<h1>The Vital Role of Carbohydrates for POTS Hydration</h1>

Many people with POTS have a symptom of low blood pressure. To combat this problem, the usual recommendation is drink more fluids and ingest sodium from 3-5 grams a day, while eating a balanced diet, etc.  Sometimes, IV saline hydration is necessary and can quickly bring hydration back into balance for severely dehydrated patients.  What’s often missing in this whole ‘hydration equation’ is the importance of getting proper amounts of complex carbs during the day, which can play a huge role in how well the body actually hydrates.

Carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, etc) in water slow down plain water’s tendency to just pass right through quickly.  Sugary drinks make the water in them pretty much non-absorbable, especially when they’re 8% or above as is the case with many fruit juices. The point is to absorb the water, into the cells, right?  So what you want to do is make sure that, along with your balanced diet, you’re getting complex carbs during the day from things like oats, whole grain breads, sweet potatoes, pasta, etc).  Having a little honey here and there is good, too, as it's about 50% glucose and 50% fructose which metabolize at different rates and help keep blood sugar and hydration levels balanced.

 

And get your sodium along the way, too. This will also help the water absorb instead of making you pee every 15 minutes, which is actually de-hydrating.   The good carbohydrates also help replenish glycogen in the muscle tissues, which pulls water into those tissues, keeping you better hydrated and giving you more energy as a natural bonus.  Remember to get adequate quality protein, good fats and some saturated fats as well as all of these together with carbohydrates help to keep the body pH and hormones where should be, so you can feel your best.

As always, connect with your POTS professional to discuss your individual dietary needs. If you think you have POTS symptoms but don’t have a POTS doctor yet, your best bet is to check out one of the top dysautonomia and POTS treatment centers nationwide—Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham, AL.  Our world-class doctors, Dr. Paula Moore and Dr. Susan Phillips are widely known for providing some of the most effective autonomic disorder treatments available, while using many natural protocols and dietary guidelines for a more complete treatment. Call and make an appointment today at 205-286-3200 and start getting the relief you deserve.

 

 

Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC

Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results

2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243

http://www.mvpctr.com

(205) 286-3200