Banana Power?

[wilmerguido]

A lot of people are suggesting to eat a banana before a performance to lessen nervousness. Has anyone tried it?

[Bob]

A long time ago that came up.  Bernhard's in favor them. 

I still eat them once in awhile for that reason when I remember.  They're not unhealthy so it's not going to hurt.

[omar_roy]

The potassium found in bananas is a muscle relaxant.  It's why many athletes eat them before competing to avoid getting cramps.  The effect of easing nerves is more psychological than anything else.  It takes a while for the potassium to actually be absorbed into your system, so eating one while backstage isn't really going to help.  An hour or two before, though, will probably be your best bet if you want your body to actually experience the physiological effects.

[thalbergmad]

I get through anything up to 12 bananas on a cycle ride, but never tried them for piano.

Will give it a go.

Thal

[richard black]

Thal of course eats them mainly for their jet-propulsive effect.

[thalbergmad]

They do have that effect on me.

Thal

[wilmerguido]

OMG!! I tried it too... It does work

[invictious]

Also, with real excessive amounts of potassium in blood level it can cause your heart to stop beating. That is of course, eating waaaay too many bananas.

Potassium also calms your emotions so people with enough potassium in their diets actually don't get as angry as easily.