In this post, we discuss the best natural supplements to slow down your heart rate.
The human heart is a remarkable organ, beating between 60 and 100 times per minute at rest. Taking cues from the rest of the body, the heartbeat fluctuates to accommodate for exercise, emotions, the environment around us, and even our breathing.
For instance, during exercise, the heart speeds up to ensure that the muscles receive enough oxygen to do their job. Likewise, emotions such as anxiety or anger can trigger the autonomic nervous system to release hormones that speed the heart rate to prepare for the possibility of a need to fight or flee. These situational experiences trigger a healthy and normal heart rate response, and the heart then quickly returns to normal.
However, what happens when the heart rate is abnormally high for a seemingly unknown cause or a prolonged period? Tachycardia is the term used for a heart that pumps faster than 100 beats per minute (BPM). Over time, a fast heart rate can weaken the heart muscle and make it more susceptible to dangerous diseases like heart failure.
If your ticker tends to trend higher than average, consider the following five supplements to naturally lower your heart rate and bring your body back to a state of balance.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a potent, multi-purpose mineral found in a variety of foods. Unfortunately, in today’s world, consuming a healthy diet is often not enough to meet the nutritional needs of this critical micronutrient.
The use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals has resulted in dramatically lowered magnesium availability in our food. Additionally, studies show that processing or refining food reduces magnesium content by nearly 85 percent.
Moreover, as we age, magnesium absorption decreases. Stress, medications, and certain health conditions can also deplete magnesium stores in the body. As a result, many individuals need to supplement magnesium to keep levels optimal.
Magnesium has potent antiarrhythmic effects, helping to regulate heart rhythm. In addition, it plays an essential role in cellular function, helping transport other electrolytes in the cells. As a counterpart of calcium, magnesium helps muscle cells to relax. Individuals with magnesium deficiency commonly experience tachycardia, heart palpitations, and other cardiovascular abnormalities.
There are several forms of magnesium, all of which serve different roles in the body. We recommend Magne 5, which contains five kinds of magnesium, to support normal heart rate and rhythm.
Potassium
Much like magnesium, potassium plays a role in every single beat of the heart. But unfortunately, the average American is deficient in this vital mineral. Declining potassium concentration in food sources, over-consumption of high-sodium processed foods, and certain medications have depleted potassium reserves for 9 out of 10 Americans.
Potassium is vital for maintaining a healthy and consistent heart rate. Not only does it help to keep sodium levels in check, but because of its vagolytic effect, potassium helps to maintain a regular heart rate. When given with magnesium, potassium supplements have been shown to lower dangerously high heart rates.
Studies show that low potassium levels, also called hypokalemia, may cause calcification and stiffening of the arteries, thus increasing heart rate. A recent New England Journal of Medicine study found that those with the highest potassium levels had a 31 percent lower risk of cardiovascular events than those with the lowest levels.
Potassium Boost, an exclusive potassium and mineral powder supplement, restores optimal potassium levels in the cells, thus lowering heart rate and supporting healthy cardiovascular function. A high heart rate responds well to the formula’s elemental potassium and magnesium.
Lithium
Most people know lithium as a mood stabilizer used to treat manic episodes. However, very few people know that lithium is an important naturally-occurring dietary mineral in grains and vegetables. When used in low doses that mimic those found in food and water, lithium serves a vital role in heart health.
Unfortunately, as with magnesium and potassium, we do not get enough lithium in our diet. Lithium is required for vitamin B12, folate transport, and many other biochemical processes in the body. Studies have found that a deficiency in natural lithium can lead to defects in growth and development.
Unfortunately, most studies involving lithium’s relationship to the heart involve lithium toxicity due to too much lithium. However, in small doses, such as those in Cardio-Lith supplement, lithium slows heart rate, decreases stress, and calms the sympathetic response.
Berberine
Berberine might just be the “it” supplement for cardiovascular health. Found in several plants such as goldenseal, goldthread, tree turmeric, and European barberry, this natural plant alkaloid helps to strengthen the heartbeat.
Berberine has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine but has gained popularity in Western medicine for its cardiovascular benefits. Multiple studies have found that berberine protects against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and heart arrhythmias. In addition, researchers have found that berberine prevents tachycardia and other arrhythmias.
Berberine, or Berbe, helps keep the heart rate within normal range while simultaneously reducing inflammation, controlling blood sugar, and preventing heart disease.
Hawthorn
A flowering shrub of the rose family, Hawthorn is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. Used since the 1st century to treat cardiovascular problems, Hawthorn is packed with flavonoids. One such flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, is particularly beneficial for the heart.
Hawthorn is beneficial for lowering the heart rate and reducing the risk of arrhythmias. Hawthorn dilates the coronary arteries, thus improving flood flow to the heart. It also improves the strength of cardiac muscle contractions. This adaptogen is commonly used to treat tachycardia.
One 500 mg capsule of Hawthorn Extract works to lower inflammation, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Help your heart relax naturally
Having a prolonged high heart rate is dangerous and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, all while shortening life expectancy.
Unfortunately, most doctors immediately turn to heavy-duty pharmacological drugs to address tachycardia. Unfortunately, these medications come with numerous dangerous side effects. Thankfully, mother nature has provided us with all the nutrients we need to support the 100 Year Heart.
Eat well, Live well, Think well
