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MVP Diet

The mitral valve is composed of two flaps of tissue that allow blood to flow in one direction between the upper and lower heart chambers. Mitral valve prolapse, or MVP, is a condition where one or both of these flaps either do not close fully or they do not close properly and therefore collapse into the left atrium. This allows a small amount of blood to leak backward into the upper chamber of the heart. MVP can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness, erratic heartbeats, chest pains and panic attacks. Making dietary adjustments can often minimize symptoms.

  1. Avoid Caffeine

    • Those with mitral valve prolapse should avoid caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the autonomic nervous system making symptoms of MVP worse. The autonomic nervous system controls the involuntary actions of the body such as glandular, respiratory, digestive, and other vital functions. According to Dr. Sidney M. Baker, "People with mitral valve prolapse often have overreactive autonomic nervous systems." Caffeine stimulates the body, making the heartbeat faster and increasing anxiety, chest pains, and erratic heartbeats. Those with mitral valve prolapse should avoid coffee, tea, cola and anything else that contains caffeine.

    Eliminate Sugar

    • Sugar is another stimulant that needs to be avoided by those with mitral valve prolapse. Consuming sugary foods quickly raise blood sugar levels, which signals the pancreas to release insulin so that the sugar can be absorbed and utilized by the cells. This process activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is the body's fight or flight response. In response to perceived danger or stress, the heart beats faster and adrenaline is released into the body. This only further aggravates MVP symptoms.

    Magnesium Deficiency

    • Magnesium is a mineral that assists in energy production, muscle relaxation, cell metabolism and nerve function. Various studies have uncovered a link between those with mitral valve prolapse and a deficiency in magnesium. According to one study at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama, 62 percent of the 94 subjects, all with MVP, had low levels of magnesium. After being given 250 to 1,000 milligrams of magnesium daily for a period of four months to four years, there was a significant reduction in symptoms associated with MVP. Kristine A. Bludau Scordo, R.N., Ph.D., director of the Mitral Valve Prolapse Program of Cincinnati and Author of "Taking Control: Living with the Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome" advises those with MVP to get their daily recommended dose of magnesium either from food or supplements. Magnesium can be toxic if too much builds up in the blood, so anyone who thinks they might be deficient should check with a doctor before taking supplements.

    Stay Hydrated

    • Symptoms of mitral valve prolapse include dizziness, weakness, and headaches, many of which are due to lower blood volume and pressure. Drinking enough water, at a minimum eight glasses per day, will keep the body well hydrated and maintain normal blood pressure. It will also help to have adequate levels of potassium and sodium. Since one of the issues associated with mitral valve prolapse is low blood pressure, making sure that you get enough sodium helps with these symptoms.

    Probiotics

    • Those suffering from MVP symptoms find benefits when introducing probiotics, or healthy bacteria, into their system. Trillions of friendly bacteria are located in a healthy gut to help break down food and absorb nutrients. Unfortunately, these good bacteria die off over time due to poor diets, age, stress and illness. When there are not adequate friendly bacteria present in the gut, nutrients from food cannot be absorbed. Probiotics can help the body absorb nutrients and minimize symptoms associated with MVP.

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