Stamped envelopes.

Mailbag! How to Treat A-fib NATURALLY

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!

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

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.

View More Free Articles

The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life

Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...

Read This

Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?

I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...

Read This

“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health

You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...

Read This

Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age

“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...

Read This

Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?

We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...

Read This

Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED

Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...

Read This

The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints

Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...

Read This

Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss

Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...

Read This

Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer

I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...

Read This

Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk

It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...

Read This