Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Omega 3s and the Heart! Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Omega 3s are something that everyone has heard of. In fact many nutritionists including myself consider them to be essential to a healthy daily vitamin regimen. But many people I talk to ask a few …
WEIGHT LOSS~A TASTY WAY TO HELP REACH THAT GOAL By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT As we enter a New Year, a common goal for many people is to lose weight…and their mantra is usually “New Year, New Me”. But, how can we stick …
The Confusing World of Heart Arrhythmias
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Arrhythmia is a word that you may have heard of but may not know what it means. So what exactly is an arrhythmia? Basically an arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. In general we can break down arrhythmias into 2 types, these are a fast heartrate (over 100 beats per minute) and is called tachycardia verses a slow heartbeat (under 60 beats per minute) which is known as bradycardia. Now in this bog I will be concentrating on tachycardia since it is what most people call with questions about. Now what are the most common types of tachycardia? These include atrial fibrillation (Afib), supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. (1)
What is atrial fibrillation (AFib)? AFib is an irregular and rapid heart rhythm. This means in laymen’s terms that the heartbeat is both irregular and very rapid. Do you remember the structures of the heart that we spoke about? Basically what is happening during an episode of AFib is that the atria or top chambers of the heat beat irregularly/ rapidly and out of sync with ventricles or bottom half of the heart. Now as you can guess this can have series consequences. One potential issue is that AFib can cause a blood clot to form. This increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other series conditions. Now not everyone who has AFib will experience symptoms but there are some symptoms that are common to experience. These include palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and a rapid/ pounding heartbeat. What can cause us to develop AFib? Some risk factors for AFib can include age, alcohol use, caffeine as well as nicotine/drug use and even certain medications. Additionally having a family or personal history of AFib, congenital heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and even obesity can all increase your risk of AFib. Having a history of sleep apnea, heat attack, lung disorders and even thyroid disorders also increase the risk of AFib. Lastly having abnormal concentrations of minerals can also increase the risk of AFib. (2)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an episode of irregularly fast and erratic heartbeat where the heartrate can reach on average between 150 -220 beats a minute. During an episode of SVT there is a problem basically in the electrical system of the heart and it causes the heart rate to become fast and erratic. Because the heart beats so fast there is no time for the heart chambers to fill with blood which can lead to a feeling of being lightheaded or even dizzy. What are some of the symptoms you may expect if you have SVT? You may experience palpitations, a very fast heartbeat, pounding sensations in your chest, chest pain, and shortness of breath and even feel lightheaded or dizzy. There may be fainting and you may even start to sweat. Due to the fact that the chambers aren’t filing completely you may experience fatigue. Risk factors are very similar to AFIb with the addition of Wolfe Parkinson white syndrome as well as pregnancy. Complications of SVT can also include heart failure as repeated episodes can weaken the heart over time. (3)
Ventricular fibrillation (VFib) is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention. Basically during VFib the irregular heart rhythm results in the heat being unable to pump blood to the rest of the body. The most common symptoms are collapse and loss of consciousness preceded by chest pain as well as a fast heartbeat, dizziness, nausea and shortness of breath. If you have a past history of VFib, heart attack, congenital heat defect, heart muscle injury or use certain drugs and have a fast, pounding heat rate it is important to see a doctor. I can’t stress this enough because VFib can be fatal within minutes of an episode stating. (4)
Ventricular tachycardia (VTach) is similar to VFib however, in VTach the episodes may be brief and not cause series complications. However, sustained VTach can cause complications including fainting, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. Signs and risk factors for VTach are very similar to VFib. (5)
When it comes to arrhythmias it is important to take any and all medications that are recommended. Therefore, while the following are amazing for heart health and even arrhythmias, it is important to talk to an Invite nutritionist to make sure they complement your medications rather than conflict with them.
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COCOA HX: THE DELICIOUS SUPERFOOD By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT When it comes to enjoying something indulgent and decadent, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is CHOCOLATE. It’s comforting as it takes us back to our childhood and brings …
The Benefits of Beets Hx Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Everyone has heard about beets. Beet powder, beet chews and even beet juice! It’s everywhere you look! But what really are the benefits of using beet supplements? Why is the tart cherry in the Beets …
IMMUNITY MULTI: THE MUST HAVE WINTER MULTIVITAMIN
By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT
As kids growing up, most of us took a daily multi, probably chewable. We looked forward to taking these every morning before heading off to school, many of us picking our favorite cartoon character multi for that day. It was like that important multi choice each day gave us strength, power, confidence and energy to get through the school day. However, somewhere along the way, as we grew up, that daily multi routine became less of a fun morning ritual and more of a chore, causing many of us to give up the multivitamin all together. Now, as we are in adulthood and getting more focused on our health we start revisiting the world of multivitamins. But now, there are so many multivitamins available and it can get confusing as to which is best or are they necessary. How do we choose?
I always like to say that a good multivitamin is the foundation of not only a healthy lifestyle, but also as the core building block of a solid supplement regimen. A good multivitamin offers a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help support the body. I often even recommend changing up ones multivitamin throughout the year as our needs can change. Right now, I’m particularly excited about the InVite Immunity Multivitamin, as it’s not only a great base multi, but also has additional ingredients to help further support a healthy immune system. This can be particularly beneficial during the winter months and holiday season.
So, what are these additional powerhouse ingredients? They are Ribonucleotide Complex and European Elder Fruit Extract. Let’s explore these a little further.
Simply, a Ribonucleotide is defined as “a nucleotide that is the structural unit of nucleic acids and ribose forms the sugar component in that”. They are a basic part of our Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), which along with Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), is part of the building blocks of the body. In a study from the National Library of Medicine titled “Ribonucleotides in DNA: Origins, Repairs and Consequences”, we learn that these nucleotides act as a primer and may aid in the repair of cellular damage. Basically, they help keep our cells happy and healthy on a genetic level, as they work with the RNA and DNA.
Many of us may not know what European Elder Fruit is, but you probably know it by its more common name…Elderberry. Yes, the elderberry that so many people turn to during cold and flu season. But what is it and what does it do? Elderberry is a plant that we use the fruit, or berry, to make into a syrup (most commonly used) or as a powder to put into a capsule, as in the Immunity Multivitamin. Elderberry is often used to boost the immune system, particularly during cold and flu season, as it has long believed to be high in Vitamin C. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the theory that Elderberry can be helpful for not only the immune system during cold and flu season, but also for healthy respiratory function is supported by research on this fruit and the plant.
As you can see, incorporating the Immunity Multivitamin into your winter supplement routine can positively impact your health and make cold and flu season a little easier to navigate.
www.biologybard.com/ribonucleotide-definition-types-and-examples/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4065383/
www.webmd.com/diet/elderberry-health-benefits
