Putting The Puzzle Together
There was! In September, I happened upon an essay by Dr. Deva Boone on Hacker News. Dr. Boone told the story of Shannon, who had been supplementing Vitamin D for 5 years before starting to experience anxiety, insomnia, and, crucially, heart palpitations. Her symptoms progressed to difficulty speaking and catatonia. Six months after stopping her Vitamin D supplementation, Shannons serum Vitamin D levels had fallen to normal levels, and her symptoms had disappeared completely.
Dr. Boone suggested that high-dose Vitamin D can increase the bodys calcium absorption. High calcium levels can cause a long list of scary symptoms including heart palpitations. When caused by high Vitamin D levels, blood calcium can take a long time to decrease, because Vitamin D is fat soluble.
Shannons initial symptoms and backstory pretty much matched mine: five years of 5000 IU Vitamin D supplementation followed by heart palpitations. And although I didnt have my serum Vitamin D numbers, my most recent bloodwork showed blood calcium levels at the high end of normal .
I stopped supplementing Vitamin D that day.
Keep In Mind: The Supplements Industry Is Not Regulated
Our Top 3 Sources
In the US, vitamins and mineral supplements are not regulated by the FDA . Quality and potency will vary. So, its up to you to find reliable, unbiased information to evaluate the vitamins, minerals, herbs or supplements and to select reliable brands and products.
In our search for unbiased sources, we looked at many, many informational directories. Three searchable databases rose to the top of our list. See Our Top 3 Sources for Reliable, Unbiased Info on Vitamins and Supplements.
Burgess, Jackie. The Strategy What Metabolic Cardiology Means to Afibbers, July 2010, p. 3. http://www.afibbers.org/resources/magnesiumabsorption.pdf
Life Extension magazine reports: On October 17, 2005, the FDA banned information about cherries health benefits from appearing on websites. The FDA sent warning letters to 29 companies that market cherry products. In those letters, the FDA ordered the companies to stop publicizing scientific data about cherries. According to the FDA, when cherry companies disseminate this information, the cherries become unapproved drugs subject to seizure. The FDA warns that if those involved in cherry trafficking continue to inform customers about these scientific studies, criminal prosecutions will ensue. Rowen, Robert Jay. FDA and Cherries. Second Opinion, Vol.XXIV, No. 6, June 2014. Read online at: http://www.anh-usa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/CouldCancerVaccinesReplaceChemoandRadiation.pdf
Vitamin D Is Giving Me Heart Palpitations And Cramps
Hi my name is Heather, I have been taking 5,000 iu of vitamin d since october 2 2010 I have been feeling a little better but still kind of fatigued, depressed , panic attacks, heart palpitations ect. I know am having terrible period problems since I have been on the d, such as 12 day periods and then sometimes painful periods where im doubled over with rectal pain and heavier periods. I am 40 years old I almost want to stop the vitamin d because of my new period symptoms.do you think the low d or the vitamin is making me worse I am so confused.Thanks,
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Why Foods Cause Heart Palpitations
Feeling palpitations after eating is a relatively common experience, which tends to occur when a substance in your food or drinkor your bodys natural biochemical response to that substancejolts the hearts electrical system and causes fluttering sensations, skipped beats, or a feeling that your heart is beating too hard or too fast.
Coffee drinkers, think about the last time you drank one cup too many. You know what I mean!
If your heart is healthy and you have no history of arrhythmia or heart diseaseand youre not experiencing any other symptomstheres little need to worry about an occasional episode of these irregular beats. For people who do have arrhythmias or cardiac issues, however, its a different story. Palpitations caused by food can cause an existing disruption in your hearts rhythm to escalate, and potentially lead to a major event.
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Testing For Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D levels can be measured with a blood test that looks at a specific form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxy vitamin D D). Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a blood 25D level below 20 ng/dL. Normal levels are considered to be above 30 ng/dL.
Researchers recommend 25D screening for those with known risk factors for vitamin D deficiency including:
- Older age
- Reduced sun exposure due to seasonal variation or living far from the equator
- Smoking
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Can An Irregular Heartbeat Be Tied To Low Vitamin D
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A vitamin D deficiency can cause an irregular heartbeat, but taking too much vitamin D can have the same effect. Vitamin D levels affect the amount of calcium your body absorbs calcium helps generate electronic impulses and muscle contractions that help regulate your heartbeat. Vitamin D deficiency or overdose can lead to calcium deficiency or overdose either can cause an irregular heartbeat.
Excess Vitamin D Intake Relatively Rare
Life Extension meticulously tracks its members blood test results to look for trends that may indicate beneficial or detrimental events occurring in their bodies.
Before members started supplementing with higher doses of vitamin D, the majority had less than optimal levels, placing them at higher risk for contracting degenerative disease.
Since members have been taking higher vitamin D doses, this insufficiency has been largely corrected with relatively few results above 100ng/mL, which can be easily reversed by reducing the daily dose of vitamin D.
The more common challenge is someone taking 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day and still not being able to reach 50ng/mL.
Since even conventional medicines upper limit reference range for 25-hydroxyvitamin D is 100ng/mL, anyone who had their blood tested should have been able to adjust their vitamin D downward if their reading was above this level.
Critical Importance of Maintaining Optimal Vitamin D Status |
No other nutrient, drug, or hormone has gained more scientific credibility than vitamin D.
Insufficient vitamin D is linked to virtually every age-related disorder including cancer,11-20vascular disease,21-25 and chronic inflammation.12,26-30 Adults with higher vitamin D levels contract substantially fewer cold, flu, and other viral infections.31-33
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How To Check And Maintain Healthy Vitamin D Levels
Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D level. Youll take a simple blood test called 25- hydroxyvitamin D. The measurement is nanograms per milliliter, and its generally recommended to keep your levels between 30 and 60 ng/ml.
Dr. Michos suggests that to maintain healthy levels most adults on average probably need 1,000 to 2,000 International Unit a day. Though she adds that someone who lives in southern California and spends a fair amount of time in the sun might have healthy levels and not need supplements at all.
Conversely, women with levels well below 30 ng/ml might need a carefully monitored prescription of up to 50,000 IU per week for several weeks, followed by a lower over-the-counter dosage when vitamin levels are back to normal.
Although you can find vitamin D in fatty fish such as salmon, fortified orange juice, and milk, sunlight is the strongest natural source for vitamin D. Dr. Michos explains that getting about 10 minutes of moderate summer sun exposure can supply you with 3,000 to 5,000 IU of vitamin D. You would have to drink approximately 30 glasses of milk to match that amount.
Get To Know & Support Your Thyroid Naturally
The thyroid is critical to the proper functioning of your metabolism. In fact, there are only three major hormones that control your metabolism. They are the thyroid hormone, insulin and cortisol. One of the most commonly diagnosed problems with thyroids is an under active thyroid. An under active thyroid is called hypothyroidism. This condition can lead to weight gain, but it also comes with other negative symptoms that detract from the quality of life. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism The symptoms of hypothyroidism may include: Loss of muscle strength Dry skin Constipation Puffy eyes/face Chronic fatigue Memory loss Ultra-sensitivity to cold Hoarseness Thinning
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What Kind Of Magnesium Supplement
But to insure youre getting the amount of magnesium you need, its often necessary to take magnesium in supplemental form in addition to foods rich in magnesium. To restore your Magnesium level, its often necessary to take a magnesium supplement over several months . But add Magnesium gradually, because too much Magnesium in too heavy doses can cause loose stools and lose of electrolytes.
Oral Mg Tablets & Liquids:My recommendations of supplemental magnesium are:
Magnesium Glycinate : an amino acid. One source is Pure Encapsulations, 120 mg. Angstrom Magnesium : 99.9% pure magnesium liquid applied under the tongue Such as Mother Earth Minerals Angstrom Minerals, Magnesium-8 ozs. Magnesium L-Threonate: Recommended by Life Extension for brain health has demonstrated the most impressive results.
Roger Finnern recommends timed release magnesium, MagSRT by Jigsawhealth.com.
Dianne T. from Mesquite, Nevada, recommends ReMag, a liquid magnesium supplement, created by Dr. Carolyn Dean, author of The Magnesium Miracle.
Starr S. emailed me that I should include Magnesium Malate as an easily absorbed magnesium supplement. See https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-malate.
Added 6/5/21:
Relation Between Zinc Copper And Magnesium Concentrations Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass And Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation In Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China.
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most frequently encountered arrhythmia following cardiac surgery. Since the essential trace elements zinc, copper, and magnesium are suspected to have an effect on postoperative atrial fibrillation, the concentrations of these elements were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the plasma of 60 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Blood samples were collected every 30 min during cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperatively. Plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, and magnesium were measured with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. All patients were monitored by continuous electrocardiography until they became outpatients or immediately after atrial fibrillation had taken place. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 13 of the 60 patients, corresponding to 21.7%. The zinc and copper concentrations at postoperative days 1 and 3 were significantly different between patients with and without atrial fibrillation. The concentrations of zincfollowing cardiopulmonary bypass recovered more slowly in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than in patients without it. Whether or not supplemental zinc could lower the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation should be evaluated in future prospective randomized clinical trials. PMID: 22351155
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Calcium’s Effect On Your Heartbeat
Calcium in the bloodstream assists in nerve transmission, muscle contraction and blood vessel contraction and dilation. Low calcium levels, medically termed hypocalcemia, can cause irregular heartbeats as well as muscle spasms and seizures in severe cases. Very low calcium levels can lead to death if not corrected. Taking very large amounts of vitamin D can raise your calcium levels significantly, possibly causing irregular heartbeat that can also be dangerous.
Testing For Magnesium Deficiency
Common blood tests are poor indicators of your Magnesium level because Magnesium does its work inside the cell , not in the blood.
Blood serum levels of Magnesium are misleading.
Blood serum levels of Magnesium are misleading. They remain relatively stable , even when working intracellular magnesium levels are low.
IntracellularTesting: More meaningful is an intracellular test such as Red Blood Cell Magnesium analysis. . Unfortunately few doctors provide this test.)
The RBC intracellular test gives the average level of Magnesium in the cells for the past four months. Combined with your symptoms, the RBC analysis should indicate if youre Magnesium deficient. Even without the tests, if you have A-Fib you can take it for granted that you need more Magnesium.
Carolyn Dean, MD
VIDEO 1:The Best Way to Supplement Magnesium with Dr. Carolyn Dean, author of The Magnesium Miracle, talks about supplementing magnesium, assuming that most people dont have diets that can supply enough. Published by iHealthTube.com.
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What To Do If Foods Cause You Heart Palpitations
First off, take note if you feel any additional symptoms, because those could signal that youre experiencing more than simple palpitations. Seek emergency medical help if at any point you also have:
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or discomfort in the upper back, arms, neck, or jaw
- Feeling of impending doom
If its the first time youve ever noticed heart palpitations, make a follow-up appointment with your doctor. Its likely nothing is wrong, but its always best to err on the side of caution and make sure that the food-related episode isnt the first sign of a bigger issue.
Next, start a log and record times when the palpitations recur. Note what you ate or drank and what sort of emotional state you were in. If specific foods or beverages tend to cause recurrences, take that as a sign you should reduce or eliminate those foods from your diet. Your body and your heart couldnt be telling you any more clearly that those substances are doing you harm.
New Study Links Excessive Amounts Of Vitamin D To Onset Of Atrial Fibrillation
Intermountain Medical Center researchers seek to identify safe levels for vitamin supplements
Intermountain Medical Center
SALT LAKE CITY While previous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, new research at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute shows that too much vitamin D can lead to the onset of a dangerous heart condition known as atrial fibrillation.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center, the flagship facility for the Intermountain Healthcare system, studied more than 132,000 patients and found the risk of developing atrial fibrillation was two and a half times greater in those with excess levels of vitamin D compared to patients with normal levels.
Results of the study will be presented on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart’s upper chambers quiver instead of beating rhythmically, which can cause blood to pool and clot. Atrial fibrillation has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart failure, heart attack, dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease.
T. Jared Bunch, MD, a heart rhythm specialist at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute and lead investigator on the study, says the findings are significant because so many Americans use vitamin supplements to promote their health.
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Electrocardiography And Holter Analysis
The 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded from each participant with sinus rhythm . Electrocardiograms were transferred to a personal computer via a scanner, magnified by Adobe Photoshop software, and then the duration of QT and RR intervals were measured. QT interval, which is the duration from the beginning of QRS complex to the end of T wave, was measured in a derivation in which T wave was clearly seen. Measured QT intervals were corrected by Bazetts Formula , and defined as corrected QT interval .
Heart Palpitations And Your Diet
Even if you’re not deficient in any nutrients or consuming excessive amounts of supplements, certain vitamins and minerals can still have the tendency to produce heart palpitations. In these cases, other foods and beverages can increase the levels of specific nutrients in your body. For example, the consumption of can increase your body’s calcium levels.
While collagen heart palpitations are unlikely, hypercalcemia-related palpitations are not uncommon. According to the Mayo Clinic, excessive calcium can cause fainting, arrhythmias and other heart problems. Hypercalcemia also has the potential to produce kidney, gastrointestinal and cognitive side effects.
If you are experiencing heart palpitations regularly but are consuming a relatively healthy diet, you may want to consult your nutritionist or doctor. They can assess you for abnormally high or low levels of vitamins or minerals. Some people, such as those with gastrointestinal problems or other secondary health issues, may require more nutrients than average.
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The I Newsletter Cut Through The Noise
There are a variety of symptoms that come with a B12 deficiency.
One sign associated with the condition is experiencing heart palpitations.
Your heart may feel like it’s pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly, often for just a few seconds or minutes. You may also feel these sensations in your throat or neck, explains the NHS.
Another surprising symptom could be identified by the way that you walk.
This is because if a vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause damage to your nervous system, and this damage could affect the way you walk and move. It can affect your balance, coordination and can make you more prone to clumsiness.
According to the NHS, other symptoms that you should keep an eye out for include:
A pale yellow tinge to your skin.
A sore tongue and mouth ulcers.
Pins and needles in your arms and legs.
A feeling of irritability.
A decline in your cognitive abilities, such as your memory, understanding and judgement.
Headaches.
Extreme tiredness.
Feeling faint.
If you think you have the signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency, you should make an appointment with your GP.
What happens if its left untreated?
A lack of vitamin B12 can cause a whole host of medical problems, if the condition is left without treatment.
Neurological conditions can be caused by the deficiency, such as vision problems, memory loss, nerve damage and changes to your physical coordination which could see you having difficulty walking or speaking.
How is it treated?
What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency Who Does It Affect Most
Your body produces vitamin D on its own, particularly when youre out in the sun. Because people are spending less time outdoors, and using more sunscreen when they are outdoors, there is a general deficiency among the entire American population.
There are other factors that lead to lower vitamin D levelslike your weight, skin, pigmentation, sex, age, and where you live.
- Obesity is an important factor because fat cells absorb vitamin D and keep it from circulating throughout the bloodstream.
- People with darker skin pigmentation have a built-in natural sunscreen called melanin, which keeps the skin from synthesizing vitamin D.
- Women have lower vitamin D levels than men for a few possible reasons: Women tend to have more body fat than men, they spend a bit more time indoors, and tend to wear hats and sunscreen more often than men. Because several studies have connected low vitamin D levels with cardiovascular disease, this could be cause for women to pay special attention to screening.
- Age also plays a role in vitamin D deficiency, because as people get older they absorb less vitamin D from their diet and produce less vitamin D in their skin. Also, their reduced activity gives them less opportunity to be outdoors.
- According to Dr. Michos, geography also plays a part. If you live farther away from the equator, you arent exposed to enough ultraviolet light, so your body is unable to make vitamin D from November to February.
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