20 Home Remedies for Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation systems depend on whether the heart rate is slower or faster than normal. With increases in age; inevitably, heart rate decreases. Heartbeats that are observably very rapid can prove to be extremely dangerous and is a risk factor for further heart associated complications.
An ischemia is caused when heartbeats become so chaotic that blood clots result. In the process, the blood clots suppress the blood flow to other organs in the body. The pooling of blood in the top chambers of the heart increases the risk of getting strokes. Blockages in the lower chambers of the heart can eventually lead to heart failure.
Common Causes of Atrial Fibrillation
- Old age can lead to atrial fibrillation (people who are of 60 years of age have a greater chance of getting atrial fibrillation than people who are younger than 60).
- Females have a larger chance of being atrial fibrillation sufferers than males.
- Being previously affected by heart disease, high blood pressure, or heavy cholesterol makes one more eligible to contract atrial fibrillation.
- Persons with a known history of suffering from diabetes, thyroid disorder, stroke, or vascular diseases have a greater chance of contracting atrial fibrillation.
- People who are generally overweight can also be sufferers of atrial fibrillation.
- Having poor dietary preferences can contribute to atrial fibrillation.
- High levels of inflammation lead to atrial fibrillation.
- Atrial fibrillation can occur due to a genetic history of atrial fibrillation in the family.
- Cigarette smoking (including electronic cigarettes) can lead to atrial fibrillation.
- Living a stressful lifestyle increases a person’s chances of having atrial fibrillation.
- Exposure to polluted environments and toxins can speed up the chances of getting atrial fibrillation.
Home Remedies to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation and Treat its Symptoms
1. Avoid Caffeine
For patients with atrial fibrillation, it is best to stop all forms of caffeine consumption. This means being wary when drinking energy drinks, sodas, and coffee. The relationship between caffeine intake and atrial fibrillation has not been extensively studied.\
2. Avoid Alcohol
Just like caffeine, alcohol intake is also a cause for concern. Consuming large amounts of alcohol weakens heart muscles while simultaneously increasing the heart rates in the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Although usually, the heartbeat bounces back to normal speed when alcohol intake is stopped, patients with atrial fibrillation suffer from increased heart rhythms by indulging in the slightest sip of alcohol. A diary should be kept to note the relation of heartbeat rates to alcohol consumption.
3. Avoid Marijuana
Like alcohol, marijuana use can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Do not smoke weed or eat any “edibles” containing marijuana. It is also recommended to avoid all other kinds of illegal drugs.
4. Avoiding Certain Weight Loss Products
Over the counter weight loss products usually contain herbal and non-herbal ingredients that may increase a person’s metabolism. These products may be hazardous to one’s heart. If you are taking these products and you are experiencing palpitations, chest pains, dizziness, or other negative heart effects are signs that the product usage should be stopped until a physician is consulted. For the physician to properly assess the intensity of the situation, the medication bottle should be taken with for the consultation especially if further negative heart effects begin.
5. Reducing Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D impacts the way the body makes use of calcium. Hearts create impulses using calcium, potassium, and other natural vitamins and minerals in one’s body. An escalated level of calcium promotes the heart to beat more and rapidly conduct electrical impulses. Doctors who study the vitamin D level in the bodies of patients’ note that patients with higher levels of vitamin D run at the risk of getting Atrial Fibrillation. If the body needs vitamin D due to deficiencies, the vitamin D level should be continuously monitored so that reduction in vitamin D dosages can be administered when required.
6. Fish Oil
Fish oil has properties that alter the upper heart chambers. Regular fish eaters have lower chances of getting atrial fibrillation. However, the type of fish eaten plays a role in the reduction or escalation of a person’s chances of having atrial fibrillation. Cold-water fish eaters have a lower risk, whereas people who prefer dark meat fish (like salmon or bluefish) are more likely to get atrial fibrillation.
Fish dinner
7. Dietary Fiber
A study conducted using 4,526 participants revealed that having high dietary fiber results in a reduction of a person’s chances of having atrial fibrillation. The risk of atrial fibrillation is reduced to 14% when fruits, cereals, and legumes are a part of one’s daily diet. Adding more fiber to your diet is recommended for many other home remedies as well, including Amoebiasis, anemia, and bed sores.
8. Increase Magnesium Intake
A decline in magnesium levels in the body can make the heart more irritable. Magnesium, therefore, was confirmed to treat abnormal heart beats by up to 60%. Magnesium in this regard is used for sufferers whose heartbeats are rather unusual. Talk to your doctor about the amount of magnesium is right for you.
9. Avoid Inflammatory Foods
As mentioned, certain types of food can reduce the inflammation level in the body. It is well known that higher inflammation levels are associated with coronary artery disease, heart attack, and other heart-related health issues. Food such as refined vegetable oils, factory-farm meat, added sugars, trans fat and high sodium foods are not considered inflammation reducing foods.
10. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Resorting to eating all sorts of nuts (walnuts, sunflower seeds etc.), dark chocolate, fruits (cherries and berries) and whole grain bread is a great dietary choice and all these food have anti-inflammatory properties.
11. Eat Less Red Meat
Red meat ought to be eaten less to prevent atrial fibrillation. Instead, eat more poultry, fish, and vegetarian sources of protein (beans and nuts).
12. Stop Smoking
By quitting smoking, the body’s inflammation levels will automatically reduce. Both first and second-hand smoking increases the body’s inflammation levels and is a key factor in causing atrial fibrillation. Quitting smoking can also help with another heart problem called Angina.
Quit smoking
13. Wenxin Keli
Wenxin Keli is a Chinese herb that has been noted for its beneficial properties in reducing abnormal heart rates, body inflammation, and heart failure. Research indicates that animals who consumed Wenxin Keli had their atrial fibrillation suppressed. Although this has been shown, there is no concrete evidence from well-known studies of the atrial fibrillation reduction supposedly caused by this herb.
14. Coenzyme Q-10
Coenzyme Q-10 is an antioxidant which occurs naturally in one’s body and protects the body from stress. Once a body is exposed to stress it causes cells to die to cause atrial fibrillation to develop. Coenzyme Q-10 has positive benefits for both the upper and bottom heart chambers but these benefits still need to be proved with research.
15. L- Carnitine
L-Carnitine is said to transport fatty acids to the mitochondria of the cells to be used as energy. Thus, L- Carnitine supplements are used as energy boosters. Once energy stores in the heart’s upper chamber is improved, heart scars, fibrosis, and diseases are also reduced. Ask your doctor if L-Carnitine supplements could be right for you.
16. Hawthorn
Hawthorn has an influence on minimizing chest pain. Research has shown that it may also reduce blood pressure. In the case of atrial fibrillation patients, Hawthorn should only be tried after consulting with a physician, as Hawthorn has an impact on medications normally taken by atrial fibrillation sufferers to slow down their heartbeat rates.
Hawthorn berries
17. Exercise
Maintaining an appropriate body weight can help to prevent atrial fibrillation. Exercising in moderation is recommended. Interval training is a solution to avoid heartbeats being irregular for greater than 60 minutes.
18. Avoid stress
Stress is natural but too much stress causes hearts to beat faster. Indulge in less stressful activities as opposed to exposing yourself to highly stressful situations. Seek help if stress-related incidents cause irregular heart rhythms.
19. Yoga
Yoga is a great form of moderate exercise, ensuring ultimate stability and it is an exercise form that can be effective in reducing stress. A range of breathing exercises along with body slants and positioning are effective to alleviate stress. If you cannot do yoga, meditation may also be able to help.
20. Restorative sleep
Restorative sleep is required to lower stress levels, keep the heart healthy, and restore heartbeats back to normal. Improving one’s sleeping area and sleep quality are ways to ensure you getting the restorative sleep that is needed. People affected by sleep apnea may need to use a CPAP machine to reduce stress levels at night.
Are you interested in trying any of these suggestions to reduce your risk for atrial fibrillation? If so, comment below!
References
http://www.healthline.com/health/atrial-fibrillation-natural-alternative-treatments
http://www.drjohnm.org/2011/03/the-best-tool-for-treating-atrial-fibrillation/
http://www.webmd.com/heart/features/reset-heart-rhythm-procedures#1
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/02/atrial-fibrillation-dispelling-6-myths/
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/atrial_fibrillation/page7_em.htm
