Is it safe to drink milk or water after watermelon? Experts explain

ISLAMABAD: Watermelon is one of the most refreshing and hydrating fruits, especially in the summer. But have you ever heard someone say, “Don’t drink water after eating watermelon!” or “Avoid milk after watermelon – it can cause indigestion!”?

These warnings have been passed down through generations, especially in South Asian and Middle Eastern households. But is there any truth to them?

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• The science behind eating watermelon with water or milk

• Traditional beliefs and Ayurvedic views

• What modern nutrition says

• Final recommendations based on health insights

Why is watermelon so special?

Watermelon is made up of over 90% water, loaded with vitamin C, A, electrolytes, and antioxidants like lycopene. It’s known for its ability to:

• Cool the body

• Aid hydration

• Improve digestion

• Detox the system

But because it’s so watery and slightly acidic, it’s also considered a “cold” food in traditional medicine, which plays a role in the origin of these warnings.

Is it bad to drink water after eating watermelon?

Traditional belief:

Drinking water immediately after watermelon is believed to cause digestive issues, such as:

• Bloating

• Acidity

• Upset stomach

The logic: Watermelon already has high water content. Drinking more water may dilute stomach acids, slow digestion, and cause fermentation in the gut.

What does science say?

There’s no scientific proof that drinking water after eating watermelon causes any serious harm. However, drinking cold water after watermelon may temporarily upset sensitive stomachs by slowing digestion.

Possible issues (rare, but plausible for some):

• Mild bloating due to delayed gastric emptying

• Slight discomfort in people with IBS or weak digestion

Safe Tip: Wait 15-30 minutes after eating watermelon to drink water, especially if it’s cold. Warm or room-temperature water is less likely to cause any issue.

What about drinking milk after watermelon?

This one is even more controversial.

Ayurvedic perspective:

According to Ayurveda, watermelon (a sour, cold fruit) and milk (a heavy, sweet liquid) are incompatible food combinations or “Viruddha Ahara”. Mixing the two is believed to:

• Disturb digestive fire (Agni)

• Cause toxic buildup

• Trigger skin issues like rashes or breakouts

What does modern nutrition say?

There’s limited scientific evidence that milk and watermelon are harmful together. However:

• Watermelon is acidic and may curdle the milk in the stomach

• This could cause mild indigestion, especially in lactose-intolerant individuals

💡 Did You Know? Curdling milk in the stomach is natural during digestion, but doing so with sour fruits may increase the chances of discomfort or fermentation in the gut.

Risk factors:

• Sensitive digestion

• Lactose intolerance

• Consuming both in large amounts or back-to-back

Safe Tip: Wait at least 1–2 hours after eating watermelon to drink milk. Let your stomach digest one before introducing the other.

 Expert opinions

• Nutritionists agree that combining high-water fruits with dairy can sometimes lead to sluggish digestion in sensitive people.

• Dietitians recommend that fruits and dairy be consumed separately when possible.

• Doctors say occasional consumption won’t harm healthy individuals, but moderation and timing matter.

 Final Verdict

Avoid:

• Mixing watermelon in milkshakes or smoothies

• Drinking iced water right after watermelon

• Having milk-based desserts right after watermelon

Key takeaways

• There’s no strong scientific evidence that drinking water or milk after watermelon is dangerous.

• However, Ayurvedic medicine and anecdotal experience suggest digestive disturbances can occur, especially with milk.

• If you have sensitive digestion, lactose intolerance, or IBS, it’s best to avoid this combination.

• Moderation and time gaps between eating and drinking are crucial for safe digestion.

❓Can I eat watermelon and drink tea or coffee later?

Wait at least 30–45 minutes. The acidity of watermelon and caffeine in tea or coffee may cause mild indigestion.

❓Is watermelon milkshake bad for you?

Yes, according to Ayurvedic principles. It can lead to digestive imbalance.

❓Can kids drink milk after watermelon?

It’s best to keep a 1-hour gap, especially for children with sensitive stomachs.