In summer, people like eating watermelon to quench thirst and beat summer heat. However, can Lupus Nephritis patients enjoy this pleasure? Is watermelon good for them?

At early stage of lupus nephritis, patients can eat right amount of watermelon, which contains vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber and calcium. These nutrients are good for their health.

However, if their diseases develop into advanced stage, watermelon is not recommended for them, as it may cause the following conditions.

1. Gastrointestinal disease

Too much water in this fruit will dilute gastric juice, which can induce abdominal distension and dyspepsia. And it also can cause stomachache and diarrhea.

2. Swelling

92% of melon is water, so eating too much of it can increase the fluid in patients’ bodies. However, water retention not only aggravates swelling but also increases burden of kidney.

3. Acute heart failure

For lupus nephritis patients, their kidneys fail to regulate the fluid in their bodies, so too much of this fruit can largely increase blood volume, which may induce acute heart failure.

4. Blood glucose, fat levels

Sugar occupies 6% of this fruit, so eating too much of it can elevate blood glucose level, and too much glucose can turn into fat. The blood fat will elevate accordingly.

5. Phosphorus level

Eating this fruit can increase phosphorus level. Phosphorus can crystallize on skin, causing itchy skin. And too much phosphorus will suppress calcium absorption.

6. Increase potassium level

Potassium plays an important role in our bodies. Abnormal level of potassium can cause many serious conditions, such arrhythmia and heart arrest. Patients may have high potassium level, so eating this fruit may induce the above conditions.

Through the above content, we believe lupus nephritis patients have better known why they can’t eat watermelon. However, our Online Doctor can recommend some other kidney tonic foods.