Electrolyte imbalances can cause heart rhythm issues; doctor recommends specific foods

Cardiac surgeon Dr. Yang Chih-chun highlights the critical role of three electrolytes, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, in ensuring a stable heart rhythm. He explains that imbalances in these seemingly small elements can trigger severe cardiac arrhythmias.

Dr. Yang notes that electrolyte abnormalities are more likely to occur during periods of significant fluid loss, such as heavy sweating or diarrhea, or due to the use of diuretics, chronic sleep deprivation, poor nutrition, or extreme weight loss. These conditions can deplete the body's essential electrolyte levels.

Potassium, Dr. Yang explains, is responsible for the heart's electrical signaling and muscle contraction. Insufficient potassium can lead to symptoms like palpitations, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and even cramps. Foods rich in potassium include avocados, bananas, kiwis, oranges, cantaloupe, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, amaranth, edamame, and soybeans.

Magnesium is often referred to as a "natural heart rhythm stabilizer." A lack of magnesium can cause palpitations, premature atrial or ventricular contractions, muscle cramps, restlessness, and poor sleep quality. Excellent sources of magnesium include pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, black beans, soybeans, oats, brown rice, spinach, kale, and dark chocolate (70% or higher).

Calcium is crucial not only for bone health but also for the normal contraction of heart muscle. Calcium deficiency can result in abnormal heart rhythms, muscle twitching, or numbness in the extremities. Dietary sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, small dried fish, anchovies, shrimp, collard greens, kale, amaranth, traditional firm tofu, and dried tofu.