Atrial Fibrillation Diet: What to Eat and Avoid for Heart Health

When you have atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can increase stroke risk. Also known as AFib, it’s not just about pills—what you eat plays a direct role in how often your heart misfires. Many people think AFib is only managed with medication, but research shows that diet can reduce episodes, lower blood pressure, and even cut down on the need for stronger drugs over time.

One of the biggest triggers? Too much sodium, a mineral that pulls fluid into your bloodstream and raises blood pressure. Also known as salt, it’s hidden in packaged foods, canned soups, and even bread. If your blood pressure spikes, your heart works harder—and that can kick off an AFib episode. Cutting back doesn’t mean going flavorless. Swap processed snacks for fresh veggies, use herbs instead of salt shakers, and read labels. Aim for under 1,500 mg a day. That’s less than a teaspoon of salt.

Then there’s potassium, a mineral that helps your heart muscles contract properly. Also known as electrolyte, it balances sodium and keeps your heartbeat steady. Low potassium is linked to more AFib episodes. Bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and beans are easy wins. But if you’re on certain heart meds like diuretics or ACE inhibitors, your doctor might need to check your levels—too much potassium can be dangerous too.

Magnesium, another key mineral for heart rhythm control. Also known as nature’s calcium blocker, it helps relax the heart muscle and calm electrical signals. Studies show people with low magnesium have more irregular beats. Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark leafy greens are great sources. Some people take supplements, but talk to your doctor first—especially if you have kidney issues.

Alcohol is another silent player. Even one drink a day can trigger AFib in sensitive people. Binge drinking? That’s a known cause of "holiday heart syndrome." You don’t need to quit cold turkey, but reducing intake—even cutting out weekend binges—can make a noticeable difference.

Weight matters too. Carrying extra weight strains your heart and increases inflammation, both of which feed AFib. Losing just 10% of your body weight has been shown in clinical studies to cut AFib episodes in half for many people. It’s not about extreme diets—it’s about swapping sugary drinks for water, eating more fiber, and moving more.

And don’t overlook caffeine. While old advice said to avoid it completely, newer data shows moderate coffee (1–2 cups a day) is fine for most. But if you notice your heart races after your morning latte, cut it out for a week and see what happens. Everyone’s different.

What you’re reading here isn’t theory—it’s what people with AFib are using to take back control. Below, you’ll find real guides on how to adjust your meals, what supplements actually help (and which ones don’t), and how to spot hidden risks in everyday foods. No fluff. Just clear, practical steps you can start today to support your heart without relying only on pills.