Certain foods, such as caffeine or alcohol, have the potential to trigger AFib. A diet that promotes heart health may help manage and reduce the symptoms of this condition.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia that affects the upper chambers of the heart. The electrical impulses that control these chambers fire in a disorganized way, leading to an irregular heartbeat.
AFib itself is not a life threatening condition. However, it can increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, and congestive heart failure. A suitable diet may also decrease the risk of developing other heart conditions alongside AFib.
This article explores foods to eat and avoid with AFib, and other potential tips for managing this condition.
The
A 2023 research article examined medical data from 121,300 people in the United Kingdom. The authors associated diets containing ultra-processed food with an increased risk of AFib.
In contrast, plant-based diets had no association with AFib.
They associated Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets to lower incidents of AFib. However, the authors noted this association was not significant after considering lifestyle factors.
A
Mediterranean diet benefits
The Mediterranean diet may also offer the following benefits:
- Improving heart health: A
2019 study found that people who follow the Mediterranean diet have better overall heart health then those who do not. - Platelet function: A
2021 randomized control trial suggests the Mediterranean diet maintains platelet count and may reduce platelet-related mortality in older adults at high risk of heart conditions. - Lower blood pressure: The Mediterranean diet
may help to lower blood pressure, particularly in people with overweight or obesity who have untreated hypertension. High blood pressure is arisk factor for AFib. - Reduced risk of stroke: The Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of someone having a stroke. Since AFib is the
leading cardiac cause of stroke, this may benefit people with AFib.
Although diets like the Mediterranean diet may have a positive effect on AFib, people should speak with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, before changing their diet to manage this condition.
The
Meal plans
Mediterranean diet meals should consist of:
- a good portion of vegetables
- a source of protein
- a complex carbohydrate
- unsaturated fat, such as:
- olive oil
- avocado oil
- flaxseed oil
- hemp seed oil
If a person needs inspiration for potential meals under the Mediterranean diet, the
Plant-based diets
If a person is vegetarian or vegan, they can follow a plant-based diet consisting of:
Foods to avoid may include those that directly trigger symptoms and raise the risk of AFib complications. Foods and drinks to avoid may include:
Caffeine and energy drinks
The
If a person believes that caffeine could be a personal trigger, they may wish to avoid caffeinated foods and drinks, such as coffee and tea.
People with AFib can also speak with their doctor about the benefits and risks of reducing their caffeine intake.
Alcohol
The
A
However, the authors highlight the need for further research into the cause of this gender difference, including whether alcohol type or frequency of consumption has an effect.
Red meat
Red meats such as beef or lamb tend to have higher amounts of saturated fat than white meat. The
Processed foods
Processed foods, such as ready meals, carbonated soft drinks, or hot dogs, tend to have large quantities of salt and preservatives. It may be best to limit the intake of these as they can
Sugary foods and drinks
The British Heart Foundation recommends that people choose sugar-free snacks and swap snacks with added sugar with alternatives, such as:
- fruit
- Greek yogurt
- nut butter
- cashew nuts
- almonds
Controlling blood sugar levels is particularly important for people with diabetes since diabetes is a
Salt
Someone may have
There are several other ways a person with AFib can adjust their lifestyle to promote heart health.
Quit smoking
According to a 2018 article, people who smoke may be
Manage sleep conditions
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Sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders that disrupt sleep
The management of sleep apnea and stress may help a person improve the quality of their sleep.
Improve relaxation
Stress and anxiety have a significant effect on AFib. A
The authors suggest that stress biomarkers, such as elevated cortisol levels, may play a role in AFib development. However, further research is necessary.
Regular relaxation and stress reduction through activities like yoga may help someone manage these emotions.
Learn about other activities and natural remedies that may help with AFib.
AFib causes an irregular heartbeat. Several risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, make it more likely that a person will develop AFib.
A healthful, balanced diet can help reduce the risk factors that cause AFib and, in some cases, reduce its symptoms. The Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats may be beneficial.
Other changes that may improve AFib include doing moderate exercise several times per week, getting high quality sleep, stopping smoking, and prioritizing time to relax and reduce stress.
