If you could sum up POTS treatment plan in one phrase, what would it be?
For most POTSies I've spoken to, the answer would be hydration, salt, and compression stockings.
Although POTS care revolves around much more than this, let's tackle the hydration part first.
Why is this so important in POTS patients?
In POTS, the body cannot regulate the usual response that maintains blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position.
Thus, it is recommended to increase fluid and salt intake to increase blood volume.
Fluids and salt rely upon each other thus, it is important to increase both.
This can also improve symptoms by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
POTSies typically need to consume 10+ grams of salt and at least three liters of fluid daily.
If they don't get enough water and salt, they might experience symptoms such as more palpitations, fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, headaches, numbness, and tingling.
A regular regimen can be hard to implement at first, but your body just might thank you for it in the long run.
But remember! Everyone's body and tolerance are different!
So..
Since it's summer now, here are some tips to get those much-needed electrolytes and hydration in:
Drink electrolyte drinks (with no artificial sweeteners): Normalyte Pure, Pedialyte Unflavored, Nuun Endurance, Banana Bag, Hydrolyte
Sip on coconut water: naturally low in sugar and contains electrolytes
Munch on a fruit salad with cantaloupe: high water and electrolyte contents
Make a smoothie: with leafy greens such as spinach and kale, which are also high in electrolytes
What's your favorite way to stay hydrated? Let me know in the comments below.
Comments