What Can I Do If My Heart Races After Eating?
If eating makes your heart beat faster, you have to make some changes. I suggest the following:
Try Smaller, More Frequent Meals
As I mentioned above, large meals may require more blood flow to the digestive system. That can trigger responses in your body that speed up your heartbeat to send blood back to your heart and brain.
That said, I recommend eating smaller portions and eating more frequently. It may reduce the intensity of this response. You can also take your time while eating instead of having a large meal all at once.
Pay Attention to Fluids and Salt
Staying well hydrated can support blood volume and circulation, which may help with POTS symptoms. Drink enough water after meals.
Some people with POTS are also advised to increase their sodium intake as part of their treatment plan. But please note that higher salt or fluid intake is not appropriate for everyone.
Follow your healthcare professional's advice, especially if you have another condition that affects how much fluid or sodium you should consume.
Stay Upright and Take It Easy After Meals
Your position and activity level after eating may affect how you feel. Some people find that staying upright and avoiding sudden changes in position helps them manage symptoms.
If you regularly feel lightheaded or your heart rate rises significantly after meals, give yourself time to rest. Do not immediately do strenuous activity. Listen to your body and avoid activities that consistently make your symptoms worse.
Keep a Food and Symptom Log
A simple food and symptom log can help you spot patterns. You can use a notebook or a notepad app. Record things such as:
- what you ate
- the approximate portion size
- how much you drank
- when you ate
- your heart rate
- any symptoms that followed.
Over time, this may help you identify potential triggers and avoid them in the future. It can also give your healthcare professional more useful information when discussing your POTS symptoms.
