Lifestyle Changes to Treat Atrial Fibrillation

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Atrial Fibrillation

There are various natural home remedies for treatment for atrial fibrillation that can help in keeping the symptoms of the condition in control. It is essential to get proper medical attention when diagnosed with the condition and avail surgical or non-surgical treatment as required, but in addition to these, lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in how it affects one’s life.

Lifestyle changes are a natural treatment for atrial fibrillation that focus on leading a healthy lifestyle with the right kind of diet to ensure the health of the heart. Some of the things to focus on include:

  • Regular exercise to be fit and reduce weight (at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise for 5 days a week).
  • Managing blood pressure through dietary changes or medication.
  • Ensuring blood sugar levels are reduced through diet changes and medication.
  • Avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol, that can adversely affect one’s health.
  • Smoking should strictly be avoided as it directly affects heart health.
  • Ensuring the consumption of a balanced diet that has fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and avoid fatty foods.
  • Avoiding food that one is allergic to gluten, eggs, milk, or soy.
  • Taking dietary supplements (if required) to ensure the body gets the nutrients it needs.
  • Treat other disorders like sleep apnea, thyroid diseases, and COPD that can interfere with the functioning of the heart.
  • Reducing exposure to pollution as it is a risk that can aggravate heart-related problems, including atrial fibrillation.
  • Getting at least 7 hours of sleep every day.

1. Healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet is one of the most important lifestyle changes that one can make to manage any health conditions, including atrial fibrillation. The following food items and nutrients are essential from those suffering from this condition.

  • Fiber

Studies have shown that higher fiber intake reduces atrial fibrillation. Legumes, beans, bananas, mangoes, raspberries, broccoli, sweet potatoes, beets are rich in fiber and must be consumed. Whole grains and sunflower/pumpkin seeds can also give you good fiber through your diet.

  • Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential ingredient to include in the diet. Foods like bananas, corn, asparagus, carrots, potatoes, radishes, and mushrooms are rich in Vitamin K.

  • Coconut water

Coconut water helps one to be hydrated. It also is low in sodium and high in magnesium and potassium, thereby helping in lowering the symptoms of the condition.

  • Anti-inflammatory foods

Foods that reduce inflammation can help in reducing atrial fibrillation. These include avocado, garlic, green tea, dark chocolate (with more than 70% cocoa), fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel that have the additional benefit of omega-3, and walnuts, pecans, and almonds.

2. Reduce stress

Stress has a direct impact on heart health and managing it can help in reducing the symptoms of atrial fibrillation. Yoga can be helpful in stress reduction. The breathing exercises taught in this practice can help relax the mind and body, thus reducing stress.

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system that makes use of needles that are inserted into points on the body that can help in treating many problems. Acupuncture is believed to help control atrial fibrillation, however, there are no clinical studies to support this.