I thought I should share with you my recent experience with probiotics (the ingestion of good bacteria into the gut) as the results have been little short of amazing.
Like many A-Fibbers, my episodes are triggered by digestive issues. In my case, not just some or many but every episode is preceded with bloating, wind, gastric gurgling etc, usually soon after a meal. I’ve always believed that if I could just settle my stomach, my AF would disappear but I’ve tried all sorts of food combinations, eliminations, portion sizes, timings (nothing after midday for example) but alas, none has been particularly effective. I’ve also had all the consultant arranged scans and pokes it’s possible to have to identify a gastric problem and I appear to be in perfect working order.
Following my AF diagnosis, the frequency of episodes increased from annual, through monthly to weekly and most recently to a point where I was having an episode shortly after swallowing any food at all, i.e. up to three or four times daily. They wouldn’t necessarily last long, sometimes only a few minutes but it was getting to the point where I was in AF as much as I was in NSR. I thought permanent AF was just around the corner.
Then I read a post - unrelated to AF - from someone who had started taking a probiotic called acidophilus and it had transformed his life which hitherto had been plagued with chronic digestive issues. In for a penny, I thought I’d give it a try.
It’s taken in capsule form, once daily and almost straightaway, I noticed a difference. Those windy flutters in my stomach have completely disappeared. The dull ache in my upper abdomen that started whenever I laid down? Gone. I don’t get the bloating and wind any longer and, most importantly, my AF episodes have pretty well stopped. Only orange juice, cheese and large meals now trigger attacks so they are avoided and to date - some 4 weeks into my programme I am yet to have an AF episode.
Acidophilus capsules flood your gut with billions of ‘good bacteria’. It does this with a massively increased dose compared to certain branded yogurts and, of course, without the calorie intake.
Two years ago, following a colonoscopy examination I was given a ‘double’ dose of drugs to clear a serious problem I had with helicobacter pylori. (just google if you’re not familiar). Whether or not, in clearing out the bad bacteria, my reserves of good bacteria were also so seriously depleted that they failed to recover - I just don’t know.
But there it is. I’m usually pretty sceptical when it comes to ‘natural remedies’ but nearly 5 weeks in, acidophilus has changed my life - and my outlook. It hasn’t cured my AF of course but if one is not actually having episodes, that has to be the next best thing.
Finally a quick ‘health warning’ which will please the forum moderators! All probiotics can assist the production of Vitamin K, thus reducing the effectiveness of warfarin. In my case it has made no difference at all but it would be wise to let your GP know and to have a period of more frequent INR checks just to keep an eye on it.
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RobertELee
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Very interesting post lee lac, glad it has worked for you. I wonder what was worse, the bloating or the AFib, both at the same time must have made your life a misery. Glad you found a solution.
'Probio 10' (simply means there's 10 billion goodies in each capsule though I haven't counted them!) Holland and Barrett (other retailers are out there of course)
I have been using Priobiotic 3 x day for two weeks and do feel better, with very limited to no episodes of AF...however it does effect my INR slightly going to Nurse tomorrow to check again.... but it should right itself in the end if I continue to use the Priobiotic. daily. I am On Warfarin 3mg and 5Mg of Bisophorol only as had to come off Amoidarone 20days ago because of the very bad side effects.. Has anyone else have anything to say they use alternative natural therapy that helps them
I've just started taking H&Bs Probio 20 billion - nothing like a good overdose in the morning! 5 weeks to the day and still no AF. Fabulous.
Bob, I think I might have stumbled on the Bowen Technique without knowing it. I used to find that, whenever my upper abdomen discomfort started, if I used the balls of my hands pressing and rolling it downwards I could get some relief. I think what I was actually doing was pushing wind 'southwards' as after a few minutes of doing this it would often result in a really satisfying fart - if you'll excuse the Middle English!
Could also be that you were affecting your celiac valve, that would do what you describe. Bowen technique does not use manipulation or strong pressure.
I have always used probiotics (worth purchasing excellent quality) and have had no effect alas on the Afib. good to try though if it worked for you, might for others. Yes Bowen technique is great as well as NST, (the offshoot of Bowen) Great ideas!
Had a look at the probiotics you siad you take, but unfortunately they contain maltodextrin which can cause a fast heart rate. If you google maltodextrin and side effects you will see.
Maltodextrin and any artificial additives can trigger my PAF. I'm so disappointed. Please let us know if you continue without any attacks. I may search for some that don't have that in them.
I will certainly. Only time will tell if this really is going to make a difference but for me, to be free of AF for over a month - and counting - is remarkable to say the least. I've noticed no increase in heart rate but I guess we're all different.
I am so glad for you leelec, there was once upon a time you were not open to alternative ideas - foods - teas etc. I have been diagnosed with IBS after trying to treat this myself for some time, and the alternatives for me are Mint Tea now, and Mintec (a brand name for peppermint oil) this has truly helped me enormously, I am now following the Fodmap diet, under the direction of a dietician. Pleased to say no episodes for 5 weeks now and even then was fairly mild attack. How much are these tablets and how many do you take. I use yoghurt every other day.
I'm still very sceptical about 'natural' remedies ultramarine but credit where credit is due. This seems to be making a difference, a big difference, for me. The acidophilus capsules from Holland & Barrett are quite expensive - I can't remember exactly but about £15 for a couple of months worth however that particular shop often has what they call a 'penny sale' whereby, with all products, you buy one and get another for a penny. You might be able to get cheaper online but for obvious safety reasons I would be very wary about buying 'medicines' from an unknown and untrusted source. In fact, I wouldn't.
i fine this information very interesting. i suffer the same dull uncomfortable bloating feelings in my stomach which really make me irritable and tired, the doctors just keep throwing anti acid tablet at me( i am now on my third batch of anti acid this in itself is worrying to me as i don't suffer with heartburn just lot of wind and no tests carried out so it could be that i am not producing enough hcl in which case anti acid are just inflaming the problem. it as always been my opinion that some af is just a symptom brought on by other underlining problem in the stomach. i wonder if some or any research into this area as been done i know that h pylori. and hiatus hernias can cause af which i have had both so it would make sense if bad bacteria in the gut could have an effect. i believe passionately that the body is designed to heal itself and inflammation plays a big role in diseases. but alas big drugs companies don't invest in finding ways to get us off their drugs there are all about control rather than cure.
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Could anyone tell me if they have had major surgery and also suffer from AF?
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