Eating watermelon in summer is a real treat!
Watermelon is a nutritious fruit that contains plenty of water and some important vitamins and minerals.
For the general public and for dialysis patients alike, there are a few tips on choosing and eating it worth knowing.
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How to choose?
Look at the rind: choose a melon with green skin and a smooth surface, without obvious blemishes or soft spots.
Tap and listen: tap it lightly and listen for a crisp sound, which suggests the inside is juicy.
Check the weight: choose one that feels relatively heavy, which usually means more water and a more refreshing bite.
Feel it: it should feel evenly firm and springy, with no spots that are too soft or too hard.
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How to eat it?
Control the amount: although watermelon is full of water, it also has some natural fructose and potassium. We suggest keeping to about one small bowl, which gives just the right amount to enjoy.
Remove the rind and seeds: remove the rind and the seeds, especially the seeds, which are higher in phosphorus.
Enjoy it in portions: don’t eat too much at once; enjoying it over several sittings lets you appreciate its coolness and flavor better.
Pair it with other foods: patients with kidney disease can pair it with other low-phosphorus and low-potassium fruits or foods to keep nutrition balanced.
Eating watermelon in summer is a great pleasure! With these tips, enjoy the coolness and flavor it brings!
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Reminders for dialysis patients
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Know what is in watermelon:
High potassium: watermelon contains relatively high potassium. Patients with impaired kidney function have difficulty clearing excess potassium, which can lead to hyperkalemia and is dangerous for the heart. Dialysis patients should therefore limit how much watermelon they eat.
High water content: watermelon is very high in water, which is a challenge for dialysis patients who must strictly limit fluid intake. Taking in too much fluid can lead to fluid overload and add to the burden on the heart and blood vessels.
Sugar: watermelon contains natural fructose, and eating too much may be unfavorable for patients with diabetes or who need to control blood sugar.
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Suggestions:
Eat in moderation: if a dialysis patient is especially fond of watermelon, they can eat a moderate amount but must strictly control the quantity. For example, eat one small piece at a time and count the potassium and fluid it contains.
Talk with your physician or dietitian: it is best to discuss with a kidney specialist or dietitian whether you can eat watermelon and how much is suitable.
Monitor blood potassium and fluid balance: monitor blood potassium and fluid balance regularly to make sure eating watermelon does not harm your health.
Conclusion
For dialysis patients, watermelon is not entirely forbidden, but it must be eaten carefully under the guidance of a physician and dietitian, with attention to the amount and frequency.
Related article: advice from Dr. Hsuan-Jen Lin, Director of Nephrology, Asia University Hospital (Yin Ren Ru Shen blog)
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References and sources (click to read more)
*American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP)
*Healthy eating guide: kidney disease diet guidelines – Mayo Clinic
*CommonHealth Magazine: What to eat on a kidney disease diet? Foods to avoid and daily menus at a glance (in Chinese)
*Dr. Shu-Tzu Chen, convener of the Kidney Group of the Taiwan Nutrition Society and Assistant Professor, School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University: “Dietary guidance for dialysis patients” (the link is to Dr. Chen’s lecture at the 2023 annual meeting)
