Banana Consumption Prevents Kidney Stones and Cancer

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An image of Bananas

Kidney stones and kidney cancer are two of the major diseases that affect the kidneys. These diseases do not normally show any symptoms and most sufferers tend to live with them unaware that they have the conditions. Sufferers only tend to discover about the conditions only after they have progressed to unacceptable levels. For fortunate individuals, however, the presence of a kidney disease or kidney cancer can also be picked up during routine blood tests.

Treatment for kidney stones and kidney cancer can involve long and painful procedures comprising of the use of medications and/or changes to dietary lifestyle. Individuals at risk of kidney disease or kidney cancer can protect themselves against these diseases by consuming bananas.

According to evidence from research including the one published in the International Journal of Cancer, bananas can help prevent kidney stones and kidney cancer. This conclusion was reached after it was found that the risk of kidney diseases faced by over 60,000 women who consumed bananas moderately (about 1 banana a day for 4 days a week) for 13 years and 4 months was drastically reduced compared to the risk of kidney diseases faced by women who did not eat bananas for that period of time. Other studies also have found that eating bananas regularly can help prevent kidney cancer.

There are two main substances in bananas that give them this protective effect against kidney stones and kidney cancer. First, bananas are high in potassium. The body needs potassium for normal heart functioning and growth. The presence of sufficient potassium in the body reduces the likelihood of losing this useful substance through urine. Having enough potassium in the body also helps in the utilization of calcium by the kidneys and decreases the likelihood of calcium built-up around the kidneys. The built-up of calcium in the kidneys is attributable to kidney stones. Second, bananas are rich in phenolic compounds, which are antioxidants substances. These antioxidants help to fight free radicals responsible for kidney cancer.

While they may help to prevent kidney stones and kidney cancer, potassium in bananas can also lead to a health condition called hyperkalaemia. Hyperkalaemia occurs when the amount of potassium in the body is too high.  It is characterised by nausea, tiredness, irregular heartbeats and palpitation. If left untreated, hyperkalaemia can lead to death. However, the people at most risk of suffering this condition are individuals who have high blood pressure, failing kidneys, or diabetes.

Although consuming bananas may be good for preventing kidney stones and kidney cancer, consumers should be careful when contemplating to consume the fruit. Bananas are high in sugar in addition to potassium and other minerals. Diabetic and renal patients should consume the fruit only upon the recommendation of their doctors or dieticians. Even for individuals without any pre-existing health conditions, bananas should be consumed in moderation to derive the optimal health benefits.

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