Posted on 04/12/2024 12:23:43 PM PDT by Red Badger
14% of American adults are affected by chronic kidney disease – and anyone in that category should be very careful about how much watermelon they eat. A new series of case studies examines how a favorite fruit can cause life-threatening issues. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a slurpy bite of watermelon on a hot day. With the US watermelon season fast approaching, many are looking forward to eating the naturally sweet fruit. And because watermelon is made up of 92% water, nothing in it can cause health problems, right? Not quite.
A collection of three case studies recently published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine has identified an under-recognized problem: watermelon contains a surprising amount of potassium. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t cause a problem, but it certainly can be for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that affects an estimated 35.5 million US adults – about 14% of the population.
In chronic kidney disease, the kidney can't effectively filter waste and water out of the blood In chronic kidney disease, the kidney can't effectively filter of the bloodDepositphotos CKD refers to all conditions that affect the kidney’s ability to filter blood and remove waste. As many as 9 out of 10 people with CKD don’t know they have it because it’s most often diagnosed at more advanced stages when symptoms become more apparent.
Why is potassium important, and why is high potassium bad?
Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of all cells. It regulates the heartbeat, ensures that muscles contract and nerves function properly, and regulates fluid levels inside the cells.
A typical blood potassium level for adults is between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L is considered low (hypokalemia), and above 5.5 mmol/L high (hyperkalemia).
(Excerpt) Read more at newatlas.com ...
Pickled watermelon rind. Just found it yesterday. Gonna try that.
https://youtu.be/bFuidKmTfvA?si=O64vf5eh70RHM2G0
A little watermelon goes a long way for me. I don’t care too much for watermelon.
Why pick on Watermellon???
Bananas and Avocados have more potassium
It’s very good. I’ve not had it in ages.
Those pickles are the best pickles on the planet.
Back to the main issue ... it has always amazed me that two cups, say, of watermelon has the effect of drinking two quarts of water or any other liquid I know of.
This study is racist for certain folks lol
Fried chicken?
Yaaas, boss, dat sho am some fine waddymelon.
Do honeydew and canatoupe have the same issue(s)?
Practically all melons are high in potassium....Though technically watermelon is a berry............
But people can eat way more watermelon
It is the potassium K+
Nobody better mess with my Charleston Grey!
I am chronically LOW in potassium, so I can eat all I want!...............
I get this, and it’s delicious and refreshing:
https://melawater.com/products/variety-pack?variant=43410174542040&selling_plan=2065891544
For once, I read all the posts before posting. Not one word about anyone having CKD. I bet we’re all familiar with the TV commercial advertising a pharmaceutical for it tho’......
I was told by the doctor 3-4 years ago that I had CKD and I said, “Without symptoms? Wouldn’t I know it if I had a chronic anything?”
His reply was, “well, our kidneys get old.” He stopped me in the hallway when my husband was having an exam to tell me that. Not in an exam room. Needless to say, I don’t believe any of the hoopla...
Pay attention next time when you see/hear a TV commercial for any pharmaceutical...you can count the number of adverse effects - some as high as 10 - including death. The one I especially like is “If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients blah blah blah”...How does anyone know the ingredients of such and such medication?
PS - I love watermelon...cold, sweet, juicy watermelon...
It may be weird, but I like watermelon at room temp. With salt!...................
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