Watermelon is a mild diuretic. It hydrates and cleanses the kidneys. It is also rich in lycopene, which improves cardiovascular health and ensures well-functioning kidneys. Watermelon also has large quantities of potassium salts which regulate acidity of urine and prevents stone formation.
It prevents kidney injury and therefore, is a kidney-friendly food. How to eat watermelon: Keep it simple – just cut and serve!
People with high potassium content in their body or those who suffer from serious hyperkalaemia should not eat more than about one cup of watermelon a day. Over consumption can result in irregular heartbeat and other cardiovascular problems, says the US National Institute of Health.
While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.
When your kidneys are not healthy, you need to limit certain foods such as nuts, tomatoes and chocolate that are high in potassium. You may feel some weakness, numbness and tingling if your potassium is at a high level.
Watermelon is also rich in potassium, which works to lower blood pressure and supports nerve functioning, and vitamin B6, which helps the body break down the proteins that you eat and also boosts the immune system and nerve function.
There's a million different types of cleanses out there, but why watermelon? The logic behind the cleanse is that watermelon helps to rid the body of toxins, which is partly true, as the fruit is packed full of nutrients and the natural antioxidant lycopene, which gives the fruit its red colour.
Watermelon. A medium wedge of this summer treat has 17 grams of sugar.
The USDA food database recognizes one serving of watermelon to be approximately 280g (about 1/16th of a watermelon). A healthy adult can safely eat 1-2 servings of watermelon per day.
Detoxification
The diuretic properties of watermelon can help flush out excess water and toxins from your body. This can help reduce bloating and improve your digestion. Also read: Stay cool and healthy this summer with watermelon: 5 delicious ways to enjoy it!
However, one must also be aware of the possible side effects of watermelon. Overconsumption of this healthy fruit may cause nausea, bloating, diarrhea, cardiovascular disorders, spiked sugar levels in the body, and lower blood pressure way too much. It also may cause fatigue and loose stools in some.
"I would not recommend consumption of watermelon or any fruit after 7 pm. Watermelon is slightly acidic and if consumed at night, it may delay the process of digestion when the body is inactive. The best time to eat watermelon is around 12-1 pm when the digestion rate is high and active."
Cut melons can be a potentially hazardous food, supporting the rapid growth of bacteria. Use these instructions to properly handle and serve melon. Melons are a delicious and nutritious summer fruit.
Avoid foods that have salt in the first four or five items in the ingredient list. Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup. Only eat reduced-sodium soups that don't have potassium chloride as an ingredient (check the food label.)
Broccoli is a medium potassium food, low in sodium and phosphorus, and suitable for all the following kidney conditions and treatments: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Transplant. Hemodialysis (3 times/week)