The Effects of Food on Palpitations

Palpitations are a change in the beating rhythm of the heart. Palpitations are just one of the ways that a biological, physical or mental stress can manifest itself throughout the body. It is more common in people who lead stressful or highly active lifestyles. However, they can be experienced- and usually are at some point in an individual's lifetime - by anyone of any age. Considering the heart beats in the average lifetime around three billion times, the odds are that one may experience a few palpitations at some point.

Most of the time there is nothing to be worried about, however, when they first occur you should consult your Doctor as they may signal an underlying condition. Apart from the obvious (excess caffeine, alcohol, stimulants, pain or stress), these underlying conditions may include anything from a menopausal condition to Toxic Goitre (thyroid problems).

There are two major types of arrhythmias: tachycardia (the heartbeat is too fast) and bradycardia (the heartbeat is too slow). Arrhythmias are identified by where they occur in the heart (atria or ventricles) and by what happens to the heart's rhythm when they occur. However, unfortunately (or fortunately) for most, the doctor will not be able to pinpoint your exact cause. This is where alternative solutions need to come into play before more serious methods.

The word "alternative" has gotten a bad rap over the years. When it comes to palpitations, most alternative solutions are just commonsensical approaches. I recommend to others that you need to combat palpitations threefold by re-evaluating your lifestyle choices (smoking, sleep, stress, etc.), your supplementation choices (magnesium, calcium, etc.) and your dietary choices (what foods to eat and how you consume them). Let's briefly examine the latter and why it is critical for you to rethink how you stock your refrigerator.

Chances are you have heard some variation of the following scenario. A family, who after following a plant-based diet, was able to turn three little ADHD brats into extremely well-behaved angels. Stories like these, where food is the cure, are endless. Food clearly plays a leading role in your health and it is no exaggeration to think your palpitations can cease from choosing the correct culinary choices.

These food choices influence your body in two main ways. Firstly, the nutrients that food provides either help or hinder your overall health. Secondly, foods that the body disagrees with will realise a form of toxic matter, causing the brain to release a toxic by-product around your body to fight this.

For others, they experience palpitations directly after eating. This is in part due to more blood being pumped to your stomach to aid digestion. There are a list of possibilities as to why this occurs, however, it all comes down to improper eating. A few basic reasons are as follows:

(1) Oversized portions. Gigantic meal sizes mean more pressure on your body and more work for the heart to pump blood to the stomach.

(2) Not varying your electrolytes. If your foods choices are predominately high in potassium or sodium, then the chances are you need variety in your food.

(3) Hormonal imbalances. It is best if you consult your doctor for a proper analysis if you think this could be the case. This is often so for women who are pregnant.

(4) Improper eating. The odds are you know how to eat healthy, but also know you could be making major changes in this department. Of course, too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol, chocolate and yeast products may very well be at the root of your problem.

Never underestimate the power of food. Many cultures have long held their own remedies for calming the heart and preventing palpitations. Thanks to modern science we can now explore their nutritional properties and validate the rationale behind the "why".

Every individual's body chemistry differs and what causes palpitations in one person may not be the same trigger in the other. Having said that though, we are all built the same and need the same basic inputs.

There is a good chance that by revamping your life, you may very well never have a palp again. Sit down and have an objective look at your life and try some changes for a few weeks to see if you notice any difference.

Good luck and good health,

Jethro Iggulden.


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