Peak of low-quality watermelon poisoning occurs in the second half of summer. This is due to the high content of nitrates trapped in the fruits of this gourd culture from fertilizers, which are widely used to accelerate the ripening of berries. The first symptoms manifest themselves after a couple of hours after using the product.
A small amount of nitrates is eliminated from the body without consequences, but if it exceeds the norm, the body cannot cope with such a load, watermelon poisoning occurs. From the remaining substances nitrites are formed - very harmful compounds that lead to the replacement of hemoglobin with methemoglobin, resulting in oxygen starvation.
Symptoms of watermelon poisoning:
- aching joints, cramps;
- nausea, vomiting;
- pallor of the nasolabial triangle ;
- the development of diarrhea;
- headache;
- increased fatigue;
- temperature.
The biggest complications can be caused by watermelon poisoning in a child, since the protective mechanisms of the child's body are not fully formed. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that this product is used immediately in large quantities, which only increases the concentration of harmful compounds. It should be noted that watermelon poisoning can be triggered by such factors as exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, the presence of postoperative adhesive processes. Congenital urogenital anomalies, prostate adenoma, pyelonephritis, kidney stones and diabetes can also play a role. Even in the case of excessive use of healthy melons, watermelon poisoning can occur, the symptoms of which often require an ambulance.
What to do if you got watermelon poisoning?
If nevertheless watermelon poisoning has occurred, you should immediately call a doctor. Before his arrival, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the stomach, using a solution of potassium permanganate for this. If possible, you need to make a cleansing enema and take activated charcoal. In case of poisoning, it is useful to drink more fluid and feed the body with ascorbic acid.
Most often, watermelon poisoning occurs in people who eat the flesh of the berry to the very crust, and also use the product on an empty stomach and in large quantities. To date, the technology for growing gourds almost everywhere is carried out using fertilizers, so it is impossible to completely get rid of nitrates, but there are ways to significantly reduce their content in fruits.
How to avoid the symptoms of poisoning?
In order to reduce the amount of nitrate in the watermelon, it is recommended to place it in cold water for several hours. The greatest danger when eating fruits is microbes that fall on the surface of the berry from contaminated land. To prevent their further distribution, you should thoroughly wash the product before use and never buy incised. If you have frequent flatulence, colic and diarrhea, watermelons should be used very carefully and in small quantities. Observing such simple preventive measures, many complications can be avoided, which are sometimes difficult to get rid of.