Dairy Products

Just read The AFIB Cure. Wonderful book especially on diets. My question is concerning diary products. Are all products like yogurt milk cheese not good and should be avoided? What about these products if from our local all grass fed cows. Thank you.

From an autoimmune perspective, dairy from genetically A2 casein cows is better than from A1 casein cows. Fermented A2 casein milk products like yogurt & some cheeses are better. Goat and sheep cheeses are better they are generally rich in A2 casein and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier to digest and less inflammatory than standard cow's milk products, as I understand.

Most standard US cows genetically make A1 casein. There are some A2's in this country, more in Europe.

Thanks GeorgeN. I just found out I can get A2 casein at our local Publix. Should people that have AFIB as I do avoid even A2 milk and products?

I don't know, I have a dairy sensitivity, even to A2, so I don't consume any. I did consume brie prior to knowing about A2 and also my sensitivity (through blood tests) and what I learned, for me, was that too much calcium would "lower the bar to afib triggers." I was consuming enough brie (stress eating a wheel at a time), that the calcium was material for me. This was 14 years ago. A couple of years ago, I inadvertently consumed excess calcium that I didn't realize was in an ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supplement. It did the same thing (lowering afib trigger bar). When I discovered the calcium in the supplement and quit taking it, the trigger bar raised again.

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GeorgeN
From an autoimmune perspective, dairy from genetically A2 casein cows is better than from A1 casein cows. Fermented A2 casein milk products like yogurt & some cheeses are better. Goat and sheep cheeses are better they are generally rich in A2 casein and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier to digest and less inflammatory than standard cow's milk products, as I understand.

Most standard US cows genetically make A1 casein. There are some A2's in this country, more in Europe.

George,

That is quite interesting and while I hadn't really looked into it, I started buying the 3 carton pack of Whole Organic Milk at Costco back in maybe December. I also have Hashimoto's which also has its own issues with dairy. I made the switch from Unsweetened Almond Vanilla Milk at that time and noticed recently the A2 designation on the carton vs the grocery store without an A2. I haven't had any issues with my switch and basically was going on trust of the Costco Buyers who decide what products to carry. I should read a bit more on the subject when I have some spare time. I only use 1 cup per day with my Orgain Protein smoothie or 1/2 cup with my Kodiak Seeds and Nuts Oatmeal with some blue/black/rasp berry mix.

I have never seen or had an issue with dairy products and afib. I have yogurt every morning, milk with most dinners and ice cream after every dinner. Cream in my coffee.

"AFIB Cure"? Title of the book sounds pretty bold to me. Maybe even cocky?

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nonthumper
"AFIB Cure"? Title of the book sounds pretty bold to me. Maybe even cocky?

I agree. However, I think in the book he back peddles and calls it keeping AFIB in "remission".

I was already doing much of what the "Afib Cure" book recommends, and have so far managed to keep my afib burden low and steady. The book includes traditional advice as well as information on medications. I don't think it is "cocky," and it doesn't provide false hope. The main message is that lifestyle changes (and hard work) may reduce or eliminate afib for some, and for others, the book offers plenty of info.

I found that book helpful as well. Dr. John Day also hosted a podcast from 2019-2021 called "Get Your Life Back in Rhythm: How to Keep Your Heart Young and Free of Disease". I enjoyed listening to them during my daily walk back then. [podcasts.apple.com]

I had my first afib in 2004. Flecainide kept me in 100% NSR until 2009 when I suddenly developed a sensitivity to dairy. I started vomiting for 3 weeks and had 3 CTs at different ERs during those 3 weeks that showed normal. Cedar Sinai admitted me for 10 days to figure out why I was vomiting. A GI doctor performed an endoscopy and colonoscopy and took biopsies of my inflammatory intestines. They came back positive for dairy sensitivity. Then occasionally within the next decade when I unknowingly consumed a product that contained dairy, I would be visiting the ER with afib. I don’t know if it was the chicken or the egg with dehydration from vomiting causing afib or if i unknowingly ate dairy.

Twice after immediately vomiting while still in NSR, I went straight to the ER and explained my speculation. They kept me monitored in NSR and gave me plenty of saline IVs hydration . I would say “wait for it” and sure enough my rhythm would change over to afib. That’s why I have had so many ECVs. As soon as my afib returned they ECV me. I didnt want remodeling by remaining in afib.

I’m still dairy free. Earlier in the year I had projectile vomiting. I must had eaten something (food labels were in a language I don’t comprehend) that contained dairy. Same story the year before that I would be vomiting.

I no longer need to go to the ER because I had an AV node ablation and my ventricles are controlled at 70HR so I don’t get the crazy >190hr. I don’t have the need for intervention and live with it.