If you haven’t heard of pericarditis yet, just wait. This once-rare heart condition has risen at alarming rates over the last few years, with no end in sight. Thanks to our toxic environment, lifestyle, and pharmaceuticals (oral and injected), pericarditis is something you need to know about.
Pericarditis often appears with little to no warning, and most individuals with this potentially life-threatening condition are surprised by their diagnosis. Equally concerning, while most cardiovascular problems arise with advancing age, pericarditis tends to impact younger individuals.
Unfortunately, many cases of pericarditis go undiagnosed, leaving the medical community unable to articulate the severity of the problem entirely. Individuals lucky enough to get an early diagnosis are often told it must be a “virus” attacking the heart. Sadly, this commonly used medical tactic of blaming the unknown on a virus leaves patients unempowered and lost.
The truth is that there is a cause of pericarditis, but doctors must be willing to work to find it. Unfortunately, doctors are rarely trained to look for causation. However, identifying the cause of pericarditis gives the patient the best chance for a full recovery. Thankfully, there are many natural ways to reduce inflammation and heal pericarditis for good.
What is Pericarditis?
The heart is surrounded by a protective sac called the pericardium, which consists of two layers with a small amount of fluid between them to reduce friction. Pericarditis refers to inflammation (‘itis’) of the pericardium, which can lead to irritation and swelling.
When the pericardium becomes inflamed, it can cause chest pain and other symptoms. The inflammation can also cause the layers of the pericardium to rub against each other, leading to further discomfort. In severe cases, pericarditis can lead to complications such as pericardial effusion (excess fluid in the pericardium) and cardiac tamponade (pressure on the heart due to fluid buildup).
Symptoms of Pericarditis
Symptoms of pericarditis vary from person to person. For some individuals, symptoms may appear suddenly, while for others, they gradually build over time. Some of the most common symptoms of pericarditis include:
– Chest pain or pressure, often sharp and located in the center or left side of the chest
– Shortness of breath, especially when reclining
– Fatigue
– Heart palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms
– Fever
– Cough
– Generalized weakness
– Swollen abdomen or legs (peripheral edema)
– Lack of appetite
Causes of Pericarditis
Too much of the bad stuff (toxins and unhealthy food) and not enough of the good stuff (sleep, sunshine and food) are the cause of everything.
A contributing cause of pericarditis is food-related toxicity. Many of the foods that we consume today are full of chemicals such as pesticides, food dyes, and other additives. Moreover, the standard American diet contains sugar, gluten, and GMOs. Studies show that these inflammatory foods contribute to heart problems. Eating food not part of an ancestral diet increases the likelihood of pericarditis.
Exposure to environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and mold, is another leading cause of pericarditis. In addition, research shows that air pollution contributes to inflammation in the body, which triggers health problems such as pericarditis. Indoor air pollution due to toxic cleaners, air fresheners, candles, and beauty products is also a contributing cause of pericarditis.
Anything that contributes to inflammation in the body can trigger pericarditis. Other possible causes include the following:
– Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
– Thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
– Alcohol
– Illicit drugs
– Pharmaceutical medications
– Radiation or chemotherapy for cancer
– Vaccinations- see this article about COVID shots
Diagnosis and Conventional Treatment for Pericarditis
Several diagnostic tools help doctors diagnose pericarditis. The most widely used medical tests include:
– Blood tests to look for markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
– Chest x-ray
– Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
– Echocardiogram
– Cardiac MRI
From the above, I usually recommend blood testing, ECG, and echocardiogram.
Once diagnosed, treatment will depend on the level of severity. Mild pericarditis cases often resolve independently, requiring monitoring of the patient only.
However, conventional medicine has a plan for more severe cases: pills, pills, and more pills. While some of these medications may be necessary for the short term, they are best used in conjunction with natural healing methods. Conventional treatments potentially include:
– Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
– Colchicine to reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence
– Corticosteroids for severe or recurrent cases
Natural Remedies for Pericarditis
We start with the 100 Year Heart Method: Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well.
Eat like our ancestors:
Healing from pericarditis requires removing high-inflammatory foods, such as sugar, processed grains, seed oils, food dyes, pesticides, and other added chemicals, from the diet. Moreover, adding in organic produce, grass-fed and pasture-raised meat and poultry, organ meat, wild seafood, nuts, and seeds ensures that our bodies have the tools they need to fight off the oxidative stress that leads to inflammation.
Sleep like a baby:
A lack of quality sleep is associated with increased markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein, cytokines, and interleukin-6, among others. Inflammation drives pericarditis, so it stands to reason that getting quality sleep will lower the risk.
Embrace the sunshine:
Studies have shown that sunlight lowers inflammation and strengthens the immune system. Clearly, the sun’s anti-inflammatory properties come from its ability to produce vitamin D. Nitric oxide also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Evidence-based supplements
Many natural supplements help to reduce inflammation and heal the heart, such as:
– N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor for the great detoxifier glutathione. NAC is a potent anti-inflammatory that may support healing from pericarditis.
– Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body.
Next Steps
Pericarditis is a serious and sometimes life-threatening health condition that needs immediate attention. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pericarditis, consider working with one of our highly-qualified health practitioners.
Our health practitioners can work with your current medical team to offer additional strategies to support your body’s natural healing mechanisms. Despite what you may have been told, it is possible to find healing from pericarditis. We would be honored to walk with you through that healing process.
