1 Berry properties

Despite its size, watermelon is a berry. This is a favorite treat for both children and adults. With the onset of summer, it is very difficult to deny yourself useful pleasure. But are watermelons allowed for people with pancreatic diseases? What benefit or harm can the flesh bring?

At first glance, the use of the fetus can not cause harm to health. It basically contains water, and this is the most natural element for the human body. In addition, in watermelon there is no protein and fats, which can damage the pancreas. However, not all so simple.

First of all, simple and complex carbohydrates are contained in the flesh of the fruit, which creates an additional burden on the diseased organ. Watermelon also has choleretic properties. Increased secretion of bile stimulates the functioning of the pancreas. In addition, much more pancreatic, gastric juice is produced. All this creates unfavorable conditions for the pancreas, which can lead to an exacerbation of pancreatitis.

Dietary fibers can cause deterioration of the pancreas, and in watermelon, as in other plant products, fiber is contained in large quantities. In addition to inflammation with a lack of enzymes, dietary fiber can provoke fermentation in the intestines, resulting in swelling and colic.

However, watermelon contains a large number of vitamins and trace elements. What generally makes the berry healthy. It is a good source of folic acid, necessary for digestion. Not the last place in the list of useful substances is occupied by antioxidants, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. Thanks to them watermelon has anti-cancer properties.

Watermelon is not only a tasty but also a useful product. However, since it contains substances that adversely affect the pancreas, the use of berries should be agreed with the doctor.

2 Chronic disease in remission phase

Is it possible to eat a watermelon in pancreatitis in chronic form? In the remission phase, the diet that a patient with a pancreatic inflammation should adhere to becomes less strict. The diet is allowed to enter fresh vegetables, fruits and berries. Including watermelon - but only with the approval of the attending physician and not more than 200-250 g at a time. With prolonged remission and normal tolerability of the product, the total amount of watermelon eaten per day can reach 1-1.5 kg. In order to track the reaction of the body, it is recommended to take a break for several days. Watermelon should be present in the diet no more than 3 times a week. If all the recommendations are followed, even those patients who have a violation of carbohydrate metabolism can safely eat it.

The fact is that the fetus lacks glucose. And the fructose contained in it does not force the body to produce a large amount of insulin. It is due to the low glycemic load created by fresh watermelon, its use in limited quantities can not harm the pancreas.

Low calorie content of the product is also its big plus. This allows you to include watermelons in almost all diets. High content of liquid provides its diuretic, mild laxative effect, which allows you to get rid of problems with the intestines and remove from the body "excess" of the substance.

The use of berries during lactation contributes to the production of breast milk.

It is important to remember that patients suffering from pancreatitis are allowed to consume only fresh fruits. Despite the fact that many people like to eat marinated or salted watermelon, it is strictly prohibited. It is not recommended to use jam, candied fruits and mousses, cooked from a berry. The reason for this is salt and sugar, used during cooking. The use of "processed" watermelon as food can lead to an exacerbation of pancreatitis.

3 In case of acute inflammation of pancreatic

If during the period of remission of chronic pancreatitis the patient is allowed to consume fresh fruits and vegetables in limited quantities, then for acute inflammation all food must undergo thermal treatment. Accordingly, watermelon is not allowed.

The reason for this is the fiber contained in the product. Even a small amount of dietary fiber can provoke a significant deterioration in the patient's condition. In most cases, this is expressed by the intensification of symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, and pain.

It is necessary to exclude berries from the diet during the period of exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis. As a rule, exacerbation occurs in autumn or spring, when there is simply no fresh watermelon. But failure to comply with the diet can cause an "unplanned" exacerbation. In this case, the patient has to give up fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the summer.

It is forbidden to consume fruits of early varieties, regardless of the stage of inflammation. In early watermelons, there are few useful trace elements, but nitrates and other harmful substances may be present. The desire to eat fresh fruits as soon as possible can turn into a strong inflammation, which will have to be treated in a hospital under the strict supervision of a doctor.

The desire to eat a pulp of watermelon is quite natural. In addition, this will enrich the body with vitamins and beneficial microelements contained in fresh berries. Therefore, you can solve this natural sweetness. However, you need to adequately assess your health. Therefore, before you include in the diet watermelons, you need to consult with your doctor. Perhaps, even undergo an examination to assess the condition of the pancreas.

If, however, the use of berries arises, albeit a minor, negative reaction, the product should be completely discarded.