Have you ever experienced the strange sensation of your heart skipping a beat, fluttering, or racing like a thoroughbred? It’s definitely an unsettling feeling. The discomfort is both mental and physical. After all, our hearts are the very organ that keeps us alive and are the foundation upon which our entire health rests.
If you’ve had this experience, you likely grappled with many questions. What is causing these palpitations? Is my life in danger? Will these palpitations ever go away?
We have good news and bad news. First, let’s address the not-so-good. Although many Americans experience heart palpitations, they are not normal. These abnormal beats are a warning signal from the body, indicating that something is out of balance. While isolated palpitations are relatively harmless, they can develop into serious, life-threatening conditions if left unmanaged.
Now for the encouraging news: With the proper natural lifestyle adjustments, heart palpitations can often resolve on their own. That’s right. You don’t need nasty pharmaceuticals or risky heart procedures to stop the abnormal beats. In most cases, all it takes is a genuine commitment to following the Eat Well, Live Well, Think Well philosophy.
What causes heart palpitations?
Many doctors are quick to prescribe medications for heart palpitations, particularly if they are frequent in nature. However, palpitations are not caused by a drug deficiency and drugs will not cure them. They may temporarily mask symptoms, but the issue remains.
Most health practitioners have difficulty determining the precise cause of heart palpitations, often labeling them as “idiopathic” to describe their lack of knowledge. This uncertainty is discouraging, particularly because heart palpitations are nearly always linked to inflammation stemming from unhealthy lifestyle choices.
The primary causes of heart palpitations include:
- Poor diet void of essential nutrients the heart needs to thrive
- Diet packed with sugar, processed grains, seed oils, and pesticides
- Imbalanced gut microbiome
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Minimal sun exposure
- Mold and/or heavy metal toxicity
- Lack of quality sleep
- Excessive stress and unhappiness
- Not enough time spent outside in nature
- Side effects of medications (pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter)
Are heart palpitations endangering my life?
Even though heart palpitations generally aren’t life-threatening in the moment, especially for people with healthy hearts and no structural issues, they can still point to more serious conditions.
Research shows that folks who have heart palpitations might be more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib). For example, one study found that people who experience premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), a common reason for palpitations, were nearly twice as likely to end up with AFib. However, even without AFib, studies suggest that heart palpitations can raise the risk of stroke and other dangerous heart problems.
Can my heart palpitations be cured?
With the right care, heart palpitations can go away on their own. However, determining the source of the palpitations is critical. Unfortunately, most conventional doctors lack the knowledge and time to conduct the necessary investigations to heal.
One of the first steps in ridding the body of heart palpitations is comprehensive lab testing to understand what is causing the irregular beats in the first place. Instead of guessing why the heart is irritated, NHD helps to identify the why behind the irregular heart rhythm.
In the meantime, numerous natural strategies can help manage heart palpitations. A healthy lifestyle encompassing a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques often leads to improvement. Here are eight lifestyle habits recommended to reduce these abnormal beats:
1. Clean up your diet
Adopt an organic diet reminiscent of our ancestors’ eating patterns. Focus on consuming organic vegetables, grass-fed beef and organs, free-range poultry and eggs, and wild-caught seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids in seafood also help alleviate palpitations. Avoid unhealthy processed foods containing sugar, gluten, GMOs, pesticides, and other chemicals.
2. Engage in regular physical activity
Staying active, preferably outdoors, enhances heart health by improving vagal tone and strengthening the heart muscle. However, pay attention to your body’s signals during exercise. If palpitations increase during exercise, you’ll want to contact your health provider.
3. Prioritize sleep
Getting good sleep is crucial for keeping your heart healthy and minimizing palpitations. Stick to a regular sleep routine, making sure to catch 7-9 hours of solid, uninterrupted shut-eye each night. Limit exposure to blue-light electronics and maintain a sleep schedule that aligns with natural daylight patterns, much like our ancient ancestors.
4. Soak up the sun
Sunshine exposure can boost mood, reduce stress, and positively impact heart health. Spend time (preferably naked) in the sun, visualizing its healing rays on your heart.
5. Manage stress and find your happy
There is substantial evidence showing that stress and negative emotions are a common trigger of heart palpitations. Incorporating stress-reducing activities into a daily routine may reduce the these abnormal beats. Stress-relieving activities may include:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Deep breathing exercises
- Outdoor activities
- Socializing with friends and family
- Engaging in well-loved hobbies
6. Avoid environmental toxins:
Palpitations of the heart are frequently brought on by exposure to toxins. Inflammation and oxidative stress are triggered by polluted air, both outdoors and indoors, which can spark abnormal beats. The water we drink is also a huge source of chemicals. Opt for organic products free from toxic chemicals and consider investing in a medical-grade air purifier and water filtration system.
7. Seek chiropractic care:
Regular chiropractic adjustments balance the nervous system and reduce the risk of heart palpitations by addressing spinal misalignments that can affect bodily systems, including the heart.
8. Consider evidence-based natural supplements:
High-quality supplements provide the body with the necessary nutrients to function optimally, especially when taken with a nutrient-rich, organic diet. Our Palpitation Complete Support Protocol supports optimal heart rate and rhythm by supplementing with the best nutrients for the heart.
Next Steps
The human body possesses a remarkable ability to provide subtle indications when something is wrong. Heart palpitations serve as an important signal that your body requires attention and care. By heeding this warning, it’s often possible to reverse the course and improve your health.
If you’re experiencing heart palpitations and seek additional support in managing them, consider scheduling a complimentary 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled health coaches. Our goal is to help guide you toward optimal cardiovascular well-being, paving the way to your 100 year heart.
