Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
I'm wondering what things help to control or reduce a fib beyond the medications, ablations, and usual medical treatments.
Have you tried alternatives like acupuncture?
Have you added supplements that help?
Have you eliminated foods or supplements from your diet?
Have you made other lifestyle changes?
I'm sure that what works for one person won't necessarily work for another, but it will be interesting to see if there are certain things that seem to be helpful for a number of people.
Have you tried alternatives like acupuncture?
Have you added supplements that help?
Have you eliminated foods or supplements from your diet?
Have you made other lifestyle changes?
I'm sure that what works for one person won't necessarily work for another, but it will be interesting to see if there are certain things that seem to be helpful for a number of people.
You already know my answers to your questions. But, for the record, I am going to say them again since unfortunately, there are not more people like myself are participating on this site, I wish they did.
Here is the answers to your questions:
- The acupuncture did not work for my A Fib. I did it for 3 long months, 2 or 3 times a week.
- I really have not had a supplement, which helps the A Fib. Hawthorn extract and Olive Leaf extract are supposed to be good for the heart. I took Hawthorn when my A Fib was very bad, I did not see any difference. Olive Leaf Extract is supposed to be good specifically for the A Fib. I did not know about it when I had my A Fib episodes.
- Eliminating supplements helped me tremendously. I eliminated fish oil, calcium/potassium ( electrolytes affecting heart beat), and oily supplements (like flax seed oil, CLA ).
- Eliminating certain oily foods (nuts, butter, cheese) from my diet, helped greatly. I would get A Fib hours after eating oily food. Olive oil was okay, no problem. In general, any food with omega 3 fatty acid would brought A Fib for me hours later. Now, after 8 years, I can eat everyhting in moderation :-) So, my body has healed itself without any drugs for A Fib since I had my A Fib 8 years ago.
- As far as life stylechange, yes, getting enough sleep (7 hours a night at least, for me). One cardiologist even told me about lack of sleep and getting A Fib. Also, alcohol is another one to bring on the A Fib.
Also, for all the people who are on "Coumadin", watch out, one side effect for it is that you will develop bone loss because of vitamin K issue when you are taking Coumadin. You need vitamin K to build bones, specially when you are over 50. Go for a Dexa scan and read the statistics on Coumadin and osteoprosis. That was the reason I did not take the Coumadin as a blood thinner. So, watch out since the doctors do NOT tell you about this. Cardiologists ONLY care about your heart and not about the health of your whole body! I heard this from several of them. Can you still trust them? Well, you be the judge!
1. i stopped all caffeine, encluding chocolate
2. i cut out refined sugar, noticed that it just gets my adrenaline going!
3. did start taking a good multi-vitamin with essential minerals
4. did start taking the omega 3 fatty acids, they do have good properties for a healthy heart including being a natural anti-inflammitory and blood thinner
5. i did cut out other "driggers" like aged cheese,nuts,and refined white bleached flour.
i don't drink alcohol, or smoke, i did start a nice brisk walk daily, and i do alot of singing...music calms the savage beast..lol!
and i do agree with you, that what is good for someone, isn't going to be good for all. and i have renewed my faith in god, and i beleive with his help anything is possible!! some people are going to disagree with how i do things, but this is what has worked for me. i take one day at a time, and if i go out of normal sinus rythmn, i will handle that when it happens...god bless:~) oh and another great perk....i did loose 30 pounds!!!