When supplements have become more available and a popular means of getting a good balance in people’s diets, there are always doubts over side effects as when consumed in high amounts can cause some unpleasant side effects.
This may be due to people underestimating how much is in their dose and may not realize that other foods and medications they consume also have traces of that supplement in them.
These effects can be more noticeable if you take many different supplements.
One of the risks is the possibility that some of these supplements can cause heart palpitations, and while this side effect has been proven, it can be made even worse for those who might have a history of heart issues or have an underlying heart condition.
Below we look at what supplements can cause heart problems and ways in which you can improve your heart health by making some simple changes to your lifestyle.
Dietary Supplements That Can Cause Heart Palpitations
There are many supplements that can improve you in weight loss, athletic performance, sexual enhancement, or target specific conditions, but many of these may contain illegal or dangerous substances which can put you at risk of developing arrhythmia.
Although consuming supplements and vitamins can give your body the balance it needs, overconsumption can cause an array of smaller issues such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and in some cases, a tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Below are some examples of supplements that should be limited or avoided to reduce your risk of developing heart or other cardiovascular diseases.
Ginseng
This herb comes in 11 different varieties and, for many, can restore and enhance well-being, and you can find used in some dishes, liquors, teas, and supplements, and it is recommended that people consume 1-2 grams of raw ginseng root and 200-400 mg of extract.
While its main feature is to promote energy and give you sharper cognitive function, side effects include changes in blood pressure and sugar and a rapid heartbeat, so you might be worsening your symptoms if you have an underlying heart condition.
Magnesium
This mineral is an essential item in many diets that, when used in the right amounts, can help with blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Even though an overdose is rare in healthy people, if you use supplements and medication that has magnesium, this can cause symptoms like breathing problems, an irregular heartbeat, lethargy, and, worst of all, cardiac arrest.
It’s recommended that men consume 400-420mg per day and women 310-320mg for their daily amount.
Vitamin D
This vitamin comes in the form of canned fish, fortified cereals, and milk, and even from the sunlight, as regular exposure to it is the most natural way to get your daily amount.
However, if you aren’t careful with your intake of supplements, you could get vitamin D toxicity.
The supplements are where the issues begin, as excess amounts of the vitamin have been linked to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, which can cause irregular and rapid heartbeat that, if linked to Tachycardia, can lead to serious heart problems and even failure.
Calcium
This is another mineral essential to the functioning of your heart, muscles, and nerves, and you can find it in many products such as dairy products, soybeans, calcium-fortified foods, and supplements in the form of tablets and powders.
If the amount of calcium in your blood is too high, it can cause hypercalcemia, interfere with your heart functions, and in severe cases, causes heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.
The upper limit of intake is 2,500mg, but the average adult only needs 100mg daily.
When Do Heart Palpitations Become A Problem?
There may be times when you notice your heart fluttering, and if so, as long as it is infrequent or short-lived, these are often harmless and will subside on their own, but you can consider stopping any stimulants, caffeine, or medications that could be the leading cause.
If you experience palpitations that are more frequent or get worse, this can be a sign of an underlying condition that could be linked to an irregular heartbeat, and if you experience chest pains, fainting, or trouble breathing, you should see a doctor straight away.
Ways To Improve Your Heart Health
You could take a look at your lifestyle and see if there are any changes you can make, and if there are any vitamins or minerals that you are lacking, there is a chance that you could find others ways to incorporate them into your diet.
For this, you may want to consult with your healthcare practitioner, who can refer you to a nutritionist to get your diet on the right track and encourage you to get more exercise which can strengthen your heart.
Another area you can look at is your home and work circumstances, as a high amount of stress can give you a spike in blood pressure which leads to a faster heart rate.
So learning to manage this alongside managing a healthy weight can prevent issues with your heart or developing strokes and some forms of cancer.
Conclusion
You should also be aware of any medication you are taking, and if you feel you are having palpitations and other symptoms that might have you feeling worried, you should consult with your primary healthcare professional, who may be able to prescribe you an alternative.
Be sure to also discuss with them any supplements you are taking, and they can help you on how much you should consume and suggest other ways you may be able to get your daily dose of any vitamins and minerals you may need.
Taking these steps can help you live a long and pain-free life.
Supplements are becoming ever more popular as people turn away from always using western medicine and research more into holistic approaches. But is that wise?
Hi, my name is Arlo Reiner and I have been in the supplementary business for almost seven years.
Before that, I trained as a doctor of general medicine and worked in many hospitals. I have cared for and treated many patients, and I was always intrigued by the world of supplements.
