Does Watermelon Make You Poop?

Social media spreads some crazy rumors. We ask the experts to separate fact from fiction.

Watermelon is a beloved summer fruit. It’s sweet and juicy and when it’s hot outside, enjoying a big slice can be a great way to cool off. But apparently, that’s not all it does, at least according to social media. The current claim, similar to a previous yellow dragon fruit trend, is that eating watermelon may also leave you feeling like you need to poop. Are these rumors true? Should you reconsider your summer love affair with watermelon? We asked health and nutrition experts to shed some light on this topic.

First, a reminder. Social media is NOT a great place for finding reliable health information. So if you see a nutrition or health-related trend, don’t act upon it until you’ve spoken with an expert, such as a Registered Dietitian. Making health or wellness claims is a big deal and you shouldn’t believe just anyone, no matter how many followers they have.

Thankfully we know a lot of smart people who live and breathe food, nutrition, and health. And we asked them their thoughts on watermelon and well, pooping. Here’s what they had to say.

Remember, Watermelon Is Mostly Water

From a nutrition standpoint, watermelon is mostly water, in fact, it’s about 92% water. Experts agree that including watermelon as part of a nutritious eating pattern can be a great way to help with hydration. Being well-hydrated ensures a softer stool that’s easier to pass. This perhaps, provides some explanation as to why people feel the urge to poop after eating watermelon, especially if they have a history of constipation or being inadequately hydrated.

Your Healthy History May Play a Role

Besides water, it might also be the sugar that’s causing the trip to the bathroom. Ripe watermelon is sweet, supplying about 9 grams of naturally-present fruit sugar per 1 cup diced. Most of us don’t have any trouble digesting that fruit sugar (aka fructose), but others with IBS or other digestive disorders might not have it so easy, says Chrissy Carrol, MPH, RD. For those individuals, certain foods, such as watermelon can cause bloating, diarrhea, gas, or other symptoms, says Manju Karkare, RD, a private practice dietitian who specializes in gut health. Since watermelon is considered a high FODMAP food (because of the amount of fructose in it) there’s a possibility that anyone with GI issues may experience urgent bowel movements after consuming it, especially in large amounts.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a healthy individual, there’s no reason to stop enjoying watermelon. It can be a delicious way to stay hydrated, especially during the warm, summer months. Carrol says that for most, watermelon actually supports healthy digestion and bowel movements. But, if you’re someone who suffers from IBD or other GI issues, consult your doctor and dietitian first before enjoying. And if you’re looking for a delicious recipe to try, we’ve got more than a few that feature watermelon for you!