Navigating POTS and Sodium Deficiency: A Natural Health Approach

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a challenging condition characterized by a range of debilitating symptoms that significantly impact daily life. There's a growing interest in natural approaches to manage POTS and its underlying causes. One crucial factor in this quest for improved health is the balance of sodium, a vital electrolyte in our bodies. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of POTS, sodium deficiency, and explore how natural health practices can offer relief and healing.

Understanding POTS

POTS can be a life-altering condition, with symptoms that include severe fatigue, lightheadedness, brain fog, palpitations, nausea, and more.

For those who experience POTS, everyday activities can become daunting challenges. Most people experience POTS symptoms for many years without knowing it due to many doctors being unaware of the syndrome and there being no laboratory test.

85% of individuals with POTS develop it after an infection.

Most commonly, Epstein-Barr virus releases neurotoxins that inflame nerves, buildup in the liver, and strain the heart, causing the symptoms of POTS. Because there is no true medical treatment, many individuals are seeking natural alternatives to alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

The Significance of Sodium

Sodium, often associated with concerns about high blood pressure, is, in fact, a crucial electrolyte that plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in our bodies. A deficiency in sodium can lead to a range of distressing symptoms, including nausea, confusion, fatigue, muscle weakness, and even seizures. Notably, some of these symptoms overlap with those of POTS, making it essential to address sodium balance in POTS management.

CJ's Testimonial: CJ's journey to health exemplifies the potential of natural approaches. She came to RTKC seeking relief from her POTS symptoms, which had persisted despite years of specialist consultations and numerous medications. Not only did she experience a remarkable improvement in her POTS symptoms, but her overall health also saw a positive transformation.

Different Types of Salt

To manage sodium levels effectively, it's crucial to understand the different types of salt available. Table salt, the most common but often the least healthy option, undergoes heavy processing that removes most of its minerals. Excessive consumption of table salt has been linked to various health issues, including high blood pressure.

On the other hand, Celtic salt, harvested from tidal ponds in France, retains more minerals, such as magnesium and calcium. These minerals can support bone and muscle function while helping to maintain proper fluid balance in the body.

Sea salt, derived from seawater evaporation, contains various minerals depending on its source. Potassium and magnesium found in sea salt contribute to better hydration and overall health. For those seeking to regulate their body's electrolyte balance, sea salt is a favorable choice.

Pink Himalayan salt, celebrated for its unique pink hue, contains trace minerals like iron, albeit in relatively small quantities. While it may not be a significant source of nutrients, it can help maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance, similar to sea salt.

Mikaela's POTS Journey: 

One would think that with all the work I've done helping others with POTS and being immersed in the world of wellness, I would have connected the dots regarding my own symptoms much sooner. In 2019, while out on a run with my college volleyball team, things took a strange turn. Nausea, heart racing at an abnormal pace, and an overwhelming feeling of imminent fainting forced me to sit out of practice. I brushed it off as being "out of shape" or "low blood sugar" (or something to make myself feel better), and things returned to normal.

Fast forward to 2021, I was gearing up for the next volleyball season with intense training over the summer. And, like a cruel déjà vu, those exact symptoms resurfaced. My heart rate skyrocketed to the 200s during light jogs, hills became my sworn enemies, and even lifting weights made me feel lightheaded. My background in fitness and wellness led me to try all the tricks in the book - dietary changes and exercise modifications. It didn't make sense; I had had weeks of intense exercise with no issues. I wasn't sure I would play my senior year of college volleyball. But through a mix of prayer and some supplements, which I later realized contained sodium, I managed to play with relatively few hitches.

Now, let's leap to 2023. My heart rate issues resurfaced during exercise, reaching the 200s while simply walking uphill (mind you I am not as 'in shape' as I was, but that's still not normal). The anxiety, which I'd successfully eliminated by removing gluten from my diet in 2019, was back with a vengeance. Headaches had become routine, my energy was at an all-time low, and I was even getting comments about my ice-cold hands when shaking hands at church. Not to mention, I am pretty sure it is not normal to use the bathroom THAT many times a day.

It took a client of mine with similar symptoms, who would have be diagnosed with POTS, to trigger my "Oh my goodness, how did I not realize this earlier?" moment. Suddenly, everything clicked, and I had a game plan for tackling my symptoms. Working on yourself is like trying to see a picture on a piece of paper when the paper is against your nose. I'm still a work in progress, but let me tell you, everything has transformed since that "aha" moment.

Natural Health Practices

RTKC takes a holistic approach to combat POTS and sodium deficiencies. By identifying and addressing the root causes of these symptoms, removing any offenders, and supporting the body's natural healing processes, we aim to provide individuals with relief and a path to improved health.

In conclusion, while POTS and sodium deficiencies can be challenging to manage, natural health practices offer a promising avenue for relief and well-being. With a focus on sodium balance, and the careful selection of healthier salt options, as well as RTKC's work at removing the causes of POTS, individuals can embark on a journey towards better health, as CJ's experience demonstrates. Contact us today to schedule your first step on a journey to a healthier you. Remember, the path to health is multifaceted, and a natural approach can be a valuable part of the solution.