I think I got dehydrated over the last few days so had 5 hours of AF, very unusual. I have a tooth root infection so going for an assessment for root canal treatment in 2 weeks so I think that could be the underlying cause.
Anyway - it suddenly occurred to me that as we drink more, we wash away electrolytes so lots of salt on a sandwich at lunchtime and as I was resting with feet up - sipping water and herbal teas blessed NSR returned. 🙏
Very good point CD. If you get thirsty it is usually far too late and proactive is the word.
I discovered this one year at Monza working in 34 degrees when I made myself quite ill. The next day we took many litres of water and prompted each other to drink all day and no problems. Yes added salt is important plus sugar but that is not difficult in Italy where they are not so obsessed with low this and that. Glad you are better now and hope the tooth problems soon behind you..
The Italian consumption of ultra processed junk is still one of the lowest in Europe and was probably much lower then. Salt is necessary for life and if you don't eat UPF you don't have to worry about overconsumtion because you know how much you are adding to your food. If you use unrefined sea salt it has other minerals as well. There is controversy about whether salt actually does lead to hypertension but it has become a mantra like animal fat.
My excuse to eat salt and vinegar crisps and I pop rehydration tablets containing both magnesium and potassium too
I’ve known a packet of ready salted crisps, plus a cuppa, to make me feel much better. Not exactly a health food, but it works!
you know I think it is Healthfood!
There is a very small list of ingredients too - potatoes, sunflower oil and salt. Since my blood tests have shown slightly low sodium levels, I tend not to worry too much about salt. I certainly hate having too much of it in soup though, a regular occurrence in cafe soup.
a little of what you fancy ….
Trust you 😘
Come on, G&T, salt and vinegar crisps. Heaven! Can’t feel the ensuing AF!!🤸🏻♂️🤸🏻♂️xx
Had a sneaky Hendricks in cucumber, and fevertree tonic water, with plenty of ice, in the Stillhouse ,over here in northern ireland last night. Was going to go for the delicious Guinness but needed cooling down. At home, marmite crisps would be my accompaniment 😘
Marmite not for me. Was force fed Guinness when feeding kids xx
Sound like same as me .Iron tablets didnt agree so Midwife advised Guiness. Not forced though, always loved the stuff, its the Irish in me. Even had some shipped to NZ for pregnancy of 4thchild whilst living there for 2yrs. Yum 🤪
Yes, I’d say it was in this context 😎
My guilty pleasure too!
Hydration is a big important factor in my PAF and many of my episodes can probably be directly or indirectly be associated with poor hydration. As well as 2+ litres of water per day, I supplement with electrolytes as necessary. I always use electrolytes at the start of any AF event (diarolyte or sports electrolytes) and take 500mg oral magnesium taurate/glycinate. I believe this helps recovery back to NSR.
Just to add - A year ago, I drank a litre of ice cold water when dehydrated. This actually instigated AF (vagal) rather than prevented it ! So best to drink water at room or tap temperature not iced water !!!...
I’m not surprised 😮
I don’t like chilled water these days because of my sensitive teeth but sometimes when my ectopics are going pell mell, cold water from the fridge feels a bit calming.
icy water can take you into AF and can help you get out of AF - a cold shower plus an iced water drink can sometimes shock the system back to NSR.
That sounds like fun! 😜
I'm terrible at remembering to drink water and dehydration is a trigger for me. I also take diarolyte when I go into AF or in fact if I think I'm getting dehyrated. I take Mg Taurate daily but never thought about taking more when I go into AF.
Drink coconut water to rehydrate good luck with your tooth
Drinking coconut water was mentioned once before on this group and it worked like a charm for me, so thank you all, for mentioning it and mentioning it again. Dr. Gundry, who I listen to his podcasts, mentioned to drink any water coming out of Italy, as it containes the most amount of minerals and is pH balanced as well. He did mention it is by law that Italian water has to be. San Pellegrino, is the most widely distributed one here in the States.
A salient reminder, pleased to hear you are back on track……
It's so easy to become dehydrated before we realise what has happened and an infection certainly didn't help you either.
My cardiologist advised me to drink at least 2 litres of water a day but also to take 3gr of salt daily as my sodium levels are naturally low. I admitted to him that I found a box of Pringles very useful once in stopping an AF episode in the early days!
The demonising of salt and its removal from so many staple foods don't help us maintain a balance easily.
So glad you are back in NSR - best wishes with the tooth.
I have to take at least 6g/daily salt and sometimes take a mineral supplement. I thought the salt theory, like the cholesterol myth, had been debunked - but apparently not. My father used to take salt tablets, he got used to taking them after being in Burma, India & Pakistan and continued - until his kidneys became problematic.
Always good to carry a salty snack.
I am new here. Salt can help get you if a afib?? 😱. I’ve been avoiding it like the plague!!
Why are you avoiding it? What should be avoided is processed foods and especially ultra processed foods because you don't know how much salt is in the processed foods.
If you go to A&E with AFib often one of the first thing they will do is hang a saline bag and test your electrolytes because dehydrations is often the cause.
You DO need to be careful with sal if you have high BP and/or kidney dysfunction and take instructions from your renal team but as far as AF is concerned, for most people daily intake should be up to 6g/day - that's about one teaspoon - including all the salt in cooking and processed foods. If you drink a lot in warm weather, you may need more and that was my point. I need more salt anyway because I am hyper mobile with low BP.
Keeping electrolytes balanced is very important so you may benefit from reading up on the very important role Electrolytes play in nutrition and how our heart cells function and which electrolytes are involved but keeping them in balance is key - many people used to use far too much salt, that's a given, but nowadays because many people have stopped using it completely that's just as bad - Balance is the key.
I have naturally low sodium and low normal blood pressure and I take a beta blocker, hence my cardio's advice about salt.
My husband’s BP is creeping up so we have much less in our shared meals (boo!). Like many people here I’m also prone to low serum sodium and my BP can dip below 90/60 quite often so I like a bit of salt. I like to keep well hydrated too, 2L per day isn’t quite enough and in this hot weather I can need more like 3L.
Staying well hydrated is also very good for the appearance of your skin, too. Being dehydrated makes people look old and haggard, better than any expensive lotions and potions. So there’s a very low cost beauty tip for you 😉
Wow. Sorry so many things going on at once. I'm certainly not a fan of Gatorade or similar on a regular basis, but studies show that both the sugar and electrolyte content aide fast hydration. Personally, I have found this the case and keep Gatorade and Propel Water handy in case of an afib episode. If sugar is an issue, there are non sugar versions. Feel better.
Jim
Coconut water works best - sugar or sweeteners is a definite NO! Not sure we have Gatorade here but you can buy electrolyte drinks but I prefer to make my own - liquidised water melon + coconut water (not drink) works.
I hear you about sugar, but under extreme circumstances (afib episode for example) I look at things a bit different. Sugar is know to accelerate hydration. Not only that, as an afib trigger, sugar can sometimes convert you. At least it did with me. Never had sugar or coffee when in normal rhythm, but converted afib episodes half a dozen times with donuts and strong coffee 
What puts you in afib, often gets you out of it.
Jim
Very true. My golfing friend carries loaded water with sugar & salt - works for her.
My one (and only) perk when I went into afib were the Donuts and Coffee I miss them, but not the afib episodes! I try not to get too dehydrated these days so been sticking with water, but if things started to go South, like your friend, I wouldn't hesitate to go for the sugar and salt (Gatorade)
Jim
There are healthier ways of getting sugar than sugary brand name drinks. Dried fruit for example. Or pineapple juice.
I agree on an every day basis, however, when you're having a fast afib episode, for example, your body is under tremendous stress and often very dehydrated.
In those situations, glucose/dextrose ( like Gatorade) is more effective for hydration and electrolyte replenishment than fruit sugar (fructose). And that's why when you get IV fluids in the hospital. The usual mix contains glucose/dextrose and not fructose.
Jim
Do you buy it at the pharmacy? I've never seen it here in France.
I was referring to the drip IV solutions they use in the hospitals in the overhead bags that go into your vein. Point was that they use glucose/dextrose (like Gatorade) and not the sugar found in fruit (sucrose).
I think there’s a Lucozade equivalent. But TBH I think Lucozade should be something you have to buy OTC at the pharmacy.
I’ve been following this post with a lot of interest. Decided I would get some dioraylite as a kick start to good practice before trying to make my own and as I’m unsure of what to use and the quantities. Chemist didn’t have any but showed me another similar brand saying they sell a lot of it etc. checked ingredients and it had sucralose in it. I couldn’t believe sucralose was an ingredient and told the assistant thanks but wouldn’t touch it because of that. Checked rehydration drinks too and they were all the same.
Well that’s me off to the Himalayas for salt and Italy for lemons and whatever else is needed. There are so many recipes or ideas out there I’m not sure which one to go with.
Thank you CD for this post. Have found it so very helpful. xxx
Sorry to hear you've had this episode of AF, CD. I'm glad you soon sent it packing! I always respect and learn from all that you say. Each morning I start my day with a glass of water. I notice that when I occasionally have a peppermint and licorice herbal tea I sleep better. Yes I know about licorice and blood pressure
Phew glad to hear that about salt, because I've just eaten two packets of crisps. Just been food shopping and it's always tempting to buy some rubbish foods that are on offer.
I bet your AF was caused by both things, dehydration and tooth infection, together they just pushed you over the edge.
Hope you stay well now.
Jean
The amount of liquorice in a herbal tea is probably ultra safe, and if it’s a nice drink and helps you sleep, so much the better. That probably benefits your BP in the long term.
Thanks for your response. Yes, that's what I tell myself.
Jean
I mix together quarter teaspoon of cream of tartar powder with a splash of lemon juice, splash of apple cider vinegar, and a little bit of Himalayan salt in a litre of water. It isn’t the best tasting concoction but at least I’m putting something back to the system. 👍
That sounds absolutely disgusting! Reasoning for cream of tartar?
Potassium.
😂
My thoughts exactly! 🤮
Glad to hear your in SR! I happen to agree with your theory of internal stress inducing afib. Also having high blood pressure and eating high salt products on top of it, plus possibly drinking coffee are a deadly combination. It’s happened to me out of nowhere I started to connect those dots. I find what helps is rehydrating to get salt out then I actually take a 2 mg Ativan to relax. I am not a doctor and certainly not making any recommendations to you or anyone else. Just agreeing with and telling you what I do.
Not sure who you are replying to? I drink daily coffee with no affect, don’t have high BP and need to consume salt - I took no salt for too many years not because of medical advice but because I couldn’t tolerate the taste. The problem has historically been too much salt was put into processed foods. Now the problem is that salt has been demonised, as has coffee, cholesterol and a host of other ‘nasties’ on rather dubious research but swallowed whole.
Everyone has very different needs but one thing we all agree - stress induced AF. Stress is also physical when we have infections which causes inflammation = AF which is why I believe the tooth infection is probably at the root cause.
Best wishes
teeth and gum infections can affect the heart if it gets into the bloodstream.
Exactly - I had to have a lot of work done in 2004 because of gum disease. Unfortunately I am immune suppressed so very prone to certain recurring infections, despite take careful precautions. 🤷♂️
Now foods have practically no salt - I bought an egg sandwich from M&S and it was utterly tasteless, my taste buds have never been the same after chemo and I threw it away.
Do you get a sort of metallic taste? Some of my meds give me that but what is peculiar is I can’t tolerate salty drinks but happily can salt granules so stick to Himalayan or pure sea salt.
No, not metallic, just not much sense of flavour at all. I can be really very hungry with my stomach complaining but lose interest in a meal after a few mouthfuls.
During chemo/radiotherapy I could barely eat, and for six weeks my husband made me very strong melted cheese on toast with mustard and finely sliced onion - it really hit the spot!
You can find small salt containers at camping stores, which I did, and I carry Himalayan salt with me and use that whenever I am out and think I need a touch of salt. It’s so small it fits nicely in my purse.
Come to the US and you will have enough salt in any restaurant dish to last you a lifetime And unless you shop "sodium free" worse in the markets. Anything processed and even a can of soup has enough sodium per serving to eat up a couple of day's requirements.
Jim
I am well aware of that! We have visited the States many times and in one restaurant the waitress looked totally shocked when my husband complained about the excessive salt on the French fries.
Good tip. Happy you're back in NSR. More than once when in A and E my bloods came up low in sodium. Then you told me about coconut water.
Yes, I seem to have taken to salt on porridge (no Scots heritage!) in the morning and like salted caramel nut bars (maybe not as good🤔). I would add buy quality pure salt not the easy pouring adulterated Saxa stuff.
Good luck with the root canal. I have had 5 I think now 😫. Too many as I understand they can leak a tad into your system. Any more if at the back and not essential are simply going to come out.
We use sel de Guerande which is a coarse sea salt collected here . It is very unappealing looking - grey and always damp when you open the bag . Some of the crystals are quite large too but it tastes great sprinkled on tomatoes! I use it for cooking too. I do not have a very salty palate and have to remember to salt adequately in hot weather or I get cramp.
We used to buy fruit direct from farmers in Spain, who included a free gift of similar salt mixed with dried herbs 👌.
Salty porridge is the best! My family is from Aberdeen, and my parents would have never dreamt of putting sugar in porridge.
Salt in porridge and made with water 👍 🏴
Definitely agree with you about salt and hydration CD particularly if exercising on a hot day. Has worked for me lots of times. Currently like a Marmite sandwich and a glass of milk on return from cycling. It was common to take salt tablets when working on furnaces in the steel industry.
I feel exhausted after a trip to my dentist yesterday to inspect a previous extraction and a visit to a great exhibition. The warm weather is lovely but very tiring I find and difficult for sleeping in too! I made sure I drink lots of water- the 2 litre container is useful for that - and I have decided not to have an implant replacement as it’s a back tooth which can’t be seen and I don’t want to go through the implant procedure. At 79 I think I can manage quite well at with the rest of my teeth ( and a younger woman at the exhibition felt the same way and had had a few teeth extracted without replacements! I don’t understand about electrolytes and drinks which contain them. I thought we were supposed to avoid salt and sugary things which is ok with me!
Hi
If you get dehydrated or it is very hot it is in your interests to take electrolytes
such making up a replacement drink.
Of water, pinch salt and some glucose.
These are different times, times of emergency.
Cheers JOY
Just one 250ml glass of coconut water gives a perfect mixture of electrolytes
Might try it if it is available in the UK
In every supermarket BUT be very careful you read the label - Coconut Drink is NOT Coconut water - you need unadulterated Coconut Water.
Are you taking an antibiotic for your tooth infection. Some antibiotics cause afib for me. Best wishes☘️
Glad your back in SR. I have many times been thrown into AF through dental issues so the sooner you get that sorted the better. Hope you are managing your MG ok. Husband with the same condition just came 3rd in a National squash competition at 81 so he’s doing well. Enjoy your Summer x
I'm not advising it but it works for me to take a sachet of dioralyte to replace electrolytes . Also bag of crisps occasionally. I don't cook with salt normally.
There's a very good book called, "Quench" written by Dana Cohen MD who has worked with Prof Gerald Pollack that gives a few good ideas on how to stay hydrated.
The quality of the water you drink is important. It should be clean and well structured - not your typical tap water. The best way to get the best quality water into your system is to get it from fruit and veg as Mother Nature has already turned this into well structured water for you.
"Well structured" means that the water is no longer just H2O - it is now H3O2 which is contains more energy and is more gel-like. It's called the "Fouth phase of water" by Prof Pollack.
Start your day by putting fruit/veg in a blender and add a teaspoonful of Chia seeds.
The Chia seeds absorb water and so allows a slower release instead of going through your system quickly - so you stay hydrated for longer and you don't flush out things that you'd rather keep. You don't have to find a loo as soon either - big advantage.
Adding Chia seeds to a drink an hour before bedtime can reduce night-time trips to the loo.
Hi
Research states as a sporting person hydration is better not in water but MILK. Which you can get as UHT.
I enjoy milk as hydration and A2 milk seems better on my pallet.
Interesting.
Otherwise make up a hydration drink of water, pinch salt and pinch glucose.
cheri jOY
I do the smoothie with chia most mornings with green leafy veg, coconut etc. Great tip!
I use half a teaspoon of Chia Bia (milled chia seed) in my morning muesli.
Each time l have ended up in hospital with very fast and nasty afib it has been my potassium that has been too low . I drink lots of water and eat plenty of potassium rich foods. I don't put salt on my food but l am never low in sodium , even though l avoid junk food and processed ready meals. I am on a diuretic so should be having regular blood tests to test the levels of electrolytes. Since covid that isn't happening.
oh dear about lack of monitoring - I seem to be tested for every thing you can imagine! Never get to see a doctor but well tested! I can look them up on-line & I’m mostly high end of normal. I just need to be careful with Magnesium, because
Of the Mg, not the AF.
Do you get in contact with a nurse for a blood test? I know l can't supplement with potassium as too much potassium is as bad as too little .
I can book it online but I get reminders from the clinic is I go over 12 weeks. Ask at your surgery because anyone on medication does need monitoring. If you don’t take meds of any sort then talk to your GP and ask him to follow up. Potassium supplements is not something you should embark on, you would need careful monitoring but you should be able to get enough from your food if you eat foods rich in Potassium - spinach, sweet potatoe, avacados, salmon, some whole grains
hsph.harvard.edu/nutritions...
Thank you for your reply. I do eat plenty of potassium rich foods and magnesium rich foods too. I have a very healthy diet. I take the minimum of drugs that l can take ; which are, an anticoagulant 20mg , nebivolol 1.25 mg, and 1mg bumetanide. The trouble is l am losing potassium through having a diuretic. I will get in touch with my surgery as you advise. At the moment l only get a check up and blood test once a year.
Hi
Recently had an infected tooth after a filling done.
After a course Augmentin. Amoxil was not covering it.
I decided to have tooth removed as a root canal you could still have continued trouble.
And after root canal you will need a crown to cover.
Price of Crown $1800 for gold crown which is stronger and tooth same whiteness
to march your other teeth.
As my next tooth is destined to be crowned, I will have a crown to the ex infected tooth attached.
As we get older once filled refilling not viable so a crown or removed which forms a space.
I was born with missing 2 together as 2nd teeth upper. The very back two were pulled as they were in trouble and wisdom tooth pulled years ago - ingrowing.
You can only save naturals for so long.
cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)
Had very similar event ..Flew down to New Orleans in February. When I left NY it was 40 degrees...84 in NOLA. Was stuck for 3 hours in the rental car service line for a reserved car 🤯....hadn't eaten except a cup of tea and an apple 4 hours before ... anxious about loosing my place in line finally got a bottle of water . by the time I got to the hotel HR was 130ish. Took extra 1/2 pill of Metoprolol and did a meditation and all was well within an hour! Rest of the trip was great ....but hydrated like crazy ! Hope all is back to "normal" for you as well.
Breathing deeper and staying hydrated are helpful habits for me.
The return of AF
Return of AF?
A sign of more AF or of this site's growing popularity?
Fear of AF Progression
Awareness of AF medication and anticoagulants
