Hunger and POTS share an interesting relationship, with one usually influencing the other. It’s a two-way street.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a specific type of dysautonomia that primarily affects the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls the body’s automatic processes. Unfortunately, POTS often causes abnormal increases in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing. Individuals with POTS can experience a wide range of symptoms, including hunger pangs, dizziness, fatigue, elevated heart rate, and brain fog. Interestingly, hunger and POTS share a connection that can exacerbate other symptoms and lead to unique challenges in managing the condition.
This article will focus on how symptoms of hunger and POTS are closely related. We will also discuss the impacts on symptom management and provide personal and clinical strategies for maintaining balanced nutrition to mitigate POTS-related symptoms.
Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
POTS is a chronic neurological condition that significantly impacts daily life. While the primary diagnostic criteria involve an increase in heart rate of at least 30 beats per minute (or 40 in teenagers) upon standing, it can present in diverse ways. POTS commonly includes gastrointestinal symptoms, lightheadedness, and dizziness, amongst other issues. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to connecting the dots between hunger and POTS.
Symptoms of POTS
- Cardiovascular Symptoms: Tachycardia, palpitations, and chest pain.
- Neurological Symptoms: Lightheadedness, brain fog, dizziness, and migraines.
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, bloating, and altering hunger levels.
- Fatigue: Severe and often debilitating.
- Temperature Intolerance: Shifts in perceived body temperature without changes in environmental temperatures.
Each symptom in this category can interact with hunger in unique ways. They can often complicate meal planning and overall energy management.
How Hunger and POTS Influence Each Other
Hunger, which is a natural biological response signaling the need for food intake, can often affect individuals with POTS. The relationship between hunger and POTS often stems from how blood sugar levels, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances influence autonomic nervous system function.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations
For those with POTS, dips in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can trigger or worsen symptoms. Hunger signals the body’s need for energy, and delaying meals can flare up symptoms such as:
- Dizziness: Low blood sugar can compound the orthostatic intolerance experienced in POTS.
- Fatigue and Brain Fog: Both hunger and POTS can impair cognitive function, making focus and clarity challenging.
- Nausea: When hungry, individuals may experience nausea, a common POTS symptom that further suppresses appetite, creating a vicious cycle.
Dehydration, Electrolytes, and Hunger
POTS patients must consistently increase fluid and electrolyte intake to improve blood volume. Dehydration can sometimes mimic hunger, leading to confusion in interpreting bodily signals. Proper hydration is critical, as dehydration exacerbates POTS symptoms such as:
- Orthostatic intolerance
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Temperature intolerance
Gastrointestinal Challenges in POTS
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in POTS, complicating the body’s hunger and satiety signals. These symptoms can include:
Delayed Gastric Emptying (Gastroparesis)
Gastroparesis, or delayed stomach emptying, is frequently observed in POTS. This condition can make patients feel full after consuming small amounts of food, disrupting normal hunger cycles. Consequently, patients may:
- Need help with adequate calorie intake.
- Experience bloating and discomfort, leading to skipped meals.
- Risk nutrient deficiencies that exacerbate POTS symptoms.
- Trigger nausea and possible aversion to food over time.
Nausea and Appetite Suppression
Nausea is a hallmark symptom of both hunger and POTS. For some, hunger pangs can intensify nausea, creating an aversion to eating. Over time, the nausea can potentially lead to weight loss, reduced energy levels, and further complications in managing POTS symptoms.
The Role of Nutrition in Managing POTS and Hunger
Proper nutrition is crucial for individuals with POTS, as it helps regulate blood sugar, maintain hydration, and support overall autonomic function. Here are key dietary strategies:
Small, Frequent Meals
Eating smaller, frequent meals can help manage blood sugar levels and prevent large fluctuations. This approach:
- Reduces the likelihood of hunger-induced symptom flare-ups.
- It helps manage gastroparesis by reducing the burden on the digestive system.
- Provides a steady energy supply, mitigating fatigue and brain fog.
Balanced Macronutrients
A diet rich in balanced macronutrients—complete protein sources, high-quality fats, and unprocessed complex carbohydrates—can stabilize energy levels:
- Complete Protein Sources: Aid in muscle repair, sustain energy, and provide building blocks for cellular healing.
- Healthy Fats: Provide long-lasting energy, support cellular function, and can have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Unprocessed Complex Carbohydrates: Prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes and sustain long-term energy levels.
High Salt and Fluid Intake
Since POTS patients often have low blood volume, increasing salt and water intake helps:
- Improve blood circulation.
- Alleviate orthostatic symptoms.
- Prevent dehydration-related hunger confusion.
- Optimize cellular function.
Foods like salted nuts, broth-based soups, electrolyte drinks, and eating whole foods can support these goals. We suggest getting as much of your nutrition as possible from food, as supplements can only provide so much benefit in the absence of quality nutrients.
Lifestyle Strategies to Address Hunger and POTS
In addition to dietary interventions, lifestyle changes can also help manage the interplay between hunger and POTS:
Monitoring Hunger Cues
Keeping a food journal can help POTS patients track hunger patterns and identify triggers that worsen symptoms. This practice can:
- Ensure timely meals.
- Prevent hypoglycemia.
- Highlight the need for dietary adjustments.
- Provide real-world feedback to understand the triggers of symptoms
Mindful Eating Practices
Mindful eating helps patients recognize true hunger versus other signals like dehydration or stress. Techniques include:
- Eating slowly to avoid nausea.
- Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods during meals.
- Listening to the body’s satiety cues to prevent overeating.
- Assessing food sensitivities (if warranted) to dampen inflammation and immune dysfunction
FAQs About Hunger and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Why does POTS worsen when I’m hungry?
Hunger can lead to low blood sugar and dehydration, both of which worsen POTS symptoms like dizziness and fatigue. Timely, balanced meals often help to stabilize these levels.
What should I eat to manage these symptoms?
Focus on small, frequent meals rich in proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Remember to incorporate high-sodium foods and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
How does dehydration affect hunger and POTS?
Dehydration can mimic hunger signals and worsen POTS symptoms, including dizziness and orthostatic intolerance. Staying well-hydrated is essential to managing symptoms.
Can gastroparesis in POTS affect hunger?
Yes, gastroparesis delays stomach emptying, leading to feelings of fullness and reduced appetite. It can make meeting nutritional needs challenging, so staying diligent in food habits is best to ensure symptom management.
How do I manage nausea and hunger simultaneously with POTS?
Small, easy-to-digest meals like nuts and seeds, quick protein sources (like healthy beef jerky and protein bars), and broths can help. Ginger or peppermint tea can also alleviate nausea if needed.
Is it safe to fast if I have POTS?
Fasting is generally not recommended for POTS patients, as it can lead to dizziness, blood sugar imbalances, dehydration, and symptom flare-ups.
Hunger and POTS Don’t Have To Be Your New Normal
The relationship between hunger and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is complex and multifaceted. Understanding how hunger affects POTS symptoms is essential for effective management of the condition.
Through balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and mindful eating, individuals with POTS can better manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
For those living with POTS, consulting a healthcare provider or dietitian can offer personalized strategies to address the unique challenges posed by hunger and its impact on autonomic function.
At The Neural Connection, we’re fortunate to have helped many people with POTS manage their clinical care and at-home therapies. Our goal is to always ensure the highest level of care with the latest therapies and clinical guidelines to help you help yourself outside the office.
Check out Ashten’s testimonial of her experience working with Dr. Reis at the clinic:
“Dr. Erik Reis has made a huge impact in my daily life. I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome years ago and within the last year my symptoms became worse and began affecting my daily life.
I went to Dr. Reis and he was patient and understanding and did everything he could do to get to the bottom of my symptoms and to improve my life. It has been a few months since I have seen Dr. Reis and received treatment and my symptoms are still improved. Dr. Reis gave me a second chance at life and I could not recommend him enough!”
If you’re ready to take the next step in our care, just reach out. We’re always a phone call or consultation away!
*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients are advised to consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.
