Watermelon is enjoyed by many people and is an especially refreshing treat during the summer months. While most people enjoy the watermelon fruit, watermelon juice is just as nutritious and refreshing, and it can be consumed by itself or used to add flavoring to recipes and other beverages. However, as with many foods, excessive consumption of watermelon juice can lead to adverse side effects. Watermelon juice side effects may include gastrointestinal disturbance, cardiovascular disruption in hyperkalemia patients, a decrease in aortic blood pressure in those with prehypertension, as well as common food allergy symptoms.

Lycopene

Watermelon juice is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant which gives the juice its color and is believed to have health benefits. However, drinking too much watermelon juice can result in consuming too much lycopene, which may cause gastrointestinal disturbance. Lycopene-induced symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating. Health professionals generally recommend consuming less than 30 mg of lycopene to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

Watermelon Juice Side Effects For People Diagnosed With Hyperkalemia

Drinking large amounts of watermelon juice may also cause side effects in people who who have been diagnosed with hyperkalemia, or too much potassium in the bloodstream. Hyperkalemia can result in serious cardiovascular problems, such as irregular heartbeat, absent or weak pulse, and cardiac arrest. Hyperkalemia may also affect nerve and muscular control.

When potassium levels are excessive, the kidneys work to remove excess potassium from the body, which may result in kidney malfunction. For a person who has hyperkalemia, a typical wedge of watermelon can cause complications. In this case, it is best to limit consumption of watermelon juice to smaller portions, ideally less than a one cup serving. Because watermelon juice causes blood vessel relaxation, patients with prehypertension may also experience a drop in blood pressure in the aorta.

Allergic Reaction to Watermelon Juice

As with virtually all plant foods, some people may experience an allergic reaction to watermelon juice. Particularly, those who are allergic to latex, celery, cucumbers, or carrots may also find that they are allergic to watermelon juice. Symptoms of allergy can range from moderate to severe and may include hives, facial swelling, anaphylaxis, and diarrhea.

Watermelon juice can generally be enjoyed by everyone. However, excessive consumption may cause watermelon juice side effects. People who have been diagnosed with health conditions such as hyperkalemia, prehypertension, or certain food allergies should especially use caution when consuming watermelon products.