Af & Food

[Claragh]

Please are there any advice on what foods available or diet, that may assist to treat AF

[Mrsvemb]

Sadly there are no foods that will treat AF as such. For some people, certain foods are triggers for an episode.

Some people find that a plant based diet reduces their AF burden.

In my own personal case, I had certain triggers, which if i avoided, I managed to keep AF away. Eventually, this stopped working for me.

So to answer your question, there is no easy answer.

[Claragh in reply to Mrsvemb]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.

[BobD Volunteer]

"Treat" is not the right word at all here but generally speaking a more plant based diet with less artifical additives. no alcohol, caffeine etc has been shown to be beneficial in reducing AF burden.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Claragh

Changing your diet to a more plant based one, avoiding any foods containing artificial additives, not allowing yourself to become dehydrated, cutting back on sugar, alcohol and caffeine, also losing weight (if it's needed) will all have a beneficial effect on your AF. Artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for my attacks. Now I read the contents label on everything that I intend to eat or drink.

Make sure you don't slouch, or unwittingly do shallow breathing while watching tv or if you're online. If you do your heart will protest. Also avoid tight clothing around your torso.

Some people find that supplementing with magnesium can reduce AF attacks.

Jean

[Buffafly in reply to jeanjeannie50]

That’s about it but I’d like to add that it’s better to eat chicken and fish than red or preserved meat such as bacon most of the time.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Buffafly]

Good points Buff.

[Jalia]

I have been told several times in hospital to ensure to have a daily banana 🍌 🍌 .....helps keep potassium levels up which helps to sustain sinus rhythm!

[bean_counter27]

We're all different. Most food and and drink triggers are difficult to identify, probably because there are so many other factors simultaneously affecting each of us at any one time. Even the triggers identified through research won't necessarily affect you. They might, but caffeine for example, is a "known" trigger but I don't appear to have any problems with drinking several cups a day. However, alcohol is also a known trigger and if I drink enough I might have an episode. What's the cut-off? I don't know - it's just easier for me to not drink.

YMMV but at the end of the day, it's whatever works for you.

Good luck

[Claragh in reply to bean_counter27]

Thank you.

[BenHall1]

After I identifies food as my trigger my GP got tests done for IBS and Coaeliac Disease - all clear. I then consulted a Nutritionist to advise me on food and diet. Over many years with no cardioversion, nor ablation, just relying on diet and medication I'm now clear of AF. My last AF event was around 4 years ago.

For me it was a case of modifying my diet to calm my vagal nerve, thereby calming my heart. Would never say I was cured but I just wish I could get rid of osteoarthritic pain as easily. By the way - I made no concessions to my booze consumption.

The first thing the Nutritionist advised was to go Gluten, Wheat and Oats free.

[Claragh in reply to BenHall1]

Thank you.

[JillyBeau]

hi Claragh, I have put myself on a very limited diet known as the Failsafe diet. The culprits are the foods containing salicylates, amines and glutamates. It’s complex but it’s important to avoid aged foods: cheese, vinegar, anything fermented such as yogurt, sourdough and ordinary bread, whole grains, meat and fish, cured/smoked alcohol etc. my diet currently comprises only rice, small amount of butter, cottage cheese, milk, eggs, ripe peeled pears, swede and water. Salt is the only flavouring. This is an extreme version of the diet but my HR has reduced considerably. Vitamin supplements are also problematic because they are fermented.

[maurice2 in reply to JillyBeau]

This is a bonkers diet! Your whole digestive system is based on fermentation based on your gut biome. Enjoy your silly diet but don't advise other people to follow it.

[JillyBeau in reply to maurice2]

I did say this is an extreme version. I have multiple allergies. Fermentation happens naturally in our system, aged, rotting food is not necessary for our health.

[Steviemarram in reply to JillyBeau]

Not bonkers - fermented foods and amines seem to be recognised by some credible medical sources and avoiding them as helped me , so good to share your experience.

[JillyBeau in reply to Steviemarram]

Thank you, yes Ive read research papers online. I just noticed what the triggers were, have done huge amount of research.

[Claragh in reply to JillyBeau]

Thank you.

[Dollcollector in reply to JillyBeau]

You aren't getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs on your diet. Please don't recommend it to other patients.

[BabsJ]

I agree we are all different you need to find out what your triggers are but certainly try to eat healthily. Try to avoid additives and eat healthily. I'm OK with the occasional glass of wine. Get to know your body and what works and doesn't work for you

[Cavalierrubie]

l find large meals can upset me. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and sugar. I supplement with vitamins B12, B complex (these are water soluble so don’t stay in the body) D, C and Magnesium. I use a skin spray for Magnesium as this can cause upset stomach in some. It’s trial and error as we are all different and one size doesn’t fit all. Listen to your body. Everything in moderation. Hope this helps.

[Claragh in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you.

[Peacockmumma]

I've tried it all.. makes no difference. Give up alcohol.. drink alcohol.. eat sweet stuff.. don't eat sweet stuff.. cafféine etc etc. Currently on holiday in the sun which normally triggers an episode but I'm wearing a hat so all good so far.. drinkiing water with a Zero tablet to replace electrolytes when sweating.. walking 10k steps a day..

Trying to eat a banana daily too.. and eating a load of sweets tuff and a daily glass of sangria

.. because I can and I'm on holiday.

I take Vit c to help repair heart damage and mag taurate as recommended.

Normally I don't eat a lot of meat.. mainly chicken and fish..soya..quorn. veg.. pulses and even with that diet and the above I still got episodes.

So far so good in the last 2 months tho.. I had had 4 episodes in 2 weeks at the beginning of the year and had given up alcohol caféine and sweet stuff.. who knows why it happens. Funnily enough since being on anti coagulant and BP tabs the episodes have reduced? Coincidence?

At the end of the day life is too short to give up what you enjoy. That's my feeling anyway having had my ex drop down dead from a heart attack recently.... he had a glass of whisky.. and had just returned from ski ing so at least he was enjoying himself.

If there was a single food stuff that was a definite trigger in everyone with afib I would 110% no longer eat it tho.. but there are too many triggers and with me they change all the time.

Each to their own choices tho and everyone is very very different.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Peacockmumma]

I agree with you not to get obsessed with this mongrel condition. It can become overwhelming if you let it. The more l can relax when having an episode (difficult l know) the better l am. There is no cure, but you can listen to your body and make life easier. I agree life is for living, absolutely. Knowledge is power, but to make this a big part of your life is a waste of time. Enjoy your holiday. Wish l was there, it sounds great.

[Peacockmumma in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Aw thanks. Dread getting on the scales..perhaps I won't.. that will stress me out lol just back to normal when we get back. X

[Claragh in reply to Peacockmumma]

Thank you so much foryour detailed reply.

[Steviemarram]

Hi Claragh

The following has worked well for me:

1) eliminate: virtually all processed food, fermented foods and aged meats and cheeses,

2) reduce very substantially: alcohol

3) adopt: Mediterranean type diet and lose weight if needed.

Also, reduce/manage stress if possible.

Good luck

Steve

[Claragh in reply to Steviemarram]

Thank you.

[Belle11]

There are so many triggers and as other people have said, there are quite a few foods among them. For me, after I was back in NSR after a cardioversion I noticed that cured meats triggered ectopics, so I cut them out, and I now avoid any foods with added nitrites. I was already gluten free and having no added sugar, and no alcohol, because of other health issues, and I don't usually eat ultra processed foods. I also don't eat much red meat, but lots of fish and chicken, eggs, some venison, and lots of veggies, olive oil - pretty much a Mediterranean diet. I stayed in normal rhythm for over 3 1/2 years before going back into AF.

Before both of my several months long episodes of persistent AF I had recently had injections - steroids the first time, and my 2nd Pfizer Covid vaccine the second. Both times I had also (unusually for me) eaten quite a bit of ultra processed gluten free food the day before my AF started in the night. The second time, I was probably dehydrated too. So it's no more gf bread with ingredient lists as long as your arm for me!

Good luck with tracking down triggers for your own AF.

[Claragh in reply to Belle11]

Thank you so much for your reply.

[Elephantlydia]

Steviemarram comments seem the most sensible advice based on evidence based.

[ozziebob]

Just to add to your food question, I would recommend you have comprehensive blood tests to ensure you are not deficient in any mineral, hormone, or vitamin as any of these can be a cause of arrhythmias.

For me, rather than a change in diet (mine was plant based since teen years), it was the rectification by supplementation of a Vitamin D deficiency (discovered concurrently with my pAF diagnosis) that reduced the frequency of my pAF events. (See my Bio for further details)

Good luck.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ozziebob]

That’s a very good point, so often overlooked. Electrolytes have to be in sync. to minimise this condition. My AF improved greatly with the addition of vitamin B12.

[Sustainedvtach270]

While on vacation more than 3 years ago I was eating pizza icecream and fries in large quantity, I had terrible afib attacks then. Now I am gluten free, vegetarien, alcohol free. I eat food rich in magnesium and potassium. Fish (but avoid dark fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel), avocados, kale, eggs, plantains (because I don't like bananas) walnuts, pecan nuts, rasberry, blackberries, kiwi, sweat potatoes, eggplants and dark chocolate... I have been afib free 98% of the time since

[Claragh in reply to Sustainedvtach270]

Thank you for your update.

[Blearyeyed]

Diet is an important part of Self Care.

It doesn't treat or cure AF but it can help you remain healthy in general , maintain and improve your heart function , reduce the risks of Cardiovascular disease and if you have any food triggers for your AF reduce the number of incidents that are triggered by your diet choices.

Steve Marram has the most recommended advice.

A vitamin and protein rich Mediterranean style diet is the most medically recommended diet choice.

Drink the recommended amount of water / fluids each day , particularly before , during and after exercise.

Reduce alcohol to rare treats , or give it up entirely, especially if it's a trigger or can affect your medication.

Caffeine is a trigger for some but not others. But, even if it isn't your trigger reduce caffeine intake . Don't forget caffeine is also in tea and chocolate and some other foods you eat.

Reducing processed sugar and salt , and avoiding artificial sweeteners is important as these are generally bad for your health and can trigger more problems.

So this involves cutting out most ready made meals , processed meats, shop bought cakes , biscuits , sweets, snack foods like crisps and diet drinks ( although the occasional small treat is not off the menu if it keeps you on track to be sensible on your daily diet).

Think about " hidden sugars and salt" too. These can be in savoury foods like tomato sauces , corn based foods , protein bars and drinks.

Choose a few chunks of good dark chocolate if you want a sweet fix as long as it is not a trigger for you.

Reduce white carbohydrates, or "empty carbs" like peeled potatoes products, white rice , white bread, white pasta and white flour, packet cereals and sugar.

Replace them with complex carbohydrates in small sized portions that contain more fibre which reduce blood sugar spikes and help improve your digestion and cholesterol.

Things like rolled oats, Buckwheat, wholewheat and multi seeded options , brown and wild rice, potatoes with skins, wholewheat or higher protein pasta, beans , pulses , wholegrain and mixed grain or nut flour, various grains, couscous, varied root vegetables.

Yet , again, this doesn't mean that you can never have a few chips , roast potato or slice of pizza now and then, just limit portion size when you choose this as your rare treat.

Eat healthy fats in moderation and avoid trans fat and saturated fat foods. Try using olive oil , vegetable and nut oils. Fats from healthier food sources like small portions of dairy or cheese , eggs , fish. avocado, seeds, nuts and nut butters.

Add more protein to your diet but choose healthier options like lean meats like chicken , pork and game and fish and shell fish , eggs , milk , probiotic live yoghurt, quark , lower fat cheese in small amounts , including lactofree or dairy if you have an intolerance, and vegetable protein sources like nuts , pulses , seeds and beans. For meat eaters, the occasional lean steak can be included.

Eat a varied amount of vegetables and sensible portions of fruits. Include lots of leafy greens , salads , fresh beans . Small bananas are packed with nutrients , berries, citrus if it doesn't affect your stomach, melon, are good lower sugar options. Vitamins are vital so don't avoid your veggies.

Don't jump on the food fad wagon, even if you are trying to lose weight.

You need a diet that suits your individual health needs. Diets with extreme limitations can cause extreme side effects , especially for people with mixed health problems, and aren't easy to sustain.

If you need to lose weight it takes the three P's Portion Control, Patience and Perseverance.

Some people need to be entirely plant based , most people don't.

Many people need to continue to eat meat or dairy to improve their collagen levels , like me , and B vitamins , again me , but also need vegetables for those important vitamins, supplements shouldn't become an alternative to food unless you have a medical or nutrient deficiency which means you require them.

Meat Dominant or severely limited carbohydrate diets (under the amount of grams required for basic body functioning which can be quite common on certain popular regimes ) will eventually cause a loss of valuable nutrients and do cause their own health risks if kept up in the long term.

Balance and Moderation is key.

Your Diet is yours and something you need to feel happy eating for the rest of your life , it should be something you enjoy as well as being healthy.

Food should be a pleasure , not torture.

If it's not enjoyable , you will yo,yo between good and bad food days and that's a source of triggers for all sorts of conditions, including AF and unnecessary guilt.

The last thing you need is for your diet to become a source of Stress as that is just as important to control as your diet and is a much more significant AF trigger.

Nobody should feel terrified of a potato or a blueberry, or beat themselves up if one day as a treat they really fancied an ice cream.

So create your own healthy and sustainable "Diet for Life".

Try cooking at home and experimenting with new healthy foods it can make eating healthy more enjoyable.

Try to be mainly wholesome but as they say ,a little of what you fancy does you good from time to time , as long as you don't go overboard on the portion size.

Get tested to check if you are actually gluten intolerant, wheat intolerant or lactose intolerant before giving these things up , if you aren't , you do not need to remove them from your food list but you might want to reduce how much you eat.

If you still feel you want to limit them for some reason more than usual , still have some in your diet each week to prevent a change in your gut that makes them cause a dodgy stomach reaction if you choose to eat them occasionally.

This can also happen if you don't occasionally have a little sugar in your diet from the odd little treat.

It's why people whom go Free From with no intolerance issues for months then eat a slice of chocolate birthday cake feel so poop and can trigger an attack afterwards, their stomach just wasn't prepared for it.

Hope that helps , Bee

[Claragh in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you so much Bee for your detailed reply

[Shopgal67]

I’m in the process of eliminating triggers and upping my electrolytes, refined carbs are a no for me , I’ve given up caffeine and alcohol also . Since upping my potassium I’ve not had an episode this week but today I can feel that it wants to break through if that make sense. I’m getting shorts bursts of what feels like the start of afib but it’s gone by the time I do an ecg !!!

[Peacefulneedshelp]

I started to keep a journal of what I ate so that if I went into AF I would have an idea, maybe? However, like others mention mostly chemicals in food or drinks would set me off. I stay away from any food additives also. However, my most important discovery was I was not eating enough and exercising too much, causing my own stress by allowing stress chemicals to be released. I had no clue there was such a thing. I also have Low Blood sugar and if I don't eat it will drop like lead ball causing all kinds of issues. Knowing what your issues are takes a lot of self discovery and paying close attention to your needs.

[WildIris]

Don't know how much you exercise, but too much intense exercise can be a trigger. Moderate exercise can also sometimes take you out of AF. Its a puzzle. I also found that I could not eat just a little sugar, it was too addictive for me, I had to give up all sweeteners. I'm one of the ones that a plant-based diet worked for, I have a very steady, quiet heartbeat now.