Raw Diet and Potassium Overload?

[mandy111]

Hello everyone!

I have some serious concerns about nutrition and the raw diet, maybe someone here knows something about nutrition or you can point me to some sort of information.

I have been eating raw for about two months basically because it's the only way I've been able to find some relief from a serious health problem I've had for a long time. It has really helped me and because of that I'm committed to sticking with it.

The only problem is...I am eating about ten bananas a day. I have tried to reduce the number but I only end up going hungry and start craving cooked foods. I didn't think this was such a problem as Steve and others seem to eat shed loads of bananas and seem to be in OK health.

However, I mentioned to my mother (who is medically trained) how many bananas I was eating daily and she was very concerned and said that I would overload on potassium. She works in a hospital and asked her colleague who is trained in nutrition. Her colleague told her that I need to see a dietitician to come up with a diet that is suitable for me because no-one should eat more than two bananas a day because if they do they risk damage to their kidneys. I was seriously shocked because I have been in such good health on this raw diet. If I was harming my body, surely I would feel bad? It's the total opposite however - I feel great on my raw food diet. is this at the expense of my organs however? Will I overload on potassium and not know it?

My mom is freaking out and now I am too!

Does anyone know anything about this?

[lasti]

Question for raw foodists: Potassium in Bananas

[Dan.Linehan]

This is pretty much a non-issue.

The fears relate to Hyperkalemia.

hyperkalemia by potassium intoxication would be seen only with large infusions of KCl or massive doses of oral KCl supplements.

Associated issues come from synthetic supplements, not too many bananas.

[Rose of Cairo]

I say listen to your body. If you're feeling fantastic, there's no problem.

[Fullcrum]

Umm...no more than two bananas a day? What is this dietician rubbish?

Just follow how you feel. And drink lots of water or eat water-containing foods.

[beautyscientist]

I have eaten two bananas today. One was about twice the size of the other. Have I overdosed? Or is there still room for a little one?

I doubt that there are many cases of banana overdosing. If there are then the advice would be in given in terms of weight of banana related to your body size. As a tall middle aged man my body mass could easily be twice yours if you are a young female.

I suggest you ask for more detail. If they can quote potassium levels for bananas and how much you should eat a day it might be worth looking into a bit more. But it sounds like it was somebody's off the cuff guess.