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?
I have just begun taking Norpace .
my grandma has Atrial Fibrillation and refuses 2 take pills, so she wants to know what is the best foods she can est? , som1 pls answer
The foods listed here in the article are a good place to start, but without a major diet overhaul, foods likely won’t control her atrial fibrillation. You will find more about diet at Hans Larsen’s Lone Afib Forum, which is in our resource list here at the blog.
The biggest concern I’d have, if I were in your shoes, is whether she is taking something to control her risk of stroke. Even if she chooses not to take pills for her afib, she should probably do something about her stroke risk. Here are a couple of articles with the latest information about stroke risk in afib to help you decide whether action is warranted to protect her from a stroke:
* New Stroke Risk Factors for Those with Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Female Gender, Heart Disease, and Age
* “HAS-BLED” Tool Identifies Those with Atrial Fibrillation at Risk for Bleeding From Coumadin or Warfarin
Mellanie
I have been using Hawthorne for about one year now and it works to regulate my heart rhythm.
Before I started using it my heart was so bad I was constantly terrified.
I would wake up many times during the night and no matter what I did it would not stop.
I went to one Dr who prescribed some medicine which I would not take and I looked up Hawthorne and it works wonders.
It has been used as a treatment for heart issues for many many years.
It also has great anti-oxidant qualities.
Do your research and you will find it does help a lot.
I have LAF and have had two attacks both at Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving the attack lasted for 7 hours. Does anyone know if eating turkey may have something to do with the attacks?
The first time I had AF was several years ago. Two family members in separate incidents died in one week while I was on a cruise. I was the executor for one of them. I attributed the AF to stress. both incidents lasted over 10 hours. The next time it happened I’m positive it was caffien. I always ask for decalf but people are lax and think it won’t matter. This month I have had 2 incidents of 4 hrs each, in my sleep!!! This is scarey.
It seems my heart does not like me laying on my left side. I kid you not.
I am 68 years old, feel pretty good; recently separated, and recently in college. I was told last month I have stage 3 kidney disease. Which means my GFR (filtration rate) has diminished. A normal progression of old age. My GFR is 5 3 and it should be over 60 preferably 90. So the two health issues are very stressful.
IM LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL DIET FOR AF or safe drug AS WELL AS A DIET FOR STAGE 3 KIDNEY DISEASE. (stage 5 is dialisis or transplant) I did read about walnuts and Omega -3 for AF. But Omerga 3 can cause bleeding and I am on aspirin therapy. I would love to have an “abilaton” but my Dr will not allow. The success rate for eradicting AF is above 80%
So that is my story, and I am freaking out.
Is it Ok to exercise? Just walking OK? December 2, 2010
Hawthorn leaves have actually been found to be the better source over the berries and are used by the professional supplement companies supplying to healthcare practitioners. Always go with a reliable company that standardizes their products for consistent strength and quality–generally for content of vitexin-2-rhamnoside and catechin polymers.
Quick note about digitalis (Digoxin) and hawthorn. Hawthorn increases the effect of digitalis, so should not be used without consulting your doctor. Digitalis dose would have to be decreased accordingly.
Hi I’m 48 &male, I also have suffered from a fib for many years, have tried everything but abluton I think it’s called.
I take a cartia ( orange pill once a day) this makes me feel lethargic & so on.
what is hawthorne
Regards shane
Hi, my comment is for Judi Neto. Judi I read your story and felt the need to write you. I read where you are taking aspirin and I had to question you on it. If you are on aspirin therapy, I would be concerned if I were you, because aspirin is said to cause kidney problems. And can also cause bleeding even on low doses. Google this: Can aspirin cause kidney problems. You will be surprised to see what comes up. If you need to take aspirin, look into taking ginger (powdered) instead. Ginger capsules are actually better than aspirin, not to mention safer, with no side effects that come from aspirin. As for your concern about bleeding with Omega 3′s, I would not worry unless you are taking over 3grams. Normal doses of fish oil should be fine and not cause any concerns of bleeding. Always follow the directions on the bottle too avoid taking to much of anything. Alpha lipoic acid is suppose to be great for many ailments including heart problems like a-fib, and many other ailments, may even be helpful too your kidneys. It is worth the try, since it is said to be safe. Anyway, I would stay clear of aspirin especially since you are already with stage 2 kidney problems. Aspirin will complicate things for you. Sadly, doctors do not tell patients these thingsfor whatever reason. And I would not listen to any doctor who tells me to continue to take aspirin with an existing kidney problem. It is a serious issue. I think the more healthier things you put in your body the better your body is going to be. Things like aspirin, are the same as taking a spoon of poison with your coffee, if you know what I mean. Natural things like ginger are safe and healthy, not to mention kind to the body. I wish you well, and hope you can turn your health problems around.
Here is an article from a Dr. Merolas website about aspirin causing kidney problems:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/02/13/aspirin-kidneys.aspx
Im new to Afib and want to know how do people live with constant Afib?
I cant do anything Im too tired and weak during Afib. I am 68 and in very good health
how do you know of you have chronc or paroximal?
I have just been diagnosed with A-Fib. I have been on Warfarin for several years because of a blod clot in my lung and it has brought me this far. I would prefer to change my eating habits, lifestyle, whatever it will take not to have an invasive surgical procedure (only as a last resort). I am willing to change my life style. I am 76 y o and am an not a person who could be happy becoming a couch potatoe. I have read some articles and most seen to encourage a healthy diet. Please give me some feed back on where I can get the information I need. Carolin
Sorry, I mispelled my last name in my comment. It is Basel not Bael. Would still like some suggestions/feedback. Thanks.
Judi,
Have you seen an electrophysiologist (a cardiologist that specializes in heart rhythms)? You might tell him or her that you don’t want to stay in afib and want to know what can be done to get you out of afib. Good luck.
Mellanie
Carolin,
The Lone Afib Forum specializes in diet and supplements to control afib. You might check in over there. The link is available on the right side of this forum, listed under Afib Forums. Hope that helps.
Mellanie
I have had 5 episodes of atrial fibrillation where I have undergone cardioversionand one where I did not.
During the first episode the EMT from a local Rescue Squad, entered my home and began talking with my husband about his artwork. When he tried to get her to take a look at me she literally told my husband I just wanted attention and if they waited long enough I would “snap out of it”. That since I” was a woman I was probably just having a panic attack.”
Finally and reluctantly she checked my heart rate which had come down and was only 230 bpm with a blood pressure of 225/127 . (I usually have a bp of 120/60).
My heart rythum returned to normal but when the EMT gave me a drink of water I could not swallow and I could not speak. Fortunately I recovered within minutes but for three years after I had trouble finding the right word when speaking, spelling, some of my long term memory was affected and my higher math skills were gone.
When the future arrythmias began my husband called 911 immediately and I under went chemical cardioversion (i.v. administered Adenosine) enroute to the ER. (By the time the EMT’s arrived my heart rate was 315 bpm and bp was in the 220-225/125-150 range.
I am so thankful that this website exists and that information about Atrial Fibrillation is being dispersed to the general public. I only hope that EMT’s, especially EMT’s in rural areas, like mine, are being educated about this as well.
I hope no other woman has to go through what I did because of ignorance.
Greetings Mellanie,
I am a 51 y o male. As recent as last week I was diagnosed with Arrhythmia; Atrial Flutter. I was also told my heart rate is low around 70 bpm. In addition I have sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Which my understanding complicates my arrhythmia issue. My doctor has me on Pradaxa. I have always been physically active and very competitive. My doctor has ordered me to stop working-out until my next office visit in 3 weeks. Is Arrhythmia for life? What should I expect to hear from the doctor on my next office visit?
Congratulations on your forum, I’m so thankful for finding your website on the internet.
Regards,
Vernell Burris, Jr.
I had a third episode A-fib a few days ago, and have been in Diltiazem for 6 months.
The doctor now wants to add flecainide to my daily regimen. Does anyone have any feedback about flecainide?
Hi. I have had A/F for many years but now feel so tired and worn out. Is there anything I could take like a tonic which could help?
thank you
Pink Orchid,
Are you staying hydrated, along with getting enough magnesium and potassium? Those can all make a difference.
If you’re exhausted from your afib, tell your doctor and ask what can be done to get you out of afib. Good luck.
Mellanie
Vernell,
Thanks for your kind words. Your doctor wants to see if curtailing the physical activity will help, and it might.
Afib and other arrhythmias are generally for life, unless you have a procedure to stop them. Whether or not it’s a permanent cure, we don’t yet know.
Mellanie
Tami,
I’m so sorry about what you went through. We’re trying to educate healthcare professionals that afib is not benign and that they need to take it very seriously.
Mellanie
Dear Christine
you said you used hawthorn for your heart abnormalities. Was it atrial fibrillation for which you used hawthorn? also pls. tell how do you use hawthorn? Do you take the leaves or you process them or you buy in packages from market? Also where can I find Hawthorn. In country hawthorn probably isn’t grown.
Please tell details. Thanks and best regrads.
M.K. Anwar
I am in AFib right now as I write this. ugh
I was fine until I ate some blueberry yogurt and an English Muffin with Apricot Preserves. Seems that every time I eat something sweet other then natural sweets ( like apples, oranges etc,,, ) my ticker starts to freak out. It use to be just cold drinks that set it off. I use to be on Atenolol, but it starting affecting my speech and memory. I was so tired all the time I just decided to carry it with me just in case. I’m 48, and have had AFib for 7 years now. I DO NOT RECOMMEND getting Cardioverged. The ER Doc almost couldn’t restart my heart after three attempts to bring it back to normal.
My episodes happen maybe once or twice a year. I started a Juicing regiment and also started adding Green Magma to my drinks. Great stuff!!! I guess I need to lay off the sweets. Any one out there have the same issues?
Thanks, Robyn
It is a cardioversion. It can save your life. There is more than one way to do it. There is medication the ER can use to restore normal rhythm rather quickly. A mechanical cardioversion does NOT stop the heart, just corrects the rhythm. An ER doctor should not perform cardioversion. Only your cardiac electrophysiologist. Persistent atrial fib can lead to stoke and heart failure, so just living with it is deadly. Persistent A-fib absolutely requires a blood thinner to prevent blood clots which cause stroke.
Robyn, when you eat a meal with lots of carbs/sugars you get a serge of insulin. insulin can cause a shift in Potassium. It is moved from the blood stream into the cells. I have a problem with loosing potassium and recently found that out. Any time your potassium is messed up it could trigger a cardiac problem. Limiting your carbs will help your heart and also your blood sugar. I also use co-Q10 and it makes my heart feel calm instead of gittery. thanks Bev
Hello Mellanie and thank you for the information you delivered into cyber space for those who are seeking answers for this terrible health condition. You appear to be one holistic health practitioner who knows what they are talking about. Thanks are extended to the other posters before me who have given some good information also.
Do you know if Nattokinase helps AFIB? It is a natural clot buster without the side effects. Is anyone reading this taking Nattokinase for their AFIB?
Also, is it okay to take less than a cup of coffee in the morning if one has AFIB?
Thanks for your answer
John had this question , I had a third episode A-fib a few days ago, and have been in Diltiazem for 6 months.
The doctor now wants to add flecainide to my daily regimen. Does anyone have any feedback about flecainide?
I used flecainide for 7 years without a recurrence of Afib, after I had a blockage of a coronary artery this could not be used, since then I have had two episodes of afib in 6 months.
My husband (64) was diagnosed with a-fib about 3 years ago. He has gone through 3 Cardioversions the 2nd worked about a year and a half the 3rd worked about 3 days than back to afiib then back to normal about 1 month later than back to afib about 2 months after that which was 4 days ago. So sad… This time is the worst yet. He is very busy and has will not stop his business, but he is exhausted. He is on so many pills and lost faith in his doctor since he didn’t ask certain question upon his first visit 3 years ago and never told him to change his lifestyle or even ask his current lifestyle. Are there any foods or natural remedies that have helped others to put there heart back in rythym?
I found this web blog by accidentally typing a search backward in google.
I was trying to double back to again MAKE SURE I read correctly. The web site I was after is one I consult frequently because I’m no food genius. When I saw this I thought, ok, lets share.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=111
Scroll down until you hit his subtitle: Cardiovascular Protection from Omega-3 Fats, then READ.
Some of you may not like Tofu and Tempeh. In our situation its wise to overcome that unless you are seriously allergic. Not many are since tofu is used in a WIDE range of food manufacture.
I saw one gentleman post that hes about 62 and willing to change his diet rather than undergo any invasive procedure. I’m a vet. I had to have stents put in at a V.A. hospital. Yes its an emotionally frightening experience but you really don’t feel it. Invasive these days isn’t like it would be in the 1960′s or so. Or Buddha forbid even earlier but I agree because there is a risk of a blockage breaking away and a stroke happening right on the table and you’re awake to experience it. (No, I didn’t.) But like you I have changed my diet radically. No fast food. My meat intake is close to zero. Most of my food is beans, veggies and tofu. I prefer bison burgers as a splurge once a month, if that. Most of my “junk food” comes from a health food store.
Thanks for listening to my little health food speech.
Namaste
As someone who is allergic to soy, let me caution folks to be very careful with it as soy is a very common allergy. In addition there are other reasons to be careful not to over-consume soy products. So be very careful with soy.
I think people should first concentrate on removing foods that may cause arrhythmia from their diet, and only after this focusing on foods that may prevent arrhythmia. Otherwise you’re just fixing a symptom, not an underlying cause.
I’ve had arrhythmia for many years, and I managed to defeat it only by removing certain foods and drinks from my diet. I did not add anything new.
You can read my whole story (along with complete medical documentation) here:
http://www.mcarticles.com/a/how-i-cured-my-arrhythmia-a-personal-story
Skim milk stops my A-Fib in its tracks
Robyn, My post was meant for you. My A-fib is always brought on by sweets and skim milk fixes it.
I have had afib for the past three year. I have been converted 5 times and had 1 ablasion so far any advise. Im on thinners and digoxin.
just found this site today, great stuff! I am 42 and have had afib fo close to 5 years now. I was a tobacco user for many years (snuff) and have quit since last year….the 1 st couple of times i had episodes was in relation to drinking to much the previous evening…all that is behind me now, i even gave up caffeine…so i rarely consume alcohol, havnt had caffeine in a couple of years, i dont touch nicotine anymore….and i still get 2-3 episodes a year. i dont take any meds because they make me feel terrible, i do work out 3-4 days per week…i do believe that the right diet can help prevent afib, as aspartme has given me a flutter now and then, i just dont know what that diet is??
My doctor tells me to stop all these bad habits, which i did, butr she never mentions the stress that i have in my life and how that can be a possibility??
please comment….
William,
Stress is a very common cause or trigger, though not often mentioned by doctors. See our blog post below about stress. If it weren’t such a common issue, there likely wouldn’t be 147 comments on that blog post. In addition, you can click on Stress in the list of categories (lower right side of the page) to see more stress-related articles.
Does Stress Cause Atrial Fibrillation?
Mellanie
Jim,
So the ablation didn’t work? What has the electrophysiologist who did the ablation recommended as the next step?
Sometimes a second ablation will solve the problem, especially if it is flutter rather than afib. But if it is afib, sometimes surgery is worth considering.
Mellanie
My A Fib always starts with what feels like a spasm or contraction in the top of my stomach then I feel my throat flutter right in the little depression on your lower neck. If I let is go on too long my heart starts to flutter too. I was in the hospital 2 years ago because I went to the emergency room and they admitted me. I told the Dr. I have to watch what I eat, if I eat too much it will trigger and attack. The Dr. gave me Bentyl for my stomach to control the attacks and it seems to do the job. I take a Bentyl when I and starting to have an attack and it stops in 30 minutes. No one believes me when I tell them food causes me to have an attack. Has anyone else heard of this?
Richard,
Absolutely. That’s a hallmark of “vagally-mediated” afib, which is related to the vagal nerve and can result from eating. It is less common than “adrenergic” afib.
Mellanie