Latest news with #Parwez
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why kidney patients should never mix coconut and banana: Hidden dangers to know
If you're living with kidney issues, chances are you already know your grocery list has to be carefully curated. But one seemingly innocent pair might cause extra trouble: coconut and banana. Why are these two tropical goodies particularly risky—especially when eaten together? Set down that smoothie and let's break it down. Potassium is an essential mineral your body uses for muscle contractions, nerve function, and keeping your heartbeat regular. Usually, your kidneys keep potassium levels in check by filtering out what your body doesn't need. But for patients with weakened or failing kidneys, this system gets wonky. Suddenly, even everyday foods can send potassium levels soaring. Bananas are notorious for being potassium powerhouses. A single medium banana boasts about 375–487mg of potassium more than enough to land it on the kidney patient's 'handle with care' list. Coconut especially coconut water and coconut meat might seem like a hydrating, harmless treat. But coconuts pack an impressive amount of potassium too, often flying under the radar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo Even a moderate serving can tip the scales. Eating these separately is already risky for many kidney patients. Put them together, and you've got a recipe for hyperkalemia that's a medical way of saying 'too much potassium in your blood,' and trust us, it's more dangerous than it sounds. On this risk factor of kidney, AIIMS doctor Parwez says, "when the kidney doesn't function properly, potassium elimination gets difficult. When the level of potassium in the blood increases, it increases the risk of heart attack. And in such cases eating high potassium foods like bananas or coconut, or eating them together, can pose a great risk to the body." In the video, the doctor urges people to refrain from consuming these fruits together and even separately. What happens if potassium gets too high? High potassium levels can cause: Muscle weakness or cramps Fatigue Nausea or irregular heartbeat Serious heart problems like arrhythmia—or, in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. Not exactly what you want from a fruit salad. Once your kidneys are struggling, there's no good way for your body to kick out that extra potassium on its own. So, every high-potassium snack you include adds up—and fast. Why not just eat a little? Sometimes folks wonder, 'Can't I just have a little banana and coconut—just a taste?' With kidney disease, even 'a little' isn't as safe as it sounds. There's no reliable way to predict how much potassium is hiding in a piece of fruit, and your body isn't very forgiving if you overshoot your daily limit. Plus, the effects aren't always immediate. Potassium creeps up in your blood, and by the time you feel symptoms, the damage might already be underway. Lots of fruits and veggies carry a health halo, and for good reason. But kidney issues flip the script. Foods high in potassium—including bananas, avocados, coconut water, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach—should be limited or avoided if you've got chronic kidney disease (CKD). Not convinced? Even recommended diet plans for kidney patients will tell you to steer clear of these two, often skipping them completely from weekly menus. Are there safe alternatives? Absolutely! Swap out high-potassium fruits for lower-potassium ones like: Apples Berries (strawberries, blueberries) Pineapple Grapes Pears These can deliver flavor and nutrients without the high-risk potassium spike. Kidney patients shouldn't just avoid coconut and banana together—they should treat this pair like forbidden fruit. When your body can't filter potassium, every food choice matters. Both coconut and banana sneak in a hefty potassium punch that your kidneys simply can't handle, and mixing them multiplies your risk for dangerous complications. So next time a coconut-banana smoothie tempts you, remember: your kidneys will thank you for saying 'no,' and there are plenty of safe, delicious options waiting on the next aisle. Consult your dietitian, plan ahead, and keep those potassium numbers in check—it's the wise (and delicious) choice for your health.
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Urologist reveals the one trick to check your kidney health without any test
Is it possible to know if our kidneys are functioning properly or not? According to urologist Dr Parwez, a simple trick that you can do by yourself can clearly indicate whether the kidneys are fine or not. On April 29, the urologist shared the trick to check kidney health without any RFT test or a kidney function test on Instagram. Also Read | Urologists reveal why treating urine infections is getting harder, warn against rising antibiotic resistance According to Dr Parwez, the best way to know the health of your kidneys is through 'urine output'. He explained, 'Normally, the urine output of a person is 0.5 to 1 ml per kg per hour.' What does this mean? Dr Parwez stated that 0.5-1 ml/kg/hour means that, for instance, a person who weighs 50 kg should have an approximately 50 ml of urine output. This suggests they have perfectly functioning kidneys. A post shared by Parwez urologist (@parwez_uro) The question then arises, how will one check their urine output on their own? Dr Parwez suggested calculating the urine output for at least 10 hours. Then, accordingly, the output for a person weighing 50 kg becomes approximately 500 ml. He suggested, 'You can take a one-litre bottle of Bisleri and calculate it accordingly. If your urine output is adequate, then it means that your kidneys are absolutely fine. So you can get a perfect idea from this simple test as to how well your kidneys are working.' 'Only urine output is sufficient for doing a kidney function test. This is a test which is done in big hospitals or in serious conditions, like if there is sepsis, shock or if a patient is admitted to the ICU. Then, first of all, doctors check the urine output and get a complete idea of how our kidneys are working,' Dr Parwez added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
