Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to heart complications. The condition affects nearly 6 million Americans, and that number is only expected to climb over the next decades. (1)
But why is this condition so concerning? Well, in addition to dealing with the symptoms of Afib, this chronic disease can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. The most common atrial fibrillation symptom is a quivering or fluttering heartbeat, but additional symptoms may occur. (2)
Atrial fibrillation has many potential causes, including having a history of heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, being overweight, eating a poor diet, having high amounts of stress, and living a sedentary lifestyle. Medical treatment of Afib uses drugs, of course, to try to prevent some of the life-threatening outcomes, like stroke. However, natural interventions focus on a healthier lifestyle to prevent further heart complications. (3)
Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms
- General fatigue
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Fluttering or thumping in the chest
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath and anxiety
- Weakness
- Faintness or confusion
- Chest pain or pressure
Atrial Fibrillation Treatments
1. Get a Yearly Checkup
Men and women between the ages of 45 and 60 are most at risk of atrial fibrillation. It's important to get your yearly checkup's, especially as you get older. The earlier doctors catch signs of the condition, the easier it is to treat by implementing lifestyle changes.
2. Eat an Anti-inflammatory Diet
One of the most common atrial fibrillation causes is inflammation, which can be caused by a poor diet and being overweight. Avoid foods that promote inflammation in the body such as:- Refined vegetable oils
- Refined carbohydrates
- Added sugars
- Trans fats
- High-sodium foods
- Conventional dairy products
- Processed foods
Replace packaged and processed foods in your diet with fresh, whole foods that provide your body with nutrients and help prevent inflammation. (4)
Instead, eat these anti-inflammatory foods:
- Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
- Fruit, especially berries and citrus fruits
- Herbs and spices, including turmeric, raw garlic, basil, cinnamon and ginger
- Traditional teas, such as green tea, oolong tea and white tea
- Heart-healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocado and coconut oil
3. Lower Your Stress Levels
Natural atrial fibrillation treatment includes lowering your stress levels. Stress can lead to many chronic disorders and health issues, including heart problems. Cut smoking, alcohol and caffeine out of your diet to start. Then, find a stress-relieving activity that works for you. Try massage, meditation, exercise, journaling or using essential oils.
4. Exercise
Exercise can improve heart health by fighting stress and helping you maintain a healthy weight. If you haven't exercised in a while, start with low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling or brisk walking. (4) Stick with your routine and in no time at all, you'll feel stronger, healthier and less stressed!
5. Reduce Chemical Exposure
Both heart disease and inflammation are linked to free radical damage in the body. Free radicals can accumulate from a poor diet, alcohol, smoking, lack of sleep and exposure to environmental pollutants. (5)
Reduce your exposure to toxins by using natural beauty products, natural household cleaning products and reducing your intake of alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs.
6. Use a Natural Anti-inflammatory
Over-the-counter medications like aspirin might help to reduce inflammation in the body, but they also come with a list of possible side effects. To help your body heal, try a more natural supplement such as: (6)- Alpha-Lipoic Acid: ALA is a fatty acid that is naturally made by your body. It also works as an antioxidant, to protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Take 300-600 mg per day.
- Curcumin: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It has the ability to decrease inflammation when it comes to heart disease, diabetes and other health conditions. Take 100-500 mg per day.
- Ginger: Ginger contains gingerol and zingerone, which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Take 1 gram per day.
