14 Side Effects of Eating Too Many Bananas
Many people love bananas. They have an abundance of nutrients. Banana eating in excess, however, may be harmful to your health.
Bananas are considered safe enough to be given to infants as one of their first solid foods because they alleviate certain major health concerns. So what could possibly go wrong if you eat bananas? perhaps taking in too much of it? Continue reading to learn about the 14 potential hazards of eating too many bananas.
Side Effects of Eating Too Many Bananas
Following are major side effects of eating too many bananas.
1. Headache
Bananas could lead to migraines.
You might want to stay away from eating bananas if you frequently suffer from painful migraine headaches. Tyramine, a chemical included in numerous foods including cheese, seafood, meats, and bananas, is a migraine trigger.
Be particularly careful while removing the stringy peel off the fruit before eating it, as banana peels include 10 times more tyramine than banana pulp.
2. May Cause Weight Gain
Although bananas have fewer calories than your favourite package of cookies or chips, they still contain enough calories to cause you to gain weight. If you don’t monitor your portion sizes, that is.
105 calories are found in a medium banana. That is significantly higher than a medium orange (62), a bowl of sliced watermelon (45), or a cup of grapes (62) Bananas might not be the ideal option if you’re searching for a low-calorie snack to enjoy every few hours.
3. Dental Problems
Bananas could result in tooth decay.
Because they contain a lot of starch, bananas can seriously damage your teeth if you don’t practise good oral care. Compared to chocolates, gum drops, and wafers, bananas may be even worse for your mouth health, claim some research.
While sugars dissolve fast in the mouth, starches dissolve more slowly. Because of this, eating fruits like bananas causes food particles to stay between the teeth for around two hours, attracting additional bacteria and increasing the risk of cavities.
4. Hyperkalemia
Bananas could result in hyperkalemia.
Overproduction of potassium in the blood results in the disease known as hyperkalemia, which can cause heart attacks and be recognised by symptoms including nausea, an irregular heartbeat, and uneven pulse.
Adults who consume too many bananas may develop hyperkalemia. There are several diet programmes, like the GM diet, that advise eating too many bananas on particular days. Such diets may only invite difficulties if you stick to them.
5. Nerve Injury
Bananas could harm your nerves.
Bananas have a high vitamin B6 content, therefore eating too many of them can harm your nerves. US regulators warn that taking more than 100 mg of vitamin B6 without a prescription could be dangerous.
Unless you are a bodybuilder with a banana fixation or you are taking part in a banana eating competition, it seems unlikely that eating bananas might cause nerve damage.
6. Sleepiness
Bananas may make you feel sleepy.
Always thought it was a good idea to start your day with a banana? You probably weren’t aware that eating bananas might make you feel sleepy, even if the day has only just begun. They are abundant in tryptophan, an amino acid that, in addition to making you feel tired, can impair your memory and reaction time.
Additionally, bananas are rich in magnesium, a mineral that promotes muscle relaxation. But because of these qualities, they are a nice snack before bed.
7. Hypersensitivity
In allergy sufferers, bananas may trigger hypersensitivity.
According to a study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, those with latex allergies also have hypersensitivity to bananas. This allergy frequently causes symptoms including wheezing, runny nose, coughing, itchy throat, and watery eyes.
8. Ragweed allergy
Bananas could trigger ragweed allergies.
Your immune system responds to the pollen grains of ragweed (a weed that grows all throughout the United States) when you have ragweed allergies. Swollen lips, an itchy throat, a swollen tongue, and other symptoms are some of the signs that someone has this allergy.
Banana consumption or even handling may cause comparable symptoms in those who already have ragweed allergies.
9. Respiratory Problems
Bananas could lead to respiratory issues
Inflammation is another issue that results from ragweed allergy. It could narrow airways and lead to respiratory issues. This could cause excruciating difficulty breathing or swallowing.
10. Stomach Pain
Bananas may cause stomach aches.
If you consume unripe bananas, you might have excruciating stomach pain. Along with the abdominal ache, you might also feel sick. Unripe bananas have a high resistant starch content that takes a while for your body to break down. Additionally, you can have immediate nausea or diarrhoea.
11. Anaphylactic Shock
Bananas could result in anaphylactic shock.
Some people who are allergic to bananas may also suffer from a severe immunological reaction and a sharp drop in blood pressure. They may experience shock as a result of their respiratory problems, which prevent the blood oxygen levels from rising.
Keep an eye out for signs including a faster or slower heartbeat, dizziness, and faintness. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, newborns can develop severe banana allergies. The study also advises that parents should exercise caution and take banana as a potential allergy when introducing solid foods to their infants.
12. Constipation
Bananas could result in constipation.
Shocked? Yes, we were astounded to discover that eating bananas can cause constipation. We have known for a long time that bananas help with bowel motions, but the secret is in the ripeness of the bananas.
Green or unripe bananas contain a lot of resistant carbohydrates, which raise the possibility of constipation.
They even have high concentrations of tannic acid, which inhibits the digestive system. Tannic acid slows down gastrointestinal motility and prevents the release of gastrointestinal fluid.
On the other hand, a ripe banana can ease constipation. There have been reports that bananas can cause constipation.
13. Gas
Bananas could lead to a gas issue.
Banana consumption may cause gas. They contain fructose and soluble fibre, both of which might result in gas. It takes a lot of work for your large intestine to break down fibre, which can result in gas if you abruptly increase your intake of fibre or consume it in significant amounts.
Similar to fructose, your body may find it challenging to digest when consumed in excessive amounts.
14. Type 2 Diabetes Risk
Type 2 diabetes may be triggered by bananas.
Bananas fall within the category of “medium-level” glycemic foods, which means they have the potential to induce a slight increase in blood sugar levels.
You should limit your intake of bananas since eating too many foods with a high glycemic index can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular illnesses.
This is especially true for overripe bananas because they have a higher glycemic index than green bananas.
Be mindful of how much you consume each day.
Caution
The following are some cautions and warnings about eating bananas:
- Limit your banana consumption if your kidneys aren’t working properly.
- Bananas should be consumed within two days of the day of purchase since they should not be kept at room temperature for long periods of time. However, it’s crucial to refrain from consuming underripe bananas.
- You might be allergic to bananas or other fruits that contain the same protein if you have cramps, hives, wheezing, and throat discomfort every time you eat a banana.
- Consult your doctor to learn the suggested dosage if you wish to increase your intake of bananas.
Your kidneys may have to work very hard to remove too much potassium from your blood if you consume an excessive amount of the mineral. This carries a significant risk.
Banana And Drug Interactions
The following drug interactions involving bananas should be considered when taking medication:
1. Beta Blockers
Your doctor might have given you a class of drugs called beta-blockers if you have heart disease. The amount of potassium in the blood increases as a result of this medication. Bananas are therefore best consumed in moderation because they are high in potassium and can dangerously raise your blood potassium levels.
2. Antibacterials Oxazolidinone
You may want to limit your intake of bananas if you are taking oxazolidinone antibiotics. Tyramine, which is present in bananas, can dangerously raise blood pressure when combined with oxazolidinone antibiotics. Consult your doctor about the permitted intake.
3. ACE Blockers (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors)
These medications are recommended by doctors to treat heart failure or lower blood pressure. They raise the blood’s potassium levels similarly to beta-blockers. Because of this, you must refrain from consuming too many bananas while taking this medication as you risk experiencing palpitations and an irregular heartbeat.
4. Diuretics
To aid in the body’s removal of water, sodium, and chloride, doctors prescribe diuretics. Diuretics also aid in reducing liver or heart disease-related edoema. They help treat high blood pressure too. Since some diuretics increase the levels of potassium in the body, you should lower the intake of bananas as they can further increase the level of potassium in your blood, which can be dangerous.
Though we have listed down all the cons of eating bananas, we cannot deny the fact that when eaten in moderation, they are good for you. Unless, of course, you have a health concern that doesn’t allow you to eat them.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends every healthy adult to enjoy two cups of fruit daily (equal to two bananas) (equal to two bananas). Instead of making bananas your staple diet, you should have them alongside other healthy foods. Only then, you can make the best of the benefits of bananas.
Hope we addressed some of the questions you may have had about side effects of banana. Do give us your feedback in the comments section below.
While bananas are a healthy, tasty fruit, excessive consumption can have some negative effects. The side effects of bananas include migraine, tooth decay, and an increased risk of nerve damage. They may also cause gas or bloating in moderate cases and trigger an anaphylactic shock in severe cases. They may also interfere with certain medications like beta-blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors. Limiting or avoiding their consumption can help avoid these complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you eat 2 bananas a day?
Having two bananas a day falls within the acceptable recommended limit and is safe.
Is having 4 bananas a day too much?
Possibly. Having too many bananas in a day may lead to abdominal cramps, pain, and gas.
What happens if we eat bananas on an empty stomach in the morning?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that having bananas on an empty stomach might lead to abdominal cramps, constipation, and dizziness.
Can we drink water after eating a banana?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that having water after consuming bananas may lead to indigestion.
How long does a banana take to digest?
A banana takes about 30 minutes to digest.
Conclusion
Bananas are delicious fruits that provide essential nutrients such as vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, manganese, and fiber. Bananas are also rich sources of potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. However, there are several side effects associated with bananas including nausea, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, flatulence, and allergic reactions. Therefore, it is advisable to consume bananas in moderation.
