POTS & Dysautonomia Management Quick Sheet
Nervous system regulation first, functional neurology, electrolytes, and recumbent movement — the first line of action for POTS and dysautonomia.
This quick sheet is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your health routine, diet, supplements, or treatment plan.
It's well recognized that MCAS, hEDS, and POTS (or some form of dysautonomia) form what doctors call the 'trifecta' or 'unholy trinity,' feeding into each other. But MCAS and dysautonomia can both be fully reversed — and hEDS, though multi-genetic, has potential to be symptom-free with correct care. Dysautonomia is a general term for autonomic nervous system dysfunction; POTS is the most common. There can be hyper (high) or hypo (low) blood pressure when standing, though hypo is most common.
POTS is not a heart issue — it's the misfiring or mis-signaling of the vagus nerve to the involuntary areas of the body's function. The brain is the master behind this, even a large part of functional or structural issues from a TBI or concussion. This is why functional neurology is key.
The Three Main Causes
- Severe or chronic infection / illness — Brain-driven.
- TBI, concussion, or neck injury — Structurally/functionally driven primarily, brain-driven secondarily.
- Stress or trauma — Brain-driven.
- The genetic component — Can be a factor, but is very rarely the main or prominent one.
Why Nervous System Regulation Comes First
- The brain has more power than any pill, potion, or doctor — Trauma and infection literally rewire the brain, creating a loop of pain, fear, and endless symptoms on overdrive. The pain and infection are real, the trauma really happened — but they are not what is keeping you sick. When we rewire the brain through nervous system regulation — neuro brain-training, somatics, and vagus nerve work — we embed new, safe, healing signals, allowing the misfiring ones to turn off.
- Start with a regulation program — Programs like Primal Trust address this regardless of the driver — whether hyper, hypo, or generalized dysautonomia.
First Line of Action — Daily Supports
- Start with nervous system regulation — top priority regardless of the driver
- Get evaluated by a functional neurologist chiropractor
- Try a neck brace (this helped!)
- Uptake in high-quality electrolytes with extra mineral salt (e.g., Redmond's)
- Hydrate all day long — around 80oz
- Core exercise
- Wheelchair walks (using your legs to push around is highly effective!)
- Raise legs at the head of the bed 4–6 inches (pillows don't count)
- Full glass of water with a large pinch of salt under the tongue — Before bed and before getting up.
- Pump legs, shake legs/feet/arms/hands in bed before getting up
- Do somatic and vagal exercises before rising
- Leg pumps / extended legs up and down (in a chair or wheelchair)
- Rowing (can be accomplished with a handled stretch band)
- Recumbent or seated bicycle
Key Supplements
- Plenty of liposomal vitamin C
- Plenty of magnesium — Especially glycinate if you handle it, plus L-threonate and taurate.
hEDS can certainly exacerbate any of this, since extra-lax tissues and more flexibility in the neck bring potential for lots of problems. But the brain's ability to rewire is real. Regulate the nervous system, support the body with hydration and electrolytes, and let functional neurology guide the structural piece. Healing is possible.