Avoid these foods to avoid heart palpitations
These foods can trigger heart palpitations which is known as the sensation that feels like your heart is taking a leap, fluttering, or picking up the pace.
In some instances, these sensations are brief and harmless, but for some people, the symptoms linger for a longer time and can have worrying signs. Several factors cause this condition. Stress and anxiety, lack of sleep and hormonal changes can be factors that lead to this but it can also caused by your diet.
Here are the foods you need to avoid in order not to get heart palpitations, based on the article in The Healthy.
Alcohol
Elizabeth Klodas, MD, FACC, a Mayo Clinic-trained cardiologist near Minneapolis, MN said that alcohol is a stimulant. “Stimulants increase the risk of palpitations by activating the sympathetic nervous system. This causes heart rate and blood pressure to go up, which can then lead to an increased likelihood of palpitations occurring,” she said.
Alcohol also has a diuretic effect. This means that it can lead to dehydration and not having enough water in your body can lead to more palpitations.
Caffeine
Caffeine is also a stimulant. Aside from coffee, it is also advisable to be aware of taking caffeine-rich foods and beverages, including sodas and energy drinks.
Dr. Klodas said that caffeinated beverages contain few if any health-promoting ingredients. This means that they are generally not helping you health-wise.
Processed Foods
“Processed foods such as chips, candy, mass-produced baked goods, and microwavable snacks typically contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt,” Dr. Klodas said.
Aside from palpitations, processed foods can also increase cholesterol levels and blood pressure control and cause blood sugar surges and crashes.
Deli Meats
Ham, bacon, sausage, and other meat products rich in sodium, nitrates, and often MSG should be avoided. These kinds of foods can be significant contributors to the sodium content of your diet, Dr. Klodas said. Excessive sodium intake can lead to heart palpitations.
Spicy Foods
“Eating very spicy foods can cause various physiological responses that lead to increased heart rates,” Dr. Klodas said. However, Dr. Klodas said that spices are generally beneficial because they contain high levels of antioxidants. Those who are prone to heart palpitations should be mindful of the spicy foods they eat.
