Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Do You Have High Blood Pressure? These Two Fruits Could Affect Your Readings

high blood pressure avoid fruits

A doctor has cautioned that certain people may need to cut back on their favourite fruits if they are taking specific heart or <span>blood pressure</span> medicines. Ignoring this advice could lead to a serious but preventable health issue. Speaking during a past appearance on ITV’s This Morning, as reported by the Mirror, GP Dr Chris Steele explained that some prescribed drugs can react poorly with everyday foods. Eating these foods in large amounts may interfere with how the medication works and, in some cases, cause dangerous side effects.

He drew attention to two common fruits that many households keep on hand. The doctor warned that anyone taking medicines known as ACE inhibitors should avoid bananas and oranges. During the interview, he said: “Bananas are high in potassium, which is not suitable for certain medications. People taking ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, and others should try not to eat bananas or oranges.”

ACE inhibitors are used to lower blood pressure and treat heart failure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more easily. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for <span>high blood pressure</span>, heart failure, and some kidney conditions, though regular monitoring is needed to watch for possible side effects.

<h2>What Causes High Blood Pressure?</h2>

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when blood pushes too forcefully against artery walls. Over time, this can damage blood vessels as well as vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. The condition often has no obvious symptoms, but it can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, vision problems, and aneurysms. Constant pressure makes the heart work harder, which may eventually lead to heart failure or thickening of the heart muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Hypertension is usually linked to lifestyle factors like a high-salt diet, excess weight, lack of physical activity, and smoking. Age, genetics, and underlying health problems such as kidney disease also play a role. The condition develops when pressure inside the arteries rises, sometimes due to stress, hormonal changes, or long-term poor eating habits.

<h2>Why Are Blood Pressure Patients Being Advised To Avoid These Fruits?</h2>

Bananas, along with oranges and some salt substitutes, contain high levels of potassium. When combined with ACE inhibitors, these foods can cause potassium levels in the blood to rise too much. Mild increases may lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting. However, many people do not notice any symptoms until potassium levels become dangerously high, which can increase the risk of chest pain, heart palpitations, and an irregular, rapid, or fluttering heartbeat.

Patients are advised to inform their GP if they are taking potassium supplements or diuretics alongside blood pressure medication. Those on ACE inhibitors should avoid eating large quantities of foods that are high in potassium.

The NHS advises people in the UK to aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Since all fruits contain some potassium, no option is completely risk-free when eaten in excess. That said, some fruits are much lower in potassium than bananas and oranges. These include apples, berries, grapes, pineapples, and pears.

Watermelon is generally classed as low to moderate in potassium, making it a suitable choice for people following a low-potassium diet. One standard serving of diced watermelon contains roughly 170 to 180 mg of potassium, which is far lower than levels found in fruits like cantaloupe.

According to the NHS, adults aged 19 to 64 need about 3,500 mg of potassium each day, which can usually be met through a balanced diet. A doctor can help address individual concerns and offer guidance based on personal health needs.

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A doctor has cautioned that certain people may need to cut back on their favourite fruits if they are taking specific heart or blood pressure medicines. Ignoring this advice could lead to a serious but preventable health issue. Speaking during a past appearance on ITV’s This Morning, as reported by the Mirror, GP Dr Chris Steele explained that some prescribed drugs can react poorly with everyday foods. Eating these foods in large amounts may interfere with how the medication works and, in some cases, cause dangerous side effects.He drew attention to two common fruits that many households keep on hand. The doctor warned that anyone taking medicines known as ACE inhibitors should avoid bananas and oranges. During the interview, he said: “Bananas are high in potassium, which is not suitable for certain medications. People taking ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, and others should try not to eat bananas or oranges.”ACE inhibitors are used to lower blood pressure and treat heart failure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more easily. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for high blood pressure, heart failure, and some kidney conditions, though regular monitoring is needed to watch for possible side effects.What Causes High Blood Pressure?High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when blood pushes too forcefully against artery walls. Over time, this can damage blood vessels as well as vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. The condition often has no obvious symptoms, but it can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, vision problems, and aneurysms. Constant pressure makes the heart work harder, which may eventually lead to heart failure or thickening of the heart muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic.Hypertension is usually linked to lifestyle factors like a high-salt diet, excess weight, lack of physical activity, and smoking. Age, genetics, and underlying health problems such as kidney disease also play a role. The condition develops when pressure inside the arteries rises, sometimes due to stress, hormonal changes, or long-term poor eating habits.Why Are Blood Pressure Patients Being Advised To Avoid These Fruits?Bananas, along with oranges and some salt substitutes, contain high levels of potassium. When combined with ACE inhibitors, these foods can cause potassium levels in the blood to rise too much. Mild increases may lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting. However, many people do not notice any symptoms until potassium levels become dangerously high, which can increase the risk of chest pain, heart palpitations, and an irregular, rapid, or fluttering heartbeat.Patients are advised to inform their GP if they are taking potassium supplements or diuretics alongside blood pressure medication. Those on ACE inhibitors should avoid eating large quantities of foods that are high in potassium.The NHS advises people in the UK to aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Since all fruits contain some potassium, no option is completely risk-free when eaten in excess. That said, some fruits are much lower in potassium than bananas and oranges. These include apples, berries, grapes, pineapples, and pears.Watermelon is generally classed as low to moderate in potassium, making it a suitable choice for people following a low-potassium diet. One standard serving of diced watermelon contains roughly 170 to 180 mg of potassium, which is far lower than levels found in fruits like cantaloupe.According to the NHS, adults aged 19 to 64 need about 3,500 mg of potassium each day, which can usually be met through a balanced diet. A doctor can help address individual concerns and offer guidance based on personal health needs.