Watermelon Consumption and Health Considerations

Watermelon is the most common fruit in summer, which has a very good effect on relieving heat. There are many things to pay attention to when eating watermelon, otherwise some people may easily experience discomfort. Generally, healthy people eating watermelon will not harm the kidneys, but for those with renal insufficiency, eating a large amount of watermelon can easily damage kidney function and cause symptoms such as edema.

Does Eating Watermelon Harm the Kidneys?

Healthy people eating watermelon will not harm the kidneys. However, people with renal insufficiency have reduced ability to excrete water from their bodies, often resulting in edema in the lower limbs or throughout the body. Since watermelon contains nearly 95% water, excessive consumption by individuals with renal insufficiency can harm the kidneys, not only worsening edema but also easily inducing acute heart failure. Therefore, it is recommended to consume watermelon in moderation.

Who Should Avoid Eating Watermelon?

People with weak constitutions, fatigue, and sensitivity to cold: Watermelon has a cold nature, and these individuals tend to have a cold constitution and weak yang energy. Eating too much watermelon can further exacerbate their cold symptoms. People with weak stomach and spleen: Since watermelon is considered a "cold food," eating too much can harm the stomach and spleen, leading to poor appetite, indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. Early stages of a cold: Although some people with fever may rely on watermelon for hydration and fever reduction, it is not suitable for use during the early stages of a cold with wind-cold symptoms, especially for those with symptoms such as chills and lack of sweating. Diabetic patients: Watermelon has a sugar content of approximately 5%, and diabetics should avoid eating excessive amounts. It is also best to avoid eating it after meals to prevent adding burden to the pancreas. Instead, it is most suitable to consume watermelon between meals.

Situations Where Eating Watermelon Can Harm the Body

1. Eating chilled watermelon from the refrigerator: Although eating chilled watermelon on hot days can effectively relieve heat, it can also greatly stimulate the stomach and easily cause damage to the spleen and stomach. Therefore, it is important to control the temperature and quantity of watermelon consumed. It is best to store watermelon in the lowest shelf of the refrigerator and consume no more than 500 grams at a time, while eating slowly. Individuals with dental caries or tooth sensitivity to cold temperatures, as well as those with poor gastrointestinal function, should avoid eating chilled watermelon.

2. Eating watermelon as a late-night snack: Watermelon is rich in sugar, and eating excessive amounts before bedtime can increase insulin levels and promote fat synthesis. Most of the newly synthesized fat in the body is stored in the abdomen, and with reduced physical activity during the night, the fat accumulates without being burned. Over time, this can lead to the formation of a protruding belly. Regularly eating watermelon as a late-night snack can lead to the accumulation of sugar and thickening of fat deposits in the body, potentially leading to weight gain. Therefore, it is not advisable to eat watermelon as a late-night snack.

3. Inappropriate consumption for individuals with renal insufficiency: Eating a large amount of watermelon in a short period of time can increase the amount of water in the body, exceeding its physiological capacity. However, individuals with renal insufficiency have greatly reduced ability to regulate water intake and excretion. Excessive water intake cannot be regulated and excreted, leading to a sharp increase in blood volume and a risk of acute heart failure and even death.