Can pots be cured naturally?

[Bailee]

My sister keeps insisting that I try the natural route of medicine to cure my pots . I’ve been very apprehensive due to her inability to provide me with proper research regarding natural medicine helping my autonomic nervous systems in the same way midodrine and ivabradine does. I asked her what is a natural alternative to beta blockers she couldn’t give me an answer just that plants can provide same benefits as the synthetic medication I’m taking. I’ve tried to explain to her I’m comfortable with taking medication as it’s my body not hers but she won’t back down. Any advice? Has anyone cured their pots ??

[Ginger_]

34 minutes ago, Bailee said:

My sister keeps insisting that I try the natural route of medicine to cure my pots . I’ve been very apprehensive due to her inability to provide me with proper research regarding natural medicine helping my autonomic nervous systems in the same way midodrine and ivabradine does. I asked her what is a natural alternative to beta blockers she couldn’t give me an answer just that plants can provide same benefits as the synthetic medication I’m taking. I’ve tried to explain to her I’m comfortable with taking medication as it’s my body not hers but she won’t back down. Any advice? Has anyone cured their pots ??

I haven’t cured mine by any means, but i can say peppermint tea lowers the heart rate A LOT. it can bring my HR to stay 55-70 for several hours (before i started salt i would do this before work bc that’s where i’d be really symptomatic, and it would help a lot).

I think you have a much worse case than i do from what i recall, but salt, hydration, and physical therapy are what have helped me greatly.

Best of luck to you!

[MomtoGiuliana]

The definition of "natural" can be a bit ambiguous.  But some POTS patients treat their symptoms effectively only with extra salt, fluids and compression.  Many others tho do need prescription medications, at least during flare ups, if not consistently.

I think what should be considered is whether a treatment is evidence-based--do we know from studies that the treatment is safe and effective?  DINET promotes the use of evidence-based medicine (obviously, working with your doctor to do so.).

Here is a list of evidence-based treatments that may be helpful.  Many are pharmacological but some would fit under the category of "natural":

 

[JaneEyre9]

From my experience, yes, my POTS symptoms were severe from 2005-2011 and in working with an MD at the Cleveland Clinic in Integrative/Functional medicine, I learned the root cause of my POTS was poor gut health (intestinal permeability leading to autoimmune response). Past mold exposure played a big role in this. I made diet changes, found histamine-reducing probiotics, took antifungal supplements like olive leaf and coconut oil and l-glutamine to reverse dysbiosis and heal the gut lining, and found easy-to-absorb vitamins like vitamin D spray. Teas, activated charcoal, adaptogens, and gentle yoga and tai chi also have helped calm my nervous system. There are well-researched scientific methods to address POTS symptoms, but it can be dangerous to just try "natural" medicine randomly. I would look for a doctor who is an MD or DO who practices more holistic methods if you are interested in pursuing this. It can be hard when someone is pressuring you to try something you're not comfortable with. A good first step might be a GI Map or Genova stool test to get a picture of your gut health. I've heard an organic acids urine test can also be helpful. Red blood cell magnesium level, Candida antibodies, and a Vitamin D blood test would be reasonable. This way, you'd be working off of data rather than guessing at what your body needs.

[MomtoGiuliana]

Good point that for some people, vitamin or mineral deficiencies may be a factor, and treating that may reduce or eliminate POTS symptoms.  I was found to be low in B12 about 5 years ago.  I do think that was playing a role in a bad flare up I had.  I have also felt worse when my iron was low. Testing for deficiencies would be a good question to ask your doctor.  

[MTRJ75]

The problem with the functional approach is that is also a lot of trial and error and just about all of it uncovered by insurance and occasionally VERY expensive. All things equal, I'd almost always opt for the natural solution that has the same effect as chemical medications that could be solving one problem, but potentially causing others. It just doesn't always work out that way. 

[Pistol]

@Bailee I agree with what others have said, mostly keep in mind that we are all different, and not one medicine or supplement is helpful for all people. As a matter of fact, most natural substances can have interactions with each other or medications and therefore have to be carefully researched before taking them.

I have found that when it is difficult to find the right medication then it is easy for some people to just assume that natural medicine would be more effective. I at times see a chiropractor for a back issue and she dispenses natural supplements for those interested. In my case however she does not recommend me trying any supplements because of both the nature of my illness AND the fact that the supplements could interact with my meds.

[Relax86]

I feel like I tried every holistic and functional medicine method I could possibly tolerate. I had the best luck with meditation (calming my ANS) and also acupuncture which I think had the same effect as meditation. There were times that I thought this diet or that supplement was helping me make some headway but most of those things inevitably didn't prevent me from my next flare. Midodrine, easing back into my previous life (and I do mean easing with lots of trial and error), meditation and staying on top of my feelings helped me the most. 

[Sushi]

On 1/3/2023 at 8:56 AM, JaneEyre9 said:

histamine-reducing probiotics

Could you indicate which ones are histamine-reducing? Thanks!

[Birdlady]

I question that POTS can be cured at all, but I've gone down both routes. If you go the natural route every single doctor appt, test and supplement will likely be out of pocket. The one GI test recommended to you several posters above is $500. It could cost thousands of dollars just getting the tests done and then you run around forums, Facebook groups looking to understand the results and trialing expensive supplements. If you are doing well on midodrine and ivabradine, then I don't see a reason to change it. 

Some people have an idea that somehow prescriptions are bad, but supplements are good. It doesn't work that way IMO. Natural does not mean there are no risks involved in trialing them. Too many wrongly think that since it's an herb, vitamin or something 'natural' that there aren't side effects or potential problems. My husband was permanently damaged by a supplement. 

[MikeO]

40 minutes ago, Birdlady said:

I question that POTS can be cured at all, but I've gone down both routes. If you go the natural route every single doctor appt, test and supplement will likely be out of pocket. The one GI test recommended to you several posters above is $500. It could cost thousands of dollars just getting the tests done and then you run around forums, Facebook groups looking to understand the results and trialing expensive supplements. If you are doing well on midodrine and ivabradine, then I don't see a reason to change it. 

Some people have an idea that somehow prescriptions are bad, but supplements are good. It doesn't work that way IMO. Natural does not mean there are no risks involved in trialing them. Too many wrongly think that since it's an herb, vitamin or something 'natural' that there aren't side effects or potential problems. My husband was permanently damaged by a supplement. 

I am not on board with the supplements as well. If you are vitamin deficient or suspect it then get tested before taking a herbal treatment. I have also read too many folks having issues with the natural approach. I can tell you from my experience drug choices do make a diff but this is trial and error (unfortunately). 

[JaneEyre9]

6 hours ago, Sushi said:

Could you indicate which ones are histamine-reducing? Thanks!

"However, several probiotics have been shown in studies to support mast cells by reducing inflammatory mediators such as histamine:

Bifidobacterium infantis 

Bifidobacterium longum  

Bifidobacterium bifidum 

Bifidobacterium breve  

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus gasseri  

Lactobacillus salivarius  

Saccharomyces boulardii  

Saccharomyces boulardii has also been shown in animal studies to increase DAO activity (DAO is a histamine degrading enzyme)."

quoted from: 

https://mastcell360.com/histamine-lowering-probiotics-for-people-with-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-and-histamine-intolerance/

[MTRJ75]

I will make the distinction to look towards something that addresses the root cause rather than medications that just mask symptoms. 

Fortunately, I'm seeing a lot of the more recent studies are trending towards medications that get to the cause of the problems. 

[MikeO]

I Agree....

[ElizabethKay]

On 1/8/2023 at 12:24 PM, Relax86 said:

I feel like I tried every holistic and functional medicine method I could possibly tolerate. I had the best luck with meditation (calming my ANS) and also acupuncture which I think had the same effect as meditation. There were times that I thought this diet or that supplement was helping me make some headway but most of those things inevitably didn't prevent me from my next flare. Midodrine, easing back into my previous life (and I do mean easing with lots of trial and error), meditation and staying on top of my feelings helped me the most. 

Hi Relax 86,  I’m just now trying to figure out how to message you… Did you post something somewhere on here about some MD(s) in southern NJ who knows how to treat dysautonomia, syncope, NCS, pots, etc?   Maybe even chronic fatigue?  I’m in the Washington DC area and would gladly go to NJ for knowledgeable medical care. There is a waitlist at John’s Hopkins of more than a year.  Nope, not worth waiting for if there’s someone knowledgeable within a couple/few hours drive. Are you able to reply to this message that I’m snot being you?  Hope so.  Thank you, Elizabeth 

[ElizabethKay]

Two to three years ago I went to a very experienced acupuncturist and Chinese herbal practitioner, who btw had a lot of training and even teaches, got acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments from him twice. Note, there a quite a few dr’s and chiropractors that are allowed to practice acupuncture, etc but they only got certified in acupuncture by a very small amount of training. The treatments  and herbs really helped but the symptoms came back after a while.  I didn’t know what my diagnosis would be in western medicine. So I decided to wait as to going back to the acupuncturist/ herbalist, and get a western medicine diagnosis. After all, it seemed like something - very taxing - has been going haywire with my breathing, heart, and lungs (interfering seriously with life and basic everyday functioning), so I should know what the heck it’s called! After a lot of dr’s appointments it turns out I have NCS. I just started Midodrine about 10 days ago, but I can’t find a specialist who has detailed advice for managing, adjusting the Midodrine dose, etc.  So the Chinese herbs and acupuncture were out of pocket and did help. But no two practitioners in that field are alike, so one’s treatment and results might vary a lot. I hope to find a practitioner/ doctor who has detailed knowledge about the western medical treatments, but when I have the money I’ll also go back to the Chinese medicine person.

[Jimvano]

I am a research scientist and statistician by profession, meditator for 20+ years, and I was an ultramarathoner until symptoms showed up during a race. 

I have experimented with almost every "natural" and alternative method or remedy I could find over the past 10 years. Homeopathic, herbs and tinctures, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, functional medicine, vitamins and minerals, diets (Paleo, vegan, raw), soap changes, and lots more. 

Like others have said, everyone is different and the root cause of your symptoms are likely to be different from mine. Yes, and it sucks having to deal with the symptoms. 

The only non-allopathic things that have consistently helped me are electrolyte caps morning and evening and during any exertion (1000mg per hour), maintaining hydration levels, getting off caffeine, and switching from mostly mouth breathing to nasal breathing, especially during exertion. Breathing change caused the single largest improvement in symptoms. I am almost symptom free now unless it is hot out. I can work outside for hours without POTS kicking in. I haven't been bedridden for days after exertion. 

Science almost always lags behind because the peer-reviewed publication process is so conservative to new ideas. Good luck! 

[MomtoGiuliana]

On 2/4/2023 at 4:58 AM, ElizabethKay said:

I’m just now trying to figure out how to message you

To send a PM, hover over the profile of the person you want to message.  Scroll down and click on "Message".