He almost cost the lives of several people.
In summer, fruits are an excellent source of hydration and essential vitamins. However, excessive consumption of some of them can be dangerous. A study published in Annals of internal medicine of the American College of Physicians reports that a fruit, however, beneficial for health almost cost the lives of several people.
Three individuals have developed severe hyperkalemia, an excessively high blood potassium level which can be fatal if not treated quickly. The first case, a 56 -year -old man, type 2 diabetic and suffering from kidney failure, was admitted to intensive care after loss of knowledge and abnormally low heart rate. He revealed that he had eaten this fruit every evening for two months before his hospitalization. Then, a 72 -year -old man, having heart and renal history, presented himself in the hospital in a heart shock, also with a very low heart rate. After interrogation, he admitted to having drank two glasses of juice of this fruit per day for about a month. Finally, a 36 -year -old woman, suffering from a terminal kidney disease, presented an asymptomatic persistent hyperkalemia during her monthly dialysis analyzes. She admitted to having consumed large quantities of this fruit for at least three weeks. Fortunately, these three people were taken care of in time. After having reduced their consumption and took drugs, drugs, their potassium levels in the blood has decreased significantly.
Composed mainly of water, watermelon (the fruit in question here) is also very rich in potassium. A large edge contains 320 mg depending on the study. This mineral is essential for the body because it contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, a normal muscular function and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. But in excess, it is dangerous and can lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias and anomalies of the cardiac conduction which can lead to death, especially if it is not properly eliminated by the kidneys and rejected via the urine. In healthy patients, the risks remain low. On the other hand, they are higher or even fatal in case of history or advanced kidney disease.
We must not abuse watermelon: do not exceed 500 g (two to three slices) per day and not every day. “”Watermelon is a popular summer fruit and although bananas, potatoes and tomatoes are known to cause hyperkalemia, the risk of hyperkalemia after excessive watermelon consumption is often overlooked“Note the researchers.
