Stomach ulcers are among those diseases that are painful and require an appropriate diet plan for a speedy recovery. During stomach ulcers, one should avoid eating acidic and spicy food that can worsen inflammation and ulcers. Ulcer patients should consume food that can cool down their gastrointestinal system.
If you are thinking is watermelon good for ulcer then let us tell you that it is an excellent choice for soothing your stomach ulcers. Watermelon is made up of constituents such as vitamin A, vitamin C, lycopene, citrulline, and other plant-based constituents that helps in healing ulcer.
In this article, we will tell you about ulcers, how watermelon good for ulcer, and what are foods you should avoid if you are suffering from ulcers.
What is Ulcer
Ulcers are the inflammation of the internal lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are open sores present in the internal body lining that require a lot of time for healing. An ulcer may be gastric or duodenal depending on the area of inflammation. In gastric or peptic ulcers the sore is present in the stomach while in duodenal ulcers the sore is present in the small intestine or duodenum.
An ulcer is usually caused by the infection of helicobacter pylori H.pylori. It may also cause due to the long-term usage of NSAIDs nonsteroidal anti-flammatory drugs. Stress and spicy food are among the risk factors for ulcers.
Symptoms of Ulcer
If you are suffering from severe ulcers then you can also experience the following symptoms
⦁ Breathing problem
⦁ Blood in vomit
⦁ Blood in stool
⦁ Extreme nausea and vomiting
⦁ Changes in appetite
⦁ Excessive weight loss
⦁ Dizziness or fainting.
Can food be important for treating and preventing stomach ulcers?
Since ulcers usually occur in the mouth, stomach, and intestine therefore food has a huge impact on the healing of ulcers. Scientists are doing research to find out the foods that can help in fighting against H pylori. In addition to using an appropriate medication, you can also add a few foods to your diet that can help in healing your ulcers faster such as
⦁ Apple
⦁ Blueberries
⦁ Watermelon
⦁ Cherries
⦁ Carrot
⦁ Broccoli
⦁ Cauliflower
⦁ Spinach
⦁ Honey and many more.
Is Watermelon good for Ulcer
Yes, watermelon good for ulcer because it consists of 91% of water and 7% of carbs. It is among the most commonly used fruit around the world. The seeds of watermelon are also nutritious consisting of lycopene and Zinc. The Pulp of watermelon consists of vitamins A and C, lycopene, and citrulline. Watermelon is also loaded with antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and phytochemical that altogether helps in the prevention and healing of ulcers. Following are some of the components of watermelon that are helpful in healing ulcers.
Lycopene
Lycopene is the pigment that gives the red color to the watermelon. It is loaded with antioxidant which is helpful in reversing the action of stomach acid in the body. Antioxidants remove free radicals that can be a cause of ulcers.
Vitamin A
Watermelon consists of Vitamin A which helps in the prevention and healing of ulcers. It improves the mucus lining of the stomach and small intestine. The mucus present on the lining of the stomach prevents the bacteria or free radicals from causing harm to it.
Flavonoids
Watermelon also consists of plant-based components such as flavonoids. According to studies, flavonoids help in inhibiting the multiplication of H.pylori bacteria. Those people who are suffering from ulcers can consume flavonoids to stop the growth of bacteria. It also protects the lining of the stomach and small intestine from stomach acid. Flavonoids also have antioxidants that reverse the action of free radicals.
Vitamin C
It consists of antioxidant that helps in the prevention of the stomach and small intestine lining. It makes oxygen-free radicals inactive. Oxygen free radicals are produced during the metabolism of food and due to environmental pollution.
Citrulline
Watermelon is the best source of citrulline. The body converts citrulline into amino acid and further this amino acid helps in decreasing stomach acid production. It acts on the gastric cell to regulate acid production to protect the gastric lining from ulcers.
Food to avoid in Ulcer
If you are already suffering from ulcer then there are a lot of foods that can make your condition worse. The metabolism of food takes place in the stomach and intestine and if there is an infection in the lining of the stomach and intestine some food can be harmful.
People who are suffering from ulcers have acid Reflux. Some of the food relaxes the lower part of the esophagus due to which the acid reflexes back into the upper part of the esophagus causing pain in digestion and heartburn.
Following are some of the food that can worsen your ulcer
⦁ Alcohol
⦁ Caffeine
⦁ Coffee
⦁ Spicy food
⦁ Chocolate
⦁ Citrus food
⦁ Tomatoes
Conclusion
Whether you want to prevent ulcers or you are already suffering from ulcers and desire to treat them naturally. You should consume a light diet that can help your ulcer in healing. Watermelon good for ulcer as it has a very high amount of water in it. You can eat it during ulcers because its components can actually help in the prevention and healing of ulcers.
