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

When you have atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly. Also known as AFib, it doesn’t just need medication—it needs a smart diet. Eating the right foods won’t cure it, but it can reduce how often you feel those fluttering heartbeats and lower your risk of stroke.

Potassium, a mineral that helps your heart muscle contract properly is critical. Low potassium can trigger irregular rhythms, but too much can be dangerous too—especially if you’re on blood thinners or kidney medication. Bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and avocado are safe, natural sources. On the flip side, sodium, the main component of table salt is your enemy. High sodium raises blood pressure and strains your heart. Processed foods, canned soups, deli meats, and fast food are loaded with it. Cutting back isn’t about going salt-free—it’s about reading labels and cooking more at home.

Magnesium, another key mineral for heart rhythm control is often overlooked. Many people with AFib are low in magnesium, even if their blood tests look normal. Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark leafy greens are good sources. Some doctors recommend a supplement, but never start one without checking with your provider—especially if you take digoxin or other heart meds. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks? They’re not just triggers—they’re red flags. One glass of wine might be fine for some, but for others, it’s enough to send their heart into chaos. Same with energy drinks or too much coffee.

You won’t find a single magic food that fixes AFib. But when you combine steady potassium, controlled sodium, enough magnesium, and avoid the big triggers, your heart starts to settle. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency. The posts below show real examples: how people adjusted their diets, what worked, what didn’t, and how nutrition ties into medications like eplerenone or beta-blockers. You’ll see how one person cut out processed snacks and noticed fewer palpitations. Another swapped coffee for herbal tea and slept better. These aren’t theories—they’re lived experiences. What you eat every day matters more than you think.