Natural Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation and to Reduce the Symptoms

The heart’s upper chambers can quiver out of rhythm in atrial fibrillation (A-fib) which normally beat in a regular, coordinated rhythm with the heart’s lower chambers that results in an irregular heart rhythm causing symptoms, such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, weakness, and sometimes a heart murmur. The treatments for A-fib vary based on the symptoms that people experience. When it comes A-fib treatments, always follow your doctor’s advice.

There are several natural treatments and activities that may help to reduce the symptoms and effects of A-fib including yoga, getting adequate sleep, acupuncture and reducing stress. Fatigue, air pollution, caffeine and some over-the-counter, prescription, and recreational drugs are some of the triggers for Atrial Fibrillation.

Yoga- According to a study, yoga practice on a regular basis for 1 hour, 3 days a week has been shown to reduce the number of A-fib episodes. According to researchers, yoga reduces stress and inflammation that damages the ticker as well as reduce a person’s resting heart rate.

Acupuncture- It is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles in specific points on the body to manipulate the flow of energy, it may help individuals with A-fib control their heart rates. Although the acupuncture point is associated with controlling heart rhythm abnormalities, but more research is required.

Lifestyle Tips- A condition called sleep apnea is very common in people with A-fib with the most common form being obstructive sleep apnea that causes an individual to stop breathing for brief periods while asleep. It tends to weaken the ticker as the heart has to work harder to compensate for the lost oxygen when a person stops breathing. Snoring, waking up at night with snoring or irregular breathing and having excessive daytime sleepiness are symptoms that suggest that a person could be experiencing sleep apnea. Such an individual should immediately see a doctor or a sleep medicine specialist.

Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet comprising plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoid alcohol and caffeine intakes in excess, manage and keep your blood pressure in check and manage long-term conditions (high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, thyroid disease and chronic lung disease) that could contribute to or worsen A-fib.

Avoid these Substances:

1.      Caffeine- Consuming excess amounts of caffeine can potentially trigger episodes of A-fib. About 400 milligrams of caffeine on a daily basis is a safe upper limit for adults which is roughly equivalent to four brewed cups of coffee.

2.      Alcohol- No more than 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks for a man each day and no more than 1 drink per day for women is recommended. No more than 1 alcohol drink per day is recommended for people over 65 years of age.

3.      Do not eat more than four servings of "dark" fish per week which can actually increase the risk for A-fib.

4.      Quit smoking.

Talk to your doctor if you notice that eating certain food or drink is increasing the incidence of irregular heart rhythms.

According to the American Heart Association, individuals with A-fib are five times more likely to have a stroke than someone who does not have a history of heart disease. So, work towards preventing cardiac complications to live a healthy life with A-fib.

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