'People with high blood pressure should avoid two common fruits'

"A doctor has warned that some people may need to give up their favourite fruit if they are taking certain heart and blood pressure medications. Those who ignore the advice could risk a serious yet avoidable problem.

During a previous appearance on ITV's This Morning, GP Chris Steele explained that patients on specific medications must cut out some everyday foods that could conflict with what any prescribed medicine is trying to do. When eaten to excess, it could trigger dangerous complications.

One thing he highlighted was a pair of common fruits that a lot of people might have sitting in their kitchen. The healthcare expert warned that people prescribed any kind of medication known as an ACE inhibitor should cut out eating bananas and oranges.

He said in the interview: "Bananas are high in potassium, which is not good for certain medications. Try not to eat bananas or oranges if you take ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril and fosinopril, among others."

ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and treat heart failure by widening blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more efficiently. They are common first-choice treatments for hypertension, heart failure, and kidney issues, though they require monitoring for side effects.

Why do these fruits need to be avoided?

Bananas (as well as oranges and certain salt substitutes) are high in potassium. Mixed with these drugs, these foods can cause high potassium levels.

Mildly raised levels could result in issues like abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. However, many people with high potassium levels do not feel any symptoms until the level becomes dangerous, running the risk of chest pain, heart palpitations and an irregular/fast/fluttering heartbeat.

Tell your GP if you're taking potassium or diuretics alongside blood pressure medication. Avoid eating large amounts of foods high in potassium if you're on ACE inhibitors.

The NHS recommends that people in the UK aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. All fruits contain some potassium, meaning nothing is 100% safe to eat in excess. However, some options are much lower than bananas and oranges - including apples, berries, grapes, pineapples, and pears.

Watermelon is generally considered low to moderate in potassium, making it a good choice for low-potassium diets. A typical serving of diced watermelon contains about 170-180 mg of potassium, which is significantly lower than in higher-potassium melons like cantaloupe.

According to the NHS website, adults (19 to 64 years) need 3,500mg of potassium a day, which should be achievable from your daily diet. Your doctor will be able to discuss specific concerns and offer advice tailored to your health needs."
Above words and image from article seen here

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Please Be Aware
Articles, and any comments, within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, medication, food you eat, contra-indications from medication etc. you should contact your Doctor or local health care provider and they will be able to discuss specific concerns and offer advice tailored to your health needs."

All the best Jan