Heart palpitations are irregular heartbeats that can be felt by the individual experiencing them. Since the heartbeat is not normally noticed, this can be a bit disconcerting. Many things can contribute to the occurrence heart palpitations, such as a heart condition, stress, pharmaceutical drugs and caffeine. Some foods may help slow heart palpitations as they provide nutrients that contribute to heart health.
Salmon
Salmon is one food that may help with slowing heart palpitations. Shari Lieberman, PhD, CNS, FACN, in her contribution to the book "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth" by Jonny Bowden, recommends salmon as a source of omega-3 fatty acids that aid in heart palpitations. Omega-3s also protect against heart disease and help to normalize triglycerides, also important for proper heart function.
Eating salmon two to three times a week provides overall nutrition for the heart and body. Check with your doctor if you are on blood-thinning drugs before adding salmon to your diet, as omega-3s naturally thin the blood.
Yogurt
Yogurt may also help to ease heart palpitations. Yogurt is high in vitamin B12, points out David Grotto in "101 Optimal Life Foods." Vitamin B12 allows for proper development of nerve cells, and Grotto notes that heart palpitations, along with fatigue, are often seen in anxiety patients suffering from low B12. Other foods high in B12 include meat and seafood. A B12 deficiency can be detrimental to your health, so it is advised to see a practitioner who can test for current levels.
Peppermint
Another food that may help to slow heart palpitations is peppermint. In "Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition," Paul Pitchford recommends using peppermint for heart and artery renewal, particularly for heart palpitations and strengthening the heart muscle, because of peppermint's ability to help circulation and regulate the rate that blood pumps. Peppermint is also cooling to the system, which can help to calm heat-induced palpitations. Do not take peppermint oil if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or are pregnant.
References
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden; 2007
- "101 Optimal Life Foods"; David Grotto; 2009
- "Healing With Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition"; Paul Pitchford; 2003
