Madeleine Hull
Dysautonomia is a nervous system disorder that affects automatic body processes such as blood pressure and heart rate. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for people with dysautonomia, dietary changes can help manage symptoms and stabilize blood pressure. For example, increasing fluid and salt intake can help with dehydration and dizziness, while smaller, more frequent meals can reduce symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness. Additionally, avoiding processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and artificial sweeteners may improve gastrointestinal symptoms. Nutritional supplements and a gluten-free diet may also be beneficial. It is important to note that specific dietary requirements differ for each person, and a medical provider or dietician can give more detailed nutritional instructions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meal size | Smaller, more frequent meals are better tolerated |
| Alcohol | Avoid or limit consumption |
| Caffeine | Avoid or limit consumption |
| Micronutrients | Individuals with EDS-HT and dysautonomia are at risk of deficiencies and may require supplements |
| Processed foods | Avoid refined carbohydrates and foods high in salt |
| Artificial sweeteners | Avoid |
| Fructose | Avoid |
| Fluid intake | Increase |
| Salt intake | Increase |
| Temperature | Avoid hot environments |
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What You'll Learn
Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
Diet plays a significant role in how our bodies function and respond. Specific dietary requirements differ from person to person and should be tailored to individual needs. For people with dysautonomia, it is recommended to limit alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating substances. Consuming large quantities can lead to dehydration, which can worsen symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing up. Therefore, it is generally recommended that individuals with dysautonomia avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
Caffeine, a stimulant, can also have varying effects on individuals with dysautonomia. While some people may find that caffeinated drinks help them feel better, others may experience increased heart rate, palpitations, and jitteriness. Caffeine may cause short-term improvements in blood pressure and symptom burden, but due to the lack of high-quality evidence, it is only recommended when other evidence-based treatment options have been exhausted.
It is important to note that the effects of caffeine on individuals with dysautonomia may depend on the type and amount of caffeine consumed, as well as individual factors. Some people may tolerate small amounts of caffeine, while others may need to avoid it completely. Additionally, caffeine withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability, may occur during the initial period after reducing or eliminating caffeine.
When reducing or eliminating alcohol and caffeine, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance and support tailored to individual needs. They can also help address any concerns or challenges that may arise during the process.
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Avoid large meals
Diet plays a significant role in managing dysautonomia. Eating large meals loaded with fat and carbohydrates can worsen symptoms such as dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing up. This is because blood is diverted to the stomach for digestion after eating, and large meals can exacerbate this effect.
To mitigate these issues, it is recommended to avoid large meals and instead opt for smaller, more frequent meals. This approach has been shown to reduce symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness with positional changes. By dividing your daily food intake into smaller portions, you can improve your body's ability to digest food and potentially reduce the severity of dysautonomia symptoms.
In addition to portion size, the type of food consumed also plays a crucial role in managing dysautonomia. Processed foods, refined carbohydrates, cured meats, and artificial sweeteners can contribute to dysbiosis and gut inflammation. A leaky gut, characterised by increased intestinal permeability, has been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, cramps, food allergies, gas, and headaches. Therefore, it is advisable to limit the consumption of these food items.
Increasing the intake of water and salt can also help manage orthostatic hypotension symptoms. Staying hydrated by consuming an adequate amount of water, approximately 2 to 2.5 litres per day, can help reduce fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, consuming 6 to 10 grams of salt per day can aid in increasing blood volume, which is typically low in individuals with dysautonomia. It is important to note that these recommendations may vary depending on individual needs, and consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable before making significant dietary changes.
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Consume more salt
While most people benefit from a lower sodium intake, consuming more salt is a non-pharmacological treatment for some dysautonomia patients. This is because dysautonomia patients often have low blood volume, and increasing salt intake can help increase it. This treatment is particularly helpful for patients with blood pooling, hypovolemia, or hypotension.
It is important to note that increasing salt intake should be accompanied by an increase in fluid intake. Dysautonomia experts recommend consuming 2-3 litres of hydrating fluids per day. It is also recommended to consult a doctor to determine the right amount of salt and fluid intake for an individual.
Consuming more salt can help combat symptoms of lightheadedness, low blood pressure, fatigue, and brain fog, which are commonly seen in dysautonomia patients. However, it is important to be mindful of the form of salt consumed. Common table salt is about 99% sodium chloride, a naturally occurring mineral. According to the USDA, 1 gram of table salt contains 387.6 milligrams of sodium.
For example, if a doctor recommends consuming 8 grams of salt per day, this would equate to 3,101 milligrams of sodium per day. It is important to note that sodium chloride pills may cause vomiting or diarrhea, resulting in a loss of salt. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor for specific instructions on salt intake.
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Increase fluid intake
For people with dysautonomia, increasing fluid intake is often recommended to increase blood volume, which is typically low in patients with this condition. This is especially helpful for those with blood pooling, hypovolemia, or hypotension. The recommended daily fluid intake for those with dysautonomia is around two litres.
It is important to note that increasing fluid intake is not suitable for everyone, particularly individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease. Consulting a doctor is advised to determine the appropriate fluid intake for one's specific needs.
Drinking two cups of water in the morning on an empty stomach is a suggested way to start the day. This practice helps signal the stomach to empty fluids into the intestines faster for better absorption throughout the body. It is also recommended that at least half of the daily fluid intake should be composed of electrolytes, which help maintain electrolyte levels and increase fluid volume. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride are essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Sodium, in particular, helps the body retain water as water molecules are attracted to sodium.
To increase electrolyte intake, individuals can add more salt to their food or consume electrolyte drinks and salt tablets. Additionally, homemade electrolyte solutions can be easily made by mixing one litre of water with half a teaspoon of table salt and some frozen fruit.
Increasing fluid intake is a simple yet effective way to help manage dysautonomia and improve overall well-being.
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Take nutritional supplements
Nutritional supplements are recommended for individuals with dysautonomia, especially those with EDS-HT, who are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to limited dietary intake and bacterial overgrowth.
Vitamin D3 supplements are advised for EDS-HT patients, who often have low vitamin D serum levels. The recommended dosage is 5000U of vitamin D3 daily, year-round, or at least during non-summer months. Vitamin D3 supplements help to reduce skin fragility and promote wound healing. In addition, individuals with EDS-HT should take 750–1000 mg/day of vitamin C and 1500 mg/day of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) plus 3 mg/day of silica. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in collagen synthesis and wound healing, while also suppressing pro-inflammatory processes.
For individuals with POTS, increasing salt intake is often recommended to help raise blood pressure and alleviate symptoms such as dizziness. However, it is important to be mindful of the source of sodium and avoid excessive consumption of junk food or processed foods high in salt, as they can contribute to other health issues.
Additionally, individuals with dysautonomia can benefit from increasing their fluid intake to stay hydrated, which helps with blood flow to the head and alleviates dizziness. It is important to note that the amount of water needed varies depending on body size, activity level, and weather conditions.
While nutritional supplements can be beneficial, it is always recommended to consult with a medical provider or dietician to determine the specific dietary requirements tailored to an individual's unique needs and medical history.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single recommended diet for people with dysautonomia, but some general recommendations include:
- Increasing fluid intake to stay hydrated and help with blood flow to the head, reducing dizziness.
- Consuming more salt to increase blood pressure.
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid blood rushing to the stomach during digestion, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Consuming more vitamin D, vitamin C, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
Processed foods, refined carbohydrates, cured meats, and artificial sweeteners should be avoided as they can contribute to gut inflammation and a "leaky gut." Alcohol and caffeine consumption should also be limited as they can cause dehydration.
There are no specific dietary restrictions for people with dysautonomia. However, it is recommended to avoid large meals loaded with fat and carbohydrates, as they can worsen symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness. Individual triggers may vary, so it is important to work with a medical professional to determine a personalized diet plan.
Yes, individuals with dysautonomia may benefit from taking oral or parenteral nutritional supplements to address potential micronutrient deficiencies. This includes vitamin D3, vitamin C, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplements.
