From the Guidelines
Eating typically increases heart rate temporarily due to the digestive process, with the effect varying depending on meal size and composition. When you consume food, your body diverts more blood to the digestive system, requiring your heart to work harder to maintain adequate circulation throughout the body. This is known as the thermic effect of food, which can raise heart rate by approximately 5-10 beats per minute for a few hours after eating. The provided evidence does not directly address the effect of eating on heart rate, but it discusses the importance of a healthy diet in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease 1. Some studies suggest that frequent eating may improve lipid profiles and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease 1. However, extreme disorders of eating, such as prolonged, unbalanced, very low calorie, semistarvation diets, are not recommended and may be harmful, provoking life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias 1. Additionally, autonomic influences, including vagal and sympathetic tone, play a role in the initiation of atrial fibrillation, with vagally mediated AF often occurring at night or after meals 1. It is essential to note that the relationship between eating and heart rate can be complex and influenced by various factors, including meal size, composition, and individual characteristics. For those with heart conditions, being mindful of meal size and composition may help manage heart rate fluctuations during digestion. Key points to consider include:
- The thermic effect of food and its impact on heart rate
- The importance of a healthy diet in reducing cardiovascular risk
- The potential risks of extreme eating disorders
- The role of autonomic influences in atrial fibrillation
- The need for individualized consideration of meal size and composition for those with heart conditions.
From the Research
Eating Behavior and Heart Rate
- Eating behavior can affect heart rate, with some studies suggesting that skipping breakfast may lead to cardiac autonomic dysfunction 2
- The size of a meal can also impact heart rate, with larger meals resulting in a greater increase in cardiac output and heart rate 3
Nutrition and Heart Rate Variability
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the autonomic nervous system's activity and balance, and is linked to lifestyle factors such as nutrition 4, 5
- A Mediterranean diet, omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, probiotics, and polyphenols have been shown to benefit HRV, while high intakes of saturated or trans-fat and high glycaemic carbohydrates may reduce HRV 5
Meal Timing and Frequency
- Irregular eating patterns, such as skipping meals and snacking, may have negative effects on cardiometabolic health markers, including heart rate 6
- Intentional eating with mindful attention to the timing and frequency of eating occasions may lead to a healthier lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factor management 6