Ask Dr Miriam

QI love bananas and eat one every day but a friend of mine has said it’s too much. Her doctor has told her that they can affect the kidneys. Is there really a connection between bananas and the bladder?

ANo, I don’t think so. Bananas are a marvellous food and I eat one several days a week myself. They’re good in smoothies and provide “slow” energy.

They’re packed with fibre and importantly with potassium. We need potassium for a healthy heart and to keep our blood pressure normal. Thinking about what your friend said, her doctor might have been advising against eating them because diseased kidneys find it difficult to get rid of potassium from the blood. But anyone with normal kidneys can easily keep blood potassium on an even keel. If your kidneys are ok I would say if you enjoy bananas continue eating one a day.