Do you know which foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse?
Mitral valve prolapse symptoms can be bothersome and frustrating. Sometimes, they can be downright scary. Especially for newly diagnosed MVP sufferers. Chest pains, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, anxiety… all very common.
The good news is that MVP isn’t usually dangerous. Most patients have treatment options, and mitral prolapse symptoms can be controlled. Just eliminating certain foods from one’s diet can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Yes, it will mean giving up some of the things that you love to consume, but that’s a small price to pay to be able to lead a full and active life. Some foods, in particular, are notorious for triggering and worsening symptoms of the MVP condition with a prolapsed mitral valve. Avoid the foods items on this list and you will almost certainly see your symptoms and quality of life improve.
What are the foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse?
1. Coffee
Most people with a mitral valve prolapse do not tolerate coffee well, particularly those who are symptomatic and have the MVP syndrome. That is because it contains stimulants, the most abundant of which is caffeine. Depending on the alkaloid content of the particular coffee bean and the brewing method that is used, one cup of coffee can contain up to 300 milligrams of caffeine.
Caffeine stimulates the autonomic nervous system, which produces an unstable state inside the body. This system regulates and controls virtually every bodily system and function, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. When the ANS becomes unstable, body functions slow down or speed up inappropriately. This can have a significant effect on MVP symptoms.
When people with symptomatic mitral valve prolapse drink coffee, heart palpitations will normally occur, or palpitations become stronger and much more noticeable. There may be arrhythmias, and it may feel as though the heart is skipping beats. This often triggers panic attacks in MVP sufferers, which over time can produce phobias and lead to chronic anxiety disorders.
2. Tea
Tea, like coffee, contains caffeine. Additionally, it contains three other stimulants that together can cause problems, namely theobromine, theophylline, and L-theanine. An average cup of tea has up to 60 milligrams of caffeine and 1 milligram of theophylline. Theophylline is about as potent as caffeine. Theobromine is around seven times weaker than caffeine and theophylline.
Although tea generally contains a lot less caffeine than coffee, the other three stimulants produce a synergistic effect. Combined, the four stimulants can cause an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, triggering or worsening mitral valve prolapse symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, and dizziness. This is why tea is one of the foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse.
3. Alcohol
Removing alcohol from one’s diet is usually a good idea with symptomatic MVP. The human heart relies on an internal pacemaker system to keep blood pumping consistently and at the correct speed. Alcohol interferes with this process, making the heart beat rapidly or irregularly. People with MVP should avoid alcohol because it can cause arrhythmias and exacerbate symptoms.
Heavy drinking of alcohol or alcohol-based beverages can cause alcoholic cardiomyopathy. This heart disease dilates the heart and injures the heart muscle, diminishing heart function. Dilation of the heart can lead to a leaky heart valve (valve regurgitation) and potentially serious health complications. Alcohol is recognized as one of the main foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse.
4. Chocolate
The main ingredients in chocolate are cocoa and sugar. Cocoa contains significant amounts of the stimulants theophylline and theobromine, as well as small traces of caffeine. Symptomatic mitral valve prolapse and caffeine consumption typically leads to unpleasant MVP symptoms. A 30-gram bar of milk chocolate has about as much caffeine as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.
Eating chocolate causes a spike in blood sugar levels, which releases insulin and leads to a sudden drop in blood sugar. This can cause irregular heartbeats that are augmented by the stimulants that are present in chocolate. While some types of chocolate may offer health benefits when consumed in moderation, people with a mitral prolapse should avoid eating chocolate altogether.
5. Sweets/Candy
Sweets and candies are a no-no when a person is looking to avoid MVP symptoms (and health problems in the body in general). Many sweet treats contain rapidly digesting carbohydrates, such as refined flour and sugar. Their easily digestible nature allows the body to absorb the sugar into the bloodstream very quickly once ingested, affecting one’s blood glucose levels.
Blood sugar spikes with sweet consumption. As a result, the pancreas is stimulated to naturally release insulin that causes a rapid decrease in blood sugar. The sudden blood sugar drop tends to result in rapid heartbeats and trembling or shakiness, and it can trigger anxiety attacks. Sweets and candies are foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse and foods to avoid without the condition.
6. Soft drinks/Sodas
Soft drinks and sodas are unhealthy and should be avoided, especially by those with the mitral prolapse syndrome and heart valve disease. These beverages normally contain carbonated water, flavoring, and coloring, as well as 7-12 percent sugar. Most soft drinks also contain artificial sweeteners (like aspartame), which disrupt the body’s control of blood sugar.
Once a soft drink or soda has been ingested, blood sugar spikes suddenly in the body, causing the release of insulin. This is followed by a rapid drop that can trigger or worsen disturbing symptoms of mitral valve prolapse. Cola and some fizzy drinks also contain 5-7 milligrams (or more with some products) of caffeine, which can bring on anxiety, panic attacks, and palpitations.
7. Fruit juice
Fruit juice contains fruit, so it is widely thought to be healthy. What most people do not realize is that fruit juices also contain a lot of sugar, which can cause all kinds of problems. Sugar is commonly found on lists of foods to avoid with mitral valve prolapse. Even 100% pure fruit juice varieties have a high sugar concentration. A 12-ounce serving of apple juice can pack up to 39 grams.
The main problem with fruit juice is the processing. Consumers get loads of sugar content but do not get the fiber and antioxidants that are present in the skins and seeds of the fruit sources. Also, the body absorbs juice much more quickly than it absorbs whole fruits. This affects blood sugar, which can trigger and aggravate MVP symptoms in those with a prolapsed mitral valve.
Are there any other things to avoid with mitral valve prolapse?
Yes. Diet wise, it is best to limit refined grains and foods that are high in trans and saturated fats with MVP, such as white bread, breakfast cereals, and fried fast foods, baked goods, cheese, and butter, etc. These are foods that can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of MVP symptoms and complications. In general, it is smart to have a mitral valve prolapse diet plan.
Foods and diet aside, there are sports to avoid and exercises to avoid with mitral valve prolapse. Some types of physical activity can place a lot of strain on the mitral valve and the heart. There are also medications to avoid with a mitral prolapse. Drugs like over-the-counter pain relief medicines and weight loss pills have been known to cause cardiac problems in MVP sufferers.
Cathy Edwards
I like what you said about fruit juices. People tend to think they’re doing themselves good by drinking fruit juices, and most of them refuse to hear otherwise, my family included. Every nutrient in a fruit is concentrated in its fibre, not the juice we get out. One of my close friends has MVP, and he learned the hard way to avoid fruit juices. This is a great article for people like him. I’ll send him this link.
admin
Thanks, Cathy. Yup, fruit juice can be a baddie for people living with MVP — even those living without it. Hope your friend is okay. Thanks for sharing =)
George Santiago
Since this post is about foods to avoid with mvp, thought I’d mention some foods that have helped me keep the symptoms at bay: salt and water. I know, sounds so simple, but water can cure practically everything, can’t it? 🙂
admin
Hi George. Thanks for sharing. Water can’t cure everything, but the body definitely needs it – much more of it than most of us get in! Salt seems to help relieve MVP symptoms, but be mindful about the quantities. Stay well =)
Benjamin Derr
Yes, take it easy on the salt indeed. Just did some research on this issue and learned that toxic substances like lead and mercury in our body causes a number of health issues, maybe even MVP, and water is the best source to filter them out. So yes, drink lots of water, at least 2 quarts a day. Moreover, people with MVP should probably give up on fats too. I didn’t see it mentioned here, so thought I’d add it.
admin
Thanks for commenting, Ben. 🙂
Rod
What exercises and sports to avoid with MVP?? U said chocolate has same amount of caffeine as Decaf? Decaf is to be avoided also? Thanks!
admin
Hello Rod. We’ll be adding a post on exercises and sports to avoid with MVP soon. That’s right, a 30-gram bar of chocolate has about as much caffeine as a cup of decaf. Decaf still contains small amounts of caffeine.
Mark Bomet
A friend of mine has MVP and is a huge coffee-lover. His doctor told him that he should avoid coffee or at least reduce intake. I know the problem with coffee is the caffeine, so wouldn’t decaf be a better option?
admin
Hi Mark. Well, decaf contains lower quantities of caffeine, so it is probably the better option. Still best to avoid it, though. Many people also add sugar, which is worth staying away from for a lot of reasons. 🙂
Lea
Well, I guess today will be my last day of enjoying chocolate and Dr. Pepper’s. Maybe, I can find a happy medium of living without the “good” comfort foods.
nycs
Is it ok to take beta blockers AFTER drinking alcohol because it increases my heart rate?
admin
Hi nycs. Check with your doctor, but it probably isn’t safe before or after. Alcohol and beta blockers have a depressive effect. Mixing the two can cause a dangerous drop in heart rate and blood pressure, especially if you’re drinking a lot.
Treasha Tresner
Personal experience! I was diagnosed with MVP as well as Right bundle branch block. I was prescribed a beta blocker. I was also consuming alcohol (abusing alcohol)., mixing the two… my Heart did in fact stop during sleep. Beta blockers are meant to slow the heart rate. Too much is not good. Do not take mors then prescribed. Fyi: I have since discontinued beta blocker, any and all stimulants ie: coffee soda exc. No alcohol no tobacco no drugs. Take your Heart and Health seriouse!!! God bless♥
kate
Hi! How about the natural fruit juices with no sugar added? Should it be avoided also?
admin
Hi Kate. “No added sugar” is good, but this doesn’t mean there is no sugar in the product. The juice will still have naturally occurring fruit sugar, just without any extra sugar on top of this.
Dina
I completely stopped drinking any coffee, tea and cola drinks and I’ve noticed that it did help a lot with the palpitations. Some of the other stuff that helped too are eating a banana daily and having yogurt with raisins for breakfast or as a snack. Both bananas and raisins contain potassium, which helps to maintain a steady heart rate.
Michelle
Is drinking a low amount of alcohol ok if you have mild MVP? Would a low amount of alcohol actually worsen the condition? Or just aggravate symptoms but not cause harm?
admin
Hi Michelle. Even low amounts of alcohol can aggravate symptoms and worsen the condition over time. Your doc should be able to tell you more about your particular risks.
shay
Well this sucks. I basically love everything on the list except alcohol (I’m a minor). I already knew that cola and coffee is bad for my diet so I removed them immediately and it helped relieve my symptoms a bit.
Alli
I’ve noticed a definite change or sensitivity within my body, especially my heart, as I get older. My mvp symptoms are now aggravated by the slightest thing. I completely stay away from sweets and candies. What has been described above is what I’ve experienced, and it can be frightening. No caffeine for me, and even decaf tea, I’ve noticed, produces the same symptoms as regular caffeinated tea. This is a great article. I’ll keep it in my favorites. Thank you.
admin
Hi Alli. You’re welcome, thanks for your comment. Yes, it can be frightening. Best to just avoid sugar and caffeine products altogether.
Crystal
I have just recently found out that I have this. I’m working on getting the caffeine out of my life. Is sprite bad to drink having this?
admin
Hi Crystal. Sprite may not aggravate your symptoms as much as beverages that contain caffeine, but it’s still bad for you. Especially if you’re drinking it every day.
Tamil
Thank you so much, this is a great article for mvp patients. I have mvp, and four years later I’m still taking beta blockers. I stopped drinking coffee and tea, as I found that they bring on chest pains, dizziness and vomiting.
admin
Hi Tamil. You’re welcome. Hope you are doing well.
Frencie Flake
I have MVP too and I am on a low-sodium diet. Too much sweets and too much salt is bad too.
Tamie
I’ve been avoiding sweets and alcohol and it hasn’t made much difference. I have symptoms just about every night. I get up in the mornings feeling very confused and tired. I’ve had MVP for over five years. The cause was over dosed medication and multiple injections from my family doctor!
admin
Hi Tamie. Sorry to hear that. Are you on any medications now? Beta blockers, along with many other drugs, can make you feel tired and confused. Which drugs/injections caused your condition?
Timothy Shane Gould
I’m a family medicine resident with MVP and regurgitation secondary to SBE… from a tooth abscess before going to Afghanistan… so, now I’ve quit white anything, alcohol and sodas… but you have to have something to enjoy… to live for… screw that… I’m not giving up chocolate. Lol
admin
Hi Timothy. We understand. 😉 Stay healthy!
Dionne
Everything in moderation. No need to put so many restrictions on yourself. I have it and live a regular balanced life, eating and drinking what I enjoy in moderation and am fine. Be sensible and make the most of your life.
Dionne
You know your body best. If in doubt speak to a cardiologist who is qualified to give sound advice. Regards to all.
Anthony Smith
I was diagnosed with MVP about four years ago after ending up in the ER with what I was certain was a heart attack, it was really scary at the time. An echo scan picked up the naughty floppy valve. I am taking a beta blocker daily and do my best to avoid all these foods mentioned above (so difficult though!!) but a little trick I use when I feel a “panic attack” or even tachy rhythm coming on is to count slowly in 3s from 100 down to 0 (so 100, 97, 94, 91, 88 and so on) and also hold an ice-block on your forehead (it’s cold but usually helps!).
Jo-Ann Liberto
I just found out I have mvp. This article was sooo helpful.
Goodbye to chocolate, sodas, fruit juice and coffee. Wine , well just a glass on Sunday .
Thank u again.
Jo-Ann
admin
Hi Jo-Ann. Glad you found it helpful. You’re welcome. Good luck! 🙂
Coco
I have MVP but certainly will not give up coffee or tea. I have been drinking them at least one glass a day. And I’m fine.
Andrew Wheeler
I wouldn’t give up chocolate either. Its benefits far outweigh its detriments, and I suspect this is true even among MVP populations. And, who can you kid, properly prepared, cocoa is delicious, lol.
Sasan
Hi. I have low mvp. My doctor said I can eat and drink everything, like chocolate, sweets and candy, tea, alcohol drinks and … As much I want except coffee. Also he said don’t smoke weed at all.
admin
Hi Sasan. No weed is probably good advice. But careful, the foods you mentioned should be consumed in moderation, even if you don’t have MVP.
Sharon
I found that I have to avoid Greek yogurt because has such a high lactic acid content it will give me palpitations. So will kombucha and other fermented foods like naturally produced sauerkraut and pickles.
Sir Kaluwa
Great article. Hope to see more. Thank you.
admin
You’re welcome, Sir Kaluwa. Thanks for stopping by!
Alex
It’s good to know that there are people out there who are going through the same things I experience. I wake up feeling very tired and weak due to mvp.
admin
Hey Alex. Sorry to hear that. You’re definitely not alone.
JessT
I eliminated all of these years ago but found hydration is something I have to watch constantly or my symptoms worsen significantly.
Half your body weight in ounces is pretty much necessary to keep blood volume at best and if I drink less water than that, my palpitations will make me regret it!
Also, not just because of the stimulant effect, but caffeinated drinks are known to dehydrate (which screws with blood volume).
Great article!
admin
Hi Jess. Yes, it’s important to stay hydrated. Thanks for your input! 🙂