Nutritionists have warned about the dangerous side effect of excessive consumption of bananas

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Although bananas in general are considered a useful berry, their excessive use can have negative consequences. Nutritionists have warned lovers of this product about this.

Bananas contain many vitamins and useful trace elements. In addition, compared to a regular fruit, they are also a convenient solution for a quick snack, since it is enough to remove the skin and there is no need to get your hands dirty.

The fruit contains a lot of potassium, but an excess of the latter in the bloodstream threatens the development of hyperkalemia. This is the name given to a condition in which the mineral level exceeds the norm. If the problem is ignored, it can cause serious problems with the heart, experts warn. In addition, there is a risk of muscle weakness and temporary paralysis.

Hyperkalemia is most often caused by acute renal failure and chronic kidney diseases. However, a study by specialists of the National Institute of Mental Health linked a case of manifestation of the problem with excessive consumption of bananas.

The patient who faced the specified condition ate more than 20 bananas per day. Amber O'Brien, MD, from the Mango Clinic, warned that the dose of potassium should not exceed 18 grams per day, otherwise the risk of hyperkalemia increases in adults.

One banana contains an average of 420 milligrams of potassium, so the threat represents the consumption of large amounts of bananas. In addition, potassium enters the body from other products, for example, avocado or spinach.

Some categories of citizens have an increased risk of encountering an excess of the mentioned mineral. These include, for example, individuals with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or even those taking blood pressure medications that affect potassium levels.