10 Home Remedies To Treat Atrial Fibrillation

Managing the symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) often involves a combination of medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments. While consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial, some individuals explore complementary home remedies to ease the effects of AFib. These remedies, ranging from lifestyle modifications to herbal supplements, aim to support heart health and potentially alleviate certain symptoms associated with this condition. However, it's essential to seek guidance from healthcare providers before incorporating any home remedies into your AFib management plan.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is a heart condition characterized by irregular and often rapid heartbeats. Normally, the heart's upper chambers (atria) contract in a coordinated manner to push blood into the lower chambers (ventricles) for efficient pumping. In AFib, the atria quiver or fibrillate, causing an irregular heartbeat that can lead to poor blood flow, blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other complications.

The irregular electrical signals in the atria disrupt the heart's rhythm, leading to symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest discomfort. AFib can be occasional or persistent and is associated with various risk factors, including age, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and other chronic conditions.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.

# 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.