José Manuel Felices, physician: "Pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe are very healthy, but they can make it difficult to sleep."

Health and well-being are increasingly on the minds of many. It's often assumed that everything natural is always beneficial, no matter the time of year. However, a recent and striking warning has emerged on social media, specifically from Dr. José Manuel Felices, who has focused on a widespread summer habit : eating fruits like pineapple, watermelon, or melon just before going to bed.

José Manuel Felices, a doctor specializing in radiology, has used his popular TikTok account to reveal a little-known truth that could be affecting the quality of sleep for many. In clear language, the doctor warned that, despite their undeniable nutritional benefits, these fruits can become an obstacle to achieving restful sleep.

The key, according to the expert, lies in the composition of these foods. Pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe are all fruits with a high water content, making them refreshing and perfect options for combating the summer heat. However, it is precisely this characteristic, along with their diuretic nature, that can disrupt the tranquility of the night.

"Because these foods contain such a high percentage of water , when you eat them before bed, your body absorbs and processes them very quickly," Felices explains in one of her videos, which has already accumulated thousands of views and comments.

As explained in the post, this causes an increase in urine production. In other words, you're hydrating yourself, but at the same time, you're forcing your kidneys to work overtime just when they should be in resting mode.

The result is the dreaded nighttime "wake-up call" effect. The need to get up to go to the bathroom disrupts the sleep cycle, interrupting the deep, restorative phase.

But diuresis isn't the only factor to consider. Pineapple, in particular, has a unique characteristic that sets it apart from watermelon and melon. This tropical fruit contains an enzyme called bromelain , known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Although bromelain is very beneficial for protein digestion, consuming it at night can have an impact on the nervous system.

Pineapple also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, the hormone that regulates the sleep cycle. However, the stimulating action of bromelain can neutralize these effects, causing the body to become active instead of preparing for rest.

"It's a matter of balance," notes Dr. Felices. "What's good for the body during the day isn't always best before bed. Pineapple, for example, is fantastic with a meal or as a dessert after a heavy meal, as it aids digestion. But at night, when the body is preparing to slow down its functions, consuming it can be counterproductive," he adds in the publication.

So, if the key isn't avoiding these fruits, but rather consuming them at the right time, what would be the ideal time? Nutrition experts agree that the best option is to enjoy them during the day. Eating watermelon, melon, or pineapple mid-morning or early afternoon, as part of a healthy snack, allows you to take advantage of their hydrating and vitamin-rich properties without compromising your night's rest. This way, the body has enough time to process the water and natural sugars they contain, and diuresis occurs at a time when it doesn't interfere with sleep.

Dr. Felices's recommendation isn't meant to be a prohibition, but rather a guide to optimizing health. His message is a clear reminder that on the path to wellness, the "when" is as crucial as the "what." While watermelon, cantaloupe, and pineapple will continue to be the undisputed kings of summer, perhaps it's time to reconsider whether the last spoonful of the day should be fruit or a glass of milk with honey.