What is POTS?
POTS or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. It is also known as Dysautonomia. People with POTS experience symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat when they stand up from a lying or sitting position. It is a chronic condition that can affect a person’s daily life.
What Causes POTS?
The exact cause of POTS is unknown. However, it is believed that it can be triggered by a viral infection, surgery, trauma, or pregnancy. It is also more common in women than men. POTS is a condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in teenagers and young adults.
Does POTS Make You Crave Salt?
Yes, POTS can make you crave salt. People with POTS experience a drop in blood pressure when they stand up, which can cause their body to lose salt and fluid. This loss of salt and fluid can lead to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Craving salt is the body’s way of trying to maintain its salt and fluid balance.
How Much Salt Should You Consume?
It is recommended that people with POTS consume between 3,000-10,000 mg of salt per day. This is higher than the recommended daily intake for the general population. However, it is important to note that consuming too much salt can lead to other health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.
How Can You Get More Salt in Your Diet?
There are several ways to get more salt in your diet. You can add salt to your food or consume salty snacks like chips and pretzels. You can also drink sports drinks that contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium. However, it is important to check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
What Are Other Treatments for POTS?
In addition to increasing salt intake, there are other treatments for POTS. These include medications like beta-blockers and midodrine, lifestyle changes like increasing fluid intake and avoiding triggers like hot weather and standing for long periods of time, and physical therapy to help improve circulation and muscle tone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, POTS can make you crave salt. It is important to consume enough salt to maintain your body’s salt and fluid balance, but it is also important not to consume too much salt. There are other treatments for POTS besides increasing salt intake, so it is important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you.
Sources:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16560-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots
- https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=30
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pots-syndrome-and-salt#treatment