Irregular Heart Beat and Arrthymias on the LC Diet

Heart arrthymias or an irregular heart beat can appear in people on the LC diet and is frequently seen in athletes. This may be felt while resting or near bed time as a slight flutter in the chest. The pulse rate may become irregular with slight pauses followed by a couple of closer beats. It appears less often in morning and perhaps never during exercise. I have not found good references for the cause, but below are a few suggestions for a possible cure.

Arrthymias appear to be related to the sodium - potassium ratios in the body and the nerve message system. The presence of excessive sodium in the body may be the reason. If you have these systems, try the following LC diet changes.

Avoid Sodium - Excessive sodium can easily appear in the LC diet but can be eliminted by avoiding the following foods:

Fried Pork Rinds.
Prepared Meats such as lunch meat, sausage, hot dogs. etc.
Most Cheese.
Salt which is sodium chloride.

Add Potassium - Increasing the potassium in the diet causes the body to flush out the excess sodium. The best source is Morton's Salt Substitute which is potassium chloride. Use as a substitute for normal table salt. It does have a different taste so don't expect it to taste the same.

Pick low-sodium bacon or avoid completely.

Pick salt free cheese. I have found a swiss cheese without salt.

Another major benefit is a reduction in blood pressure in those individuals tending to have above normal blood pressure. You may experience a 15 point drop.

Results should be seen within two weeks.

You can read more about the Sodium - Potassium Pump on the following page in the section titled, The Nerve Message. Scroll down the page because the links at the top menu do not work correctly.

The Nervous System

As with any heart condition seek medical assistance when appropriate.

Kent