Do you, or someone you love, experience dizziness, a rapid heartbeat when standing, brain fog, fatigue, or even anxiety that seems unexplainable? These could be signs of POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
Here’s what’s often overlooked: POTS isn’t just a cardiovascular issue—it’s a multifactorial condition that involves the whole body. Let’s uncover the root causes and how to support healing using evidence-based, whole-body strategies.
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What is POTS Syndrome and Why It’s Misunderstood
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia—a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates automatic functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and temperature control.
When someone with POTS stands up, blood pools in the lower body, and the brain senses low blood pressure. To compensate, the heart races. But this condition involves much more than just the heart.
Common symptoms include:
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Vasovagal responses
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog
- Digestive issues
- Heat intolerance
- Anxiety or panic disorders
What Makes POTS a Complex Condition
The complexity of POTS lies in its multifactorial nature. It has many root causes and contributing factors that vary for each individual. Common triggers and influences include:
- Viral illnesses, such as Epstein-Barr or COVID
- Mold toxicity
- Mast cell activation
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Autoimmune conditions
Additionally, there’s often nervous system involvement, including chronic stress, trauma, and poor vagal tone. Other contributing factors may include mitochondrial dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, and gut dysregulation. These create a “perfect storm” that leads to the condition.
Key Players in POTS Recovery
Vagus Nerve
A vital player in recovery is the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to every major organ and accounts for 80% of the parasympathetic nervous system.
With POTS, the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) dominates. Recovery involves training the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, and heal). Effective strategies include:
- Somatic practices and vagus nerve exercises (e.g., humming)
- Myofascial techniques
- Visceral release and craniosacral therapy
- Acupuncture and osteopathic manipulation
Mindful movement paired with breathwork can also retrain the brain-body connection, improving heart rate variability, vagal tone, digestion, and blood flow. It’s important to ensure exercises are graded to match individual tolerance levels, especially with dysautonomia.
Airway Health & Sleep: The Missing Link
Airway health and sleep quality are crucial yet often overlooked in POTS management. Issues such as narrow airways, tongue ties, mouth breathing, or undiagnosed sleep apnea can overdrive the sympathetic nervous system during sleep, leading to poor oxygenation and worsened symptoms.
Sleep is vital for:
- Detoxification
- Mitochondrial repair
- Hormone regulation
- Recalibrating the autonomic nervous system
If you suspect an airway disorder, consider a sleep study or use apps like SnoreLab to assess snoring and breathing patterns. Addressing these issues can play a significant role in recovery.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Fatigue
The profound fatigue often seen in POTS stems from mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria power every cell, particularly in the nervous system, heart, and muscles.
Support mitochondrial health with:
- Nutrients such as CoQ10, carnitine, and B vitamins
- Antioxidants like glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid
- A nutrient-dense, low-inflammatory diet
- Reducing toxic load from mold, heavy metals, or certain medications
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Broken
POTS can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that the body is doing its best to survive. Recovery starts by addressing the root causes—vagus nerve health, airway function, and mitochondrial support.
Understanding and supporting these interconnected systems allows you to embark on a path toward resilience and vitality. Share this information with someone who may benefit and consider exploring additional resources to support healing. Every step toward recovery matters.
Next Steps
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