Diet and food guidance for palpitations

Diet cannot cure a heart rhythm problem, but food and drink habits can trigger or calm palpitations.

Foods and drinks that may help

• Regular, balanced meals to avoid low blood sugar
• Fluids: enough water through the day
• Potassium and magnesium: bananas, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains. Low levels can trigger extra beats.
• Iron-rich foods if anaemia is present: dal, greens, jaggery, and lean meat, along with vitamin C
• Omega-3 sources: fish, flaxseed, walnuts
• Fruit, vegetables and whole grains for heart health

Limit or avoid

• Caffeine: coffee, strong tea, cola and energy drinks
• Alcohol, especially binge drinking
• Nicotine and tobacco
• Large heavy meals, which can trigger palpitations in some
• Very salty or sugary foods
• Weight-loss pills and energy supplements that contain stimulants

Supplements

Do not take potassium, magnesium or herbal supplements without advice. Too much can be harmful, especially with kidney disease or heart medicines.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional advice favours warm, freshly cooked, light meals with regular timing, and limits stimulants such as strong tea and coffee, and very spicy or fried food. This is a traditional framework.

See a doctor if palpitations follow certain foods strongly, or you suspect anaemia or thyroid disease.

When to get help

See a doctor if palpitations are new, frequent, last more than a few minutes, or come with dizziness, chest discomfort or breathlessness. An ECG, simple blood tests and a heart rhythm monitor can usually find the cause. Call 112 for chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness.

Remember

Less caffeine, regular meals and enough fluids settle palpitations for many people.