Potassium

[Meg50]

I just had a complete physical, and everything came out 100%, except my potassium level. It was 5.5, the accepted level is up to 5.1. They were concerned until I told them I eat a banana every morning, they asked me if I get leg cramps, I said No I workout every morning. They then said it sounds like Im doing everything ok. If I get cramps, cut back on the bananas.
My question is this...............I researched ont eh Internet, and it sounds like my level is really bad. Im scared now. Any Info would be helpful

[Pea Pod]

http://www.kidney.org.uk/Medical-Info/other/kn owtran.html Half way down is a chart. The upper limit is 5.5. You can worry yourself to death. My cholesterol was 13.5 the doctor said he hadnt met anyone alive with this high a number,I`m still here. Relax and enjoy New Year. Just dump the banana.

[Meg50]

Pea Pod..........I just looked at the foods with so much potassium and I eat many of them. I feel so good and I am so healthy, I hate to give those all up, I love them all. I know I could worry myself to death, but you try to do the right thing and then you get shot down.

[Pea Pod]

I know what you mean.I take a water tablet sometimes and the doctor said if I took one every day I would need to eat bananas to keep my potassium levels up. So hopefully this is all you need to omit.When your feeling on top of the world someone comes along and shoots you down again.I believe in positive thinking,don`t dwell on it. If you feel well you will be.

[BBWCHATT]

From the University of Virginia website - it has a chart on which foods are low, medium and high in potassium:
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth /peds_urology/potassiu.cfm

From the internet:

Foods with high sources of potassium include orange juice, potatoes, bananas, avocados, apricots, parsnips and turnips, although many other fruits, vegetables, and meats contain potassium.

bananas
prunes
oranges
potatoes
orange juice
sweet potatoes
grapefruit juice
tomato sauce
cantaloupe

[cruella]

There may be nothing to worry about your potassium level.
BY accident a few years ago, I was found to have a very high reading of potassium in my blood. Over 8. When I was taken into hospital, a genius of a Doctor did all the tests, then decided to do a bench test. What this means is that they leave the blood to sit for a while. It just so happened that I have peculiar blood which does not like to be left lying around in plactic tubes.
Bottom line was, it was a type of false reading.
I have to inform the Doctors or Nurses evry time I have bloods done, or I get whipped into hospital screaming and protesting. I just have strange platelets. Just to add though that bananas do increase potassium as does other foods which I avoid like the plague.
Hope this helps you .

[rosojoly]

eat an apple or pear instead

[BBWCHATT]

How about blueberries and some yogurt for breakfast - I make a little parfait with those and some granola - it is one of my favorite breakfasts!

[Meg50]

Thanks so much everyone, I went out and bought blueberries, pineapple and strawberries, I make a smoothie with Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt, very very good. I guess I was just really enjoying the banana in it. But thats ok I just had a blueberrie one and YUM.....love those berries!
Oh I Love sweet potatoes to, was eating one of those about 4-5 times a week. Guess I better back off???

[BBWCHATT]

Meg - I just had another thought - I have some banana extract - just like vanilla extract only banana flavored - you could add that to your smoothie - I like the banana & strawberry combination - that would give you the flavor of banana without the potassium!

[Meg50]

thanks BBW!!