When I had my first metabolic panel test in November, I discovered that my potassium level was about 5.1 the normal level is actually 3.5 to 5.1 and I wasn't taking lisinopril for the heart and kidney, I wouldn't worry about having hyperkalemia which was excessive potassium in the blood. I was on 2.5mg lisinopril for two months (I still am) one of the things I first did was stop eating plantain and potatoes.
Roasted plantain and nuts were this Nigerian street food that I enjoyed. Infant I enjoyed plantain whether it was roasted, cooked, baked or steamed. Of course, I liked it fried, but I had to stop eating a lot of fried stuff (health and age). 2024 means I'm going to be 30 plus so I have to start eating differently even more than the healthier population.
I stopped eating plantain for two months and always worried about my Potassium level, my kidneys could filter them, so I wasn't concerned about this, but it being that my levels were already high, it was a no-brainer as high potassium is dangerous to the heart and the rhythmic system. When the rhythmic system is faulty, one could get atrial fibrillation which in itself is a very deadly cardiovascular disease.
I already had diastolic dysfunction and s Dilated atrium, my mission is to keep it from getting worse, and this means monitoring the vitals. Of course, my system works differently, when your illness is chronic it makes sustainability hard and it becomes a very difficult job. The uncertainty is frightening.
Back in early January, I went for another metabolic panel test, and my potassium level dropped to 3.5 not low, but normal-low, even if I was taking lisinopril.
Of course, I stopped eating a lot of food rich in potassium and introduced cucumber which was like a neutralizer. However, I was relieved that I didn't develop hyperkalemia from the lisnopril. On my way back from the hospital, I stopped by the road to buy my favorite street food. Roasted plantain and nuts. I hadn't eaten it in two months, but I didn't miss it.
My health was more important than indulging myself, but it was certainly good to have it. I've been in and out of the hospital so far, and I'm still having this food like no tomorrow. When the body is compromised with a chronic illness, you'll need to watch it.
This isn't the life I want to live, it's frustrating, hurting, painful, and tiring, but it's the new normal unless God grants stability beyond the understanding of human science. Here you have it, the unpeeled version of the plantain and the roasted version. You can fix your eyes.
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