Bananas are an excellent source of potassium. Many Chronic Pancreatitis patients find themselves with low potassium levels which can be dangerous because low potassium levels can cause many symptoms, some lethal. However ...
Bananas need to be eaten BEFORE they begin to spot. Spotting signifys the sugar in bananas is turning into alcohol and alcohol, even small amounts, is toxic to the pancreas. Over ripe, spotted bananas can cause Acute pancreatitis in those who suffer from chronic pancreatitis.
I learned this lesson the hard way. You don't need to but if you don't believe me do your research or better yet grab a ripe banana (one full of spots) peel it and sniff! You can smell the alcohol.
This also means that any food prepared with over ripe bananas (those with spots) such as fruit salad that contains bananas, banana bread, banana cream pie, banana pudding etc ... could be your next invitation to acute pancreatitis, even if you have diligently adhered to my pancreattitis diet and supplement regimen and even have healed with no signs of abdominal pain.
The only safe banana for us who suffer with pancreatitis is one that does NOT have even ONE spot on the outside peel. So be advised ...
Eat bananas but eat them when the peel still shows some green or there are absolutely ZERO spots and do NOT eat anything prepared with bananas that you didn't prepare after first inspecting the bananas used in the food.
Leave a comment and let me know you're alive!
This is not something I would of thought of!!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering what your feeling is on ERCPs? I am having an MRCP next Thursday and have no desire whatsoever to have an ERCP is needed. I have read too many horror stories and don't want to go there at all.
On the positive side I'm five days out of hospital and very, very little discomfort off and on. I'm taking all the supplements that you mentioned except for the curcumin as that hasn't arrived yet and other than feeling very tired I'm doing really good. Actually the last two nights have been the best sleep I have had in almost two months. Whether related to the supplements so quickly or not I don't know but I am very happy thus far!!
Tami
Tami, glad you are doing well considering. I have never had either an ERCP or an MRCP. I had an endoscopy which may have been an early form of ERCP but knowing what I know (from what other's have said about their experience and what I have read concerning risks) I'd have to be hog-tied, sedated and the ERCP done without my consent before I had one. MRCP on the other hand seems to be much safer and non-invasive.
ReplyDeleteSorry so late for the comment, but I was recently diagnosed with Pancreatitis, and I'm a little confused with what youre saying... so im supposed to eat the banana when its green, somewhat green and yellow, or yellow with no green spots yet NO brown spots at all?? Thank you in advance :)
ReplyDeleteBananas that are slightlt green or yellow without browning (spots) are safest. Once the banana begins to get those brown spots the sugar is turning to alcohol. Alcohol is bad. No matter what type of pancreatitis you have or what caused it, if you have damage, alcohol is not your friend. You can peel a spotted banana, sniff it and smell the alcohol. Of course the more it has spotted the stronger the alcohol smell.
DeleteI'm learning this one the hard way and happened upon this site after doing a search because I ate an overripe banana about 4hrs ago. I'm feeling pretty miserable right now...and unfortunately today at the doctor's, he decided he was reducing my pain meds. Of all days, of course. (We argue every month on how much it takes to manage my pain, I'm sure you all know how that goes.) I should have known better (pancreatitis since 2005, diagnosed chronic about a year & 1/2 ago) but am also diabetic and was feeling weak and grabbed the last banana in the house for a quick fix. Big mistake! I'm hoping to ride through this without a visit to the emergency room. Meditating and staying as still as I can. I'm glad I found this site though, looks like there is a good amount of info for support. Thank you for putting it together!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Hope you find something that helps you!
Deletepotatoes (mashed, don't try to fry them) are a good source of potassium as well. Actually, mashed potatoes work better then rice for me when giving pancreas a rest.
ReplyDeletetomatoes also contain potassium. No need to resort to bananas.
Exactly! Great Comment Rembal. Mashed potatoes are full of potassium, especially if the skins are left on. Yep you can wash and boil potatos with the skins on (German potato salad is done this way but don't eat it!). Anyway ...
DeleteBoiled or baked taters are great! NO butter or gravy! Just use salt and pepper or some other spice like garlic. Garlic mashed potatos are good.
Tomatos are GREAT! That's why I always suggest V8 juice when just starting to heal from an acute attack. Lots of potassium and tomatoes are the backbone of that particular juice.
Thanks for pointing it out Rembal. Stay well. It sounds like you have learned well :-)
What about the carBS in potatoes...aren't they a no..no for Diabetes patients...wife has diabetes type II and Pancreatitis..
DeleteSomehow I didn't see this comment until now. Unfortunately diabetics do have challenges where simple carbs (white potatoes) are concerned. White rice is also another simple carb. Simply choose complex carbs instead which do not turn into sugar so rapidly.
DeleteI was just diagnosed with unspecified pancreatitis. I read that recent surgery, pain med and lack of rest can bring on this situation. How true is that? My dr asked if I drink and said yes but it had been 3 days prior to a flare up. But it happened rite after I took a pain pill. Help please.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you have joined the pancreatitis hall of pain. Some surgical procedures and pain medication (narcotics) can cause acute pancreatitis. Alcohol usage can as well especially if you happen to have the genetic variant that predisposes one to alcoholic pancreatitis.
DeleteI have some pain above the belly button that seems to radiate into my back...but I've had bloodwork and an ultrasound that is seemingly normal....what should I watch for before asking for further testing?
ReplyDeleteWatch for severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or severe pain without nausea and vomiting. Go to ER if you experience pain bad enough to make a prudent person seek help.
DeleteI have just been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. I don't know really what I can and can't eat safely, could you please advise me. I am a week out of emergency wap in for four days. Than they boot me out with not even a information leaflet. And in severe pain. To make matters worse its another two weeks before I get in to see my gp. Could you please direct me too you're blog. Although I only use a android phone. I have no pc or
ReplyDeletelap top . Regards Greg
Hi Anonymous - sorry I didn't see this until right now but this is an old blog and my new site is located at: https://beatingpancreatitis.com/
DeleteHi Greg - again I apologize. I didn't notice your name until now. Again I apologize for not responding until now when it is likely too late (you may have given up on ever hearing back from me) but IF you should need direction still please visit my current site at: https://beatingpancreatitis.com/
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