermelon to increase the risk of digestive discomfort in some people, but more research is needed to know whether or not this is true. More research on this subject would also allow us to determine why there are differences in the way different people react to watermelon and what can be done to prevent any negative effects.

Does watermelon cause diarrhea?

Yes, watermelon does cause diarrhea because of sorbitol and lycopene present in it.

Watermelon is a splendid source of dietary fiber and water. Both are required for a healthy digestive system. However, eating too much fruit can cause problems such as bloating, gas, flatulence, diarrhea, and other stomach troubles. This is majorly due to the presence of sorbitol, which is a sugar compound, and lycopene, which gives the fruit its bright red color.

What is sorbitol and how does it cause diarrhea?

Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol that has laxative properties. The body does not digest or absorb it very well. Therefore, it stays for long in the gut and causes excess gas and the formation of stool. This is why it is often used in laxatives. A 100-gram serving of watermelon contains 0.4 grams of sorbitol.

Another cause of watermelon-induced diarrhea

Lycopene: Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives watermelon its red color. It helps relieve constipation and adds bulk to stools. However, consuming too much lycopene can also lead to diarrhea. 

When should you not eat watermelon?

It is best not to eat watermelon at night right before going to bed because it is acidic and it can delay the process of digestion.

Watermelon is a high-water, low-acid fruit that can help you stay hydrated, but it’s not the best choice for late at night. Watermelon is more acidic than other fruits, and eating it too close to bedtime can delay the digestive process and leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable.

How do you know watermelon is bad?

There are lots of different ways to tell if watermelon is bad. Here are a few:

  • If the watermelon was already cut when you purchased it, and smells like mold, it’s likely bad.
  • If the watermelon is soft to the touch, that means it’s not fresh.
  • If the watermelon has mold growing on it, then it’s definitely time to throw it out.

What are watermelon nutrition facts?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) contains the following nutrients:

– Calories: 46

– Total fat: 0.2 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

– Sodium: 1.4 mg

– Potassium: 112.1 mg

– Carbohydrates: 11.6 g

– Dietary fiber: 0.6 g

– Sugars: 9.5 g

– Protein: 0.9 g

Other FAQs about Watermelon that you may be interested in.

Can you eat watermelon with C. Diff? 

Can you eat watermelon with diabetes?

Can you eat watermelon with diarrhea?

Can you eat watermelon with diverticulitis?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the question, “why does watermelon make my stomach hurt,” and other questions related to the subject, such as does watermelon cause digestive discomfort, and when should you not eat watermelon.

Citations

https://www.gas-x.com/living-with-gas-and-bloating/summer-fruits-cause-bloating/#:~:text=But%20here’s%20the%20bad%20news,upset%20stomach%20in%20some%20people.

https://www.livescience.com/46019-watermelon-nutrition.html#:~:text=If%20eaten%20in%20reasonable%20amounts,too%20much%20lycopene%20or%20potassium.

https://krishijagran.com/health-lifestyle/watermelon-lovers-beware-5-common-side-effects-of-watermelon-that-will-shock-you/#:~:text=Watermelon%20is%20a%20splendid%20source,fruit%20its%20bright%20red%20color.

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/been-eating-watermelons-for-dinner-you-need-to-read-this-1679493#:~:text=It%20is%20recommended%20to%20not,when%20the%20body%20is%20inactive.

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