Can We Eat Watermelon During Cough

Question

I’ve been coughing a lot for the past week, and I started wondering—can we eat watermelon during cough? I’ve always loved watermelon because it’s refreshing and hydrating, but my family insists it’s not good for coughs. They keep saying watermelon has a cooling effect that can make the cough worse. I ate some yesterday, and now I’m second-guessing if that was the right decision.

What I don’t understand is, does watermelon actually increase cough, or is this just an old belief? I’ve read that watermelon is great for digestion and hydration, but does it have a negative impact when you’re already sick? Specifically, can we eat watermelon during cough if the cough is dry instead of wet? My cough doesn’t have much mucus, but my throat feels itchy and irritated.

If watermelon isn’t good for coughs, what other fruits should I avoid? I eat bananas and sometimes oranges, but now I’m worried they might also aggravate my symptoms. On the flip side, are there fruits that are actually helpful for cough relief?

Lastly, if we can eat watermelon during cough, is there a way to balance its cooling effect? For instance, would eating it with ginger or drinking warm water afterward make a difference? I don’t want to stop eating watermelon completely unless I have to, so I’d love to hear if there are ways to enjoy it safely during a cough.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, watermelon is generally considered cooling, which might not be ideal when you're dealing with a cough, especially if it’s dry or accompanied by irritation. The cooling nature of watermelon can sometimes aggravate the throat, potentially making a dry cough worse or increasing mucus production. This is why your family might be advising against it.

However, it’s not a hard rule that you must avoid watermelon entirely. If you're craving it, eating it in moderation and pairing it with warming spices like ginger or drinking warm water afterward could help balance its cooling effect. Ginger, in particular, has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm the throat and reduce cough.

If your cough is dry and you're looking for alternatives, fruits like pears, pomegranates, or warm apple-based drinks are often considered soothing for the throat and may help with cough relief. Avoiding acidic fruits like oranges during a dry cough can also be beneficial, as their acidity might irritate the throat further.

In conclusion, while watermelon might not be the best choice during a dry cough due to its cooling properties, you can balance it with warming foods or consider alternatives that are more soothing for the throat. Always listen to your body, and if you find watermelon aggravates your symptoms, it’s best to avoid it until you're feeling better.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, the cooling properties of watermelon are often believed to aggravate certain types of cough, especially if the cough is dry or linked to a Vata imbalance. The cooling effect of watermelon can potentially worsen irritation in the throat, making symptoms like dryness or itchiness feel more intense. This belief stems from the idea that watermelon increases Kapha (which can promote mucus production), and for individuals with a dry cough or inflammation, consuming too much cooling food might disrupt the body’s natural balance.

However, if your cough is more dry and irritated without much mucus (which could indicate a Vata or Pitta imbalance), eating watermelon might not be the best choice as it could worsen the dryness and discomfort. Fruits like bananas, oranges, and watermelon can also be problematic for a dry, irritated throat in this case because of their cooling effects.

To soothe your cough, it might be better to focus on fruits that have a warming or nourishing effect. Pineapple, apples, or pomegranates can be beneficial because they are less cooling and may help ease throat irritation. If you’re craving watermelon, you can balance its cooling effect by pairing it with warming spices like ginger, which could help soothe your throat. Drinking warm water or herbal teas like ginger tea after eating watermelon might also help neutralize its cooling impact on the throat.

If your cough persists, it’s always a good idea to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can guide you based on your individual dosha and symptoms.

Can We Eat Watermelon During Cough - #6122

Doctors’ responses

If you need a detailed answer, ask the Ayurvedic doctor your question

About our doctors

Related questions

Popular questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews