Heart and Diet - Heart Disorders Message Board

RachelGrace · 02-16-2006, 10:15 PM

I've been having a rapid heartbeat that occurs pretty randomly, it seems. It is faster than normal all the time now, but sometimes it feels as if it's just slamming against my chest from beating so fast. Going up the stairs and such make it beat fast (and make me out of breath).

I was checked for anemia; my red blood counts are perfect.

Could this possibly be diet related? Are there any foods that can cause a rapid heart beat like this? Or is there something else that is a likely candidate?

Basically, I have all the symptoms of anemia.

Thanks for your input.

~Rachel Grace

Timber · 02-17-2006, 06:42 AM

Well, yes, diet can definitely have an effect on heartbeat. There are many dietary factors that can influence it.

The first thing I'd consider is dehydration. Do you drink plenty of water? Even mild dehydration can cause a pounding or racey heart. Drinky PLENTY of water and see if you improve. Caffeine should also be completely eliminated. At least do a trial run for 4 or 5 days and see if it helps.

Large amounts of sugar or carbohydrates can trigger tachycardia in some people (including myself). Try avoiding sugar and high-carb meals like pizza and pasta, and see if you feel an improvement. Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium) also cause rapid heartbeats, but that can only be diagnosed by bloodwork. You could try taking a combination magnesium/calcium supplement and seeing if that helped.

MrsPM · 02-17-2006, 09:03 PM

I agree with everything Timber mentioned. I'd also like to add that eating a balanced diet has help to significantly reduce my palpitations. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables because they have many of the nutrients your body needs. Eating foods high in protein like poultry, fish, nuts, and soy products is very good for you too. You might also want to take a multi-vitamin (if you don't already) to assure your body is getting many of the elements it needs.

RachelGrace · 03-06-2006, 07:14 PM

I don't really have all that much caffine. The only thing I have with caffine is chocolate, which I've tried to cut down on. I've tried to drink more water - my problem is that I don't notice I'm thirsty until I'm extremely dehydrated - I've gone over 16 hours before without feeling thirsty. I also do tend to have more carbohydrates than other foods.

I had some more bloodwork done, and it showed that I was dehydrated, and had too many carbs in my diet.

My doctor has told me to cut back completely on chocolate, and to have more vegetables. She also stressed the need to have a LOT more fluids. I've been trying hard at this - it's kind of hard to break bad habits.

Thank you for your input - it seems that you two were right about what was the matter.

-Rachel Grace

shambbles · 03-06-2006, 09:21 PM

Adding fresh lemon juice to my water helps me immensely. In a pinch I will add bottled lemon juice. I find Im now drinking 96oz a day with no problems.
I "swish" when I walk but oh well. LOL

Best of luck.