The peak of poisoning with low-quality watermelons occurs in the second half of summer. This is due to the high content of nitrates that got into the fruits of this gourd from fertilizers, which are widely used to accelerate the ripening of berries. The first symptoms appear after a couple of hours after using the product.
A small amount of nitrates is excreted 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;
- development of diarrhea;
- headache;
- increased fatigue;
- temperature.
The biggest complications can cause watermelon poisoning inchild, because the protective mechanisms of the child's body are not fully formed. The situation is aggravated by the fact that this product is consumed immediately in large quantities, which only increases the concentration of harmful compounds. It should be noted that watermelon poisoning can be triggered by factors such as exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, the presence of postoperative adhesive processes. Also, congenital genitourinary anomalies, prostate adenoma, pyelonephritis, kidney stones and diabetes mellitus can play a role. Even in case of excessive consumption of he althy gourds, watermelon poisoning can occur, the symptoms of which often require an ambulance call.
What to do if you get poisoned by a watermelon?
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 fluids and feed the body with ascorbic acid.
Most often, watermelon poisoning occurs in people who eat the pulp of the berry to the very crust, and also consume the product on an empty stomach and in large quantities. To date, the technology of growing melons and gourds is carried out almost everywhere with the use of fertilizers, so it is unfortunately impossible to completely get rid of nitrates, but there are ways to significantly reduce their content in fruits.
How to avoid symptomspoisoning?
In order to reduce the amount of nitrates in watermelon, it is recommended to put it in cold water for several hours. A great danger when eating fruits is borne by microbes that fall on the surface of the berry from contaminated soil. To prevent their further spread, you should thoroughly wash the product before use and never buy an incised one. If you have frequent flatulence, colic and diarrhea, watermelons should be consumed very carefully and in small quantities. By following such simple preventive measures, many complications can be avoided, which are sometimes difficult to get rid of.
