I learned something this week from my primary which made so much sense to me and hopefully will help me and someone here. So I get some scary low BP drops since Lyme caused by POTS. Took years to figure out , many failed medications and eventually found solutions to keep my electrolytes balanced and BP up to 100/60. I've managed well for 2 years. Most of the time.
Here is the thing, it's a delicate balance when you have an intracellular hydration issue. So many variables in a day can effect how well you manage the effects. Trust me I've been in some BAD scary places with this issue. So to make my long story longer, I feel quite in control on managing this until I wasnt this week. I had to have an appointment with my primary since my cardiologist was out of office. After appointment I realize I certainly caused the issue with my choices.
She started with asking if I eat much packaged foods, processed? My answer "uh not a lot, I mostly eat something I throw together or whole form. I eat healthy. I'm bad sometimes. I do eat almonds in a package. " she then explained why she asked. She said when someone has chronic health conditions they tend to eat a cleaner diet than most,less processed. Basically you are making better choices, healthier choices but in that choice when you have POTS, you consume less salt more times than not. She said most people are watching their salt but with POTS, you need more. I knew this obviously but it was starting to get my interest. She said on average you need 2,000mg of salt (about one teaspoon), she said POTS people need more. She said so basically a healthy diet, and the choices I make (especially lately) probably made it worse. She said my electrolytes packets are vital as a boost, prevention and quick fix as it helps me balance some but it's a fraction of what I need. I had been skipping electrolytes every other day because I figured cooler weather, don't need as much. But she said maintaining daily because every time a person sweats more etc *(I've been on daily walks and do sauna ) you need more . We evaluated what I had eaten that day considering the appointment was at 2pm. Well I had under 25 mg. No wonder I was struggling. Even with electrolytes it wasn't enough. Because I barely eat part of the day, I don't end up getting enough sodium and day after day of that not good.
She said fill a little container each day with one teaspoon and add throughout day as I eat with the goal of using it. Maintain electrolytes too. This would help me monitor this issue.
Wow it is super hard to get it in I found. Yesterday I tried hard and realize by 4 pm I had probably only had 200mg (including electrolytes of 160) and had a very full container of salt left at bedtime. So in case you eat low sodium and don't realize you are, have low BP issues and feel like a drunk. Paying attention to this may help you. Sorry for length. But if this makes sense to you, maybe my rambling will help one person. See our POTS education post to learn more.
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Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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