Nutrition and Dysautonomia: What Salt to Use for POTS?

According to Dysautonomia International, patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) are often advised to increase their fluid and salt intake to boost low blood volume. Understanding what salt to use for POTS can involve various types and delivery methods beyond simple table salt.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines options for POTS patients to increase salt intake to help manage symptoms, covering dietary sources, supplements, and different salt types.

Key Points

• High-Salt Diet is Common for POTS: Many patients with POTS increase sodium intake to combat low blood volume and manage symptoms.

• Combine Salt with Fluids: Pair increased salt intake with high daily fluid consumption (2–3 liters) to prevent dehydration and maximize benefits.

• Diverse Salt Sources are Available: Increase sodium through dietary choices (salty foods) or supplements (electrolyte powders, salt tablets).

• Choose Based on Tolerance: What works best depends on individual tolerance; some prefer natural salts, others electrolyte drinks or buffered tablets.

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always consult a doctor before starting a high-salt regimen, especially with other health issues.

Understanding the Role of Salt in Managing POTS

Increasing sodium intake is a common strategy for individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) to help manage symptoms like dizziness upon standing. POTS is often associated with lower blood volume, and higher sodium intake aids fluid retention, thus increasing blood volume. This increased volume can help improve blood flow to the heart and brain when standing, potentially easing symptoms. POTS patients are often advised to consume a higher daily sodium intake, typically ranging from 3,000 mg to 10,000 mg, compared to the general population. This increased salt intake should be combined with sufficient fluids, often 2–3 liters daily, to prevent dehydration.

Different Ways to Increase Your Salt Intake

Increasing sodium can be achieved through various methods, often involving a combination of approaches.

Dietary Salt

Incorporating salty foods into meals is one way to increase sodium. While processed foods contain salt, focusing on nutrient-dense options is recommended. Examples include:

• Pickled items
• Soups and broths
• Salted nuts and seeds
• Adding extra table salt to meals

Salt Supplements and Electrolyte Drinks

Supplements can provide a direct sodium boost.

• Salt tablets: Provide sodium chloride. Buffered or slow-release forms may be easier on the stomach.
• Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS): Contain balanced electrolytes and glucose for better fluid absorption, which can help manage POTS.
• Electrolyte Drink Mixes: Powdered mixes offer electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, convenient for daily hydration.

Comparing Different Salt Sources for POTS

Choosing a salt source involves considering factors beyond just sodium content, though increasing sodium is the main goal. The full details comparing factors like sodium source, trace minerals, convenience, cost, and typical use for table salt, natural salts, electrolyte drink mixes, and salt tablets/capsules can be found on {Link: Boulder Salt Company https://www.bouldersaltcompany.com/what-is-the-best-salt-for-pots/}.

Important Considerations and Potential Risks

Increased salt intake for POTS is not suitable for everyone and requires consulting a healthcare provider.

• Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney issues, or heart disease need to be cautious with high sodium.
• Individual Tolerance: The best salt type or supplement varies; some find natural salts or specific supplements more tolerable.
• Hydration is Crucial: High salt intake without enough fluids can lead to dehydration and worsen symptoms.
• Digestive Issues: Stomach upset can occur with salt supplements, especially tablets. Adjusting the type or using more dietary sources may help.

The most effective salt strategy for POTS is highly individual and often involves a combination of dietary changes and supplements under medical guidance.

Conclusion

Increased sodium intake is a key strategy for many with POTS to help boost blood volume and manage symptoms. Options range from dietary sources like table salt and salty foods to natural salts, electrolyte drinks, and salt tablets. The optimal approach depends on individual needs, tolerance, and lifestyle. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially regarding salt, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your health. Working with your medical team helps in developing an effective strategy for managing POTS symptoms.

Helpful Resource: {Link: Dysautonomia International http://www.dysautonomiaclinic.com/10-salty-fact-for-pots-patients/} provides resources on dietary management for POTS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much salt is typically recommended for POTS patients?

POTS patients are often advised to consume between 3,000 mg and 10,000 mg of sodium per day, which is significantly higher than general recommendations.

Is table salt sufficient for increasing sodium for POTS?

Yes, table salt is an effective source of sodium. While natural salts offer trace minerals, the primary goal for managing POTS with salt is to increase sodium chloride, which table salt provides.

Are there specific salt brands that are better for POTS?

Unrefined salts like Celtic or Himalayan sea salt contain trace minerals. However, consistent adequate sodium intake, achievable with various types, is most important.

What are the pros and cons of using salt tablets versus electrolyte drinks?

Salt tablets offer concentrated sodium but can cause stomach upset. Electrolyte drinks are diluted, often more tolerable, but may contain sugars or additives.

What should I look for in an electrolyte supplement for POTS?

Look for a supplement with a balanced blend of electrolytes, including good amounts of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Some suggest around 500 mg sodium and 100 mg potassium per serving.

Can increasing salt intake be harmful for POTS patients?

For POTS patients without conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease, increased salt can be beneficial. It should be medically supervised, as excessive intake has risks.

What if I experience stomach upset from salt tablets?

If tablets cause upset, try buffered tablets, electrolyte drinks, or increasing sodium through food and adding salt to drinks. Spreading intake helps.