It took a while to finally figure out that I have PVC's and after being diagnosed I have been on a warpath to determine the triggers for these nasty episodes..........I will defeat PVC's!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So.........this is what I have learned and I just thought I would share to those who are new to PVC's
#1. NO ALCOHOL- I have found that initially a drink or two will actually help to subside the PVC's but the next day
be horrendous! You will pay dearly after a night of drinking and I believe that this could be from
contributed to several things. The first one being the dehydration factor. The second one being
dependent upon the additives that are in wine and liqour. RED WINE is the worst and should be
avoided altogether. I found that Bacardi Rum affects me the least and I always pair it with a non-
caffienated soda, for example Sprite.
#2. STAY HYDRATED- I have found that drinking small amounts of water frequently throughout the day and staying
hydrated has subsided my PVC's. I do not recommend drinking large amounts of liquids.
This overstimulates the vagus nerve which is responsible for aiding in digestion and heart
rhythm function.
#3. NO CAFFEINE- Elimination of caffeine is so important with PVC's. This also means eliminating anything that has
caffeine in it.....Chocolate, Soda, Caffiene Drinks, Energy Pills..............
#4. GET SLEEP- Getting plenty of rest is vital. I find that lying down flat is sometimes bothersome, so I prop my
upper half of my body at a 45 degree angle with pillows. Sleeping at least 8 hours continuously has
helped alot. If you are not sleeping well.........look into sleep apnea. Sometimes this will go
undetected by people that have it and it can put stress on the heart and increase the frequency of
PVC's immensely. If you are waking up at night and gasping for air or snoring, a CPAP machine
could help you get a great night of sleep and eliminate your PVC's.
#5. EAT FREQUENT SMALL MEALS- I find that if I eat a large meal, there is a 95% possiblity that I will have some
PVC epidodes. Try small, very low carb meals throughout the day. I find that
carbs make my PVC's worse because they induce inflammation in the body
and that makes PVC's worse as well which leads me to #6.
#6. AVOID INFLAMMATION- This is a tricky one.....you cannot always avoid inflammation, but inflammation within
the body makes PVC's significantly worse. For example.....Sinus congestion, Chest
congestion, infection, foods that we eat. There is a great list of anti-inflammatory foods
if you google "List of Anti Inflammatory foods". Omega 3 supplements are a good way
to combat inflammation within the body. You may find that this supplement decreases
your epidodes of PVC's.
#7. LIMIT STRESS- This is hard to do. We all have stressors, but try to think of what your stress triggers are and
combat them. Deep breathing, yoga, a picture that makes you happy. Keeping stress down
equates to less PVC's.
#8. AVOID PROCESSED FOOD- Almost everything we eat is processed, containing chemicals, additives, dyes and
hormones. These all contribute to PVC's. Make great changes to your diet and
reap the rewards of a PVC free life! Your body will thank you too!
#9. DO NOT SMOKE ANYTHING- No explanation needed.
#10. EXERCISE LIGHTLY- I recommend taking a brisk 30 minute walk in the morning. I tend to get more PVC's
when I jog rather than just walk quickly.
I hope that this list can help someone out there! It isnt fail-proof. I still occasionally get my PVC's, usually right before my period starts (HORMONES DO CONTRIBUTE TO PVC'S) or if I am completely exhausted. Good luck to all!