Foods That May Prevent Atrial Fibrillation
Last time, we mentioned the Micronutrient Information Center of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Here’s some additional information from there related to cardiac arrhythmias:
“Walnuts are especially rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid with a number of cardioprotective effects, including the prevention of cardiac arrhythmias that may lead to sudden cardiac death.”
So, walnuts can help prevent cardiac arrhythmias. Wow!
Other good sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnut oil, canola oil, mustard oil, soybean oil, and tofu.
If you’re not familiar with flaxseed, check out my flaxseed article.
If you have atrial fibrillation, it might be worth considering adding these foods to your diet.
Do these foods help with your afib?
I take digoxin daily 250 MCG for my reoccurring A-Fib.
Recently, I have read that the supplement Hawthorne Berries aids digoxin in preventing A-Fib?
Is there anyone with any feedback or knowledge on taking Hawthorne Berries to also prevent A-Fib?
My A-Fib seems to be caused by extreme exercise as I have been a Master Triathlete for 20 years and I am now 66 and in excellent physical condition except for 4 bouts of A-Fib within the last 2 years.
I want to continue triathlon participation, but I am concerned that my A-Fib on occasion may prevent me from doing so.
Comments welcome.
Interesting — I may work some walnuts into my meals just for the heck of it. I read the flaxseed article as the value of flaxseed keeps coming up over and over. 3 tbsp of flaxseed has 130 calories (of course walnuts have nearly as much). Eating 6 tbsp a day for your afib might add new health problems to your array! Unfortunately, it seems like there is no free lunch and you must pay for everything somehow. Sad.
Judy,
Yes, all things in moderation, including walnuts and flaxseed. 6 tbsp of flaxseed is probably more than you need. General recommendations for flaxseed are 1 tbsp per day for those without heart disease, 3-4 tbsp per day for those with heart disease. But that replaces other fats needed in the diet.
Mellanie
James,
I’m not familiar with hawthorne berries with digoxin. You might post a query on Hans Larsen’s Lone Atrial Fibrillation forum (you’ll find the link in our Afib Forums section). They are the experts on diet and supplements, and I know that Hans has some strong feelings on diogixin based on his research.
As a triathlete, you may find Ralph Miller’s story (http://www.stopafib.org/ralph.cfm) to be of interest. He shared the impact meds had on his athletics.
Good luck.
Mellanie
I just started taking Norpace for my a-fib. Is anyone taking it?