If you’ve been diagnosed with AFib, you know there are plenty of lifestyle changes that can help manage it.
But are there some – like diets – that can hurt? We asked an expert which foods to avoid when you have AFib.
1. Sugary food.
It’s well documented that sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. But can it also be a factor for AFib?
“Although the specific link hasn’t been determined, it’s known that there is a connection between sugar and AFib,” says Brad Biskup, PA, with the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute Lifestyle Medicine Program. “In particular, many studies have found that people with diabetes are nearly 40% more likely to develop AFib.”
That’s partially because the fluctuations in blood sugar cause inflammation all throughout the body, especially the heart.
“When you eat foods that increase your blood sugar, it causes an insulin release. Your blood sugar will then drop to compensate, causing the release of stress hormones – which can result in heart palpitations,” says Biskup.
To avoid this, choose foods that are low in sugar, or high in water.
“Fruit and berries, for example, can be high in sugar, but because of their water and fiber content, they still have a low glycemic load. This means they won’t increase your blood sugar abruptly.”
> Related: 5 Common Causes of AFib, and How to Avoid Them
2. Caffeinated drinks.
Even if you don’t have AFib, excessive caffeine intake can increase your heart rate or cause heart palpitations.
“In general, caffeine puts stress on the heart,” says Biskup.
Over time, the increased stress on the heart can have a negative impact, espeically for those with AFib.
“Caffeine triggers the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), a key player in AFib,” says Biskup. “This stimulation can cause arrhythmias on its own, or in some cases, even lead to AFib.”
3. Salty food.
Trying to follow a heart-healthy diet? Reducing your sodium intake is a great way to start.
“Monitoring your sodium has tons of benefits,” says Biskup. “Most notably, it will help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.”
Having too much salt in your diet causes you to retain water, and puts more pressure on the arteries.
“I like to have my patients think of their blood pressure as a weight that their heart has to ‘lift.’ Is it easier to lift 160 pounds, or 120? Then imagine lifting that weight 70 times per minute, or more than 100,000 times per day. That’s why controlling your blood pressure is so important,” Biskup emphasizes.
> Related: 5 Tips for Living With AFib
4. Alcohol.
Looking for one of the fastest ways to reduce your symptoms of AFib? Limiting your alcohol consumption might be the answer.
“When it comes to AFib, alcohol is one of the largest culprits. Some studies have found that a single drink can nearly double your chance of an episode,” says Biskup.
Because alcohol is broken down into sugars, it causes fluctuations in your blood sugar which can increase stress on your heart.
And it doesn’t stop there. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration – especially if your alcoholic beverage is replacing water.
“Dehydration can disrupt the electrolyte balance in your heart, which often leads to episodes of AFib,” Biskup notes.
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Honorary mentions.
The research is mixed, but plenty of other foods have been linked to AFib.
“If you’re living with AFib, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and look for any patterns. If any food is consistently triggering episodes, avoid it – and be sure to keep your doctor in the loop.”
Some other foods to keep on your radar include:
- Spicy food
- Energy drinks
- Deli meat
- Fried food
- Red meat
Here’s the takeaway.
At the end of the day, the best advice is to follow a healthy diet.
“Any true ‘heart-healthy’ diet is likely safe for someone with AFib,” says Biskup. “These diets typically prioritize plant-based whole foods, and eliminate foods (like meat) which are high in saturated fat.”
The Mediterranean diet is a popular option, with lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains.
“Unprocessed foods that are in their natural form typically help decrease inflammation,” says Biskup. “That’s why fruits and vegetables that are high in water and fiber are so important. Nuts, seeds and legumes are also high in protein, fiber and omega-3 fats, which round out a healthy diet.”
You can also try to include foods high in nutrients that help lower blood pressure, including potassium, calcium, magnesium and fiber.
