Losartan is an oral angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) use to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally makes blood vessels narrow and raises blood pressure. When you take losartan, it widens your blood vessels, which makes your blood pressure go down.
Because losartan can sometimes increase the amount of potassium in your body, it shouldn’t be use with potassium supplements or other medications that keep potassium in our system. There are many foods that are high in potassium, including bananas, avocados, watermelon, and some beans. However, in 2016, a study found that when 20 people with high blood pressure were given either losartan or a similar medication and had a high-potassium diet, there was no difference in their potassium levels.
Can you eat bananas when taking losartan?
Can you eat bananas when taking losartan? Yes you can eat bananas while taking losartan, unless you you have kidney disease or kidney problems or your doctor advised you to avoid them. The amount of potassium in bananas is much less compared to over-the-counter supplements. It’s important to be cautious with processed foods and drinks, especially the ones labeled as low-sodium, as they often contain more potassium. Additionally, careful with salt substitutes, as they can also be high in potassium.
Signs and symptoms of high potassium levels?
High potassium level, commonly known as Hyperkalemia can cause mild or severe symptoms. Mild symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or nausea. Severe symptoms may include chest pain, heart palpitations, arrhythmia (irregular, fast or fluttering heartbeat), muscle weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, slow, weak, or irregular pulse, sudden collapse, or cardiac arrest.
Contact your doctor immediate if you develop any of these symptoms above. Also remember to tell tell your doctor about all the medications you take. You doctor will then order for test in order to check your potassium levels.
Foods that are high in potassium
There are many foods that contain more potassium than bananas. They include:
- Acorn Squash
- Almonds
- Apricots
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Black Beans
- Cantaloupe
- Kidney Beans
- Milk
- Nuts
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Raisins
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Sweet Potatoes
- Swiss Chard
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Yogurt
Conclusion
Eating bananas when taking losartan is generally safe for most people. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which may seem concerning because losartan can increase potassium levels in some individuals. However, for the majority of people, the amount of potassium in a typical banana is not likely to cause any issues.
