Mailbag! How to Treat A-fib NATURALLY
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 28, 2022
I was recently diagnosed with A-fib, and I was hoping you could suggest some natural ways to deal with it.
–Lawanda from Milwaukee, WI
Lawanda,
As I’m sure your doctor probably explained, A-fib (atrial fibrillation) is a heart condition where the atria (upper part of the heart) beats irregularly. This irregular rhythm can cause a pooling of the blood in the heart and create dangerous blood clots.
Many people have this condition, but feel no symptoms. Others describe feelings of a pounding heart, a flutter, or even claim it feels like their heart might explode.
For some reason, A-fib strikes women more than men. Perhaps it has to do with stress being a major cause of the disease, and women often bear many responsibilities.
Even the American Heart Association agrees that stress contributes to A-fib. The reasons for this are many. The stress hormone cortisol reduces “action potential” in the nerves that control the beating of your heart. This can cause the “fluttering” feeling of the rapid firing of the atria.
Your first step in treating A-fib is to work on reducing your stress.
Exercise is your best tool for reducing stress… as a bonus, it’s also been shown in studies to directly lower the symptoms of A-fib. Try to get exercise every day. Choose something you like that doesn’t push you too hard.
Also consider getting rid of caffeine, quitting smoking (if you smoke), and alcohol, all of which can increase stress.
You can also lower the impact of stress by making sure you’re getting enough sleep, and using relaxation techniques like prayer or meditation.
And here are some other ideas:
- Omega-3 fish oil. Try a supplements or one tablespoon of fish oil daily, such as cod liver oil. Fish oils help support healthy nerve conduction.
- Coenzyme Q10. Researchers have found that CoQ10 is essential for energy production in the heart. You can take up to 100mg daily.
- This nutrient is known to be involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, blood pressure, muscle and nerve function, and blood sugar control. It’s great for the heart.
- Antioxidants. There are many antioxidants to choose from, like vitamins A, C, E, and others, but I prefer plant phytonutrients such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Examples include green tea extract (called EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate), red wine extract (resveratrol), Pycnogenol, olive leaf extract, curcumin, and others.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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