Hydration Myths vs. Facts for POTS Sufferers

Hydration is an essential component of managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fatigue when standing. However, there is a lot of information available online that can be misleading and confusing, making it challenging to separate helpful advice from common myths. 

Let's debunk some of these myths and present accurate information about hydration for POTS sufferers.

Myth 1: Drinking lots of water is the best way to stay hydrated.

While staying hydrated is crucial for everyone, especially for those with POTS, simply drinking water isn't always enough.

Fact: People with POTS often benefit from increased salt intake alongside fluids to help retain hydration and improve blood volume, which is essential for managing symptoms.

Myth 2: All sports drinks are good for hydration in POTS.

Many commercial sports drinks contain too much sugar and not enough sodium, along with artificial colors and flavors that may not be suitable for everyone.

Fact: Individuals with POTS should look for hydration solutions like NormaLyte hydration products that are specifically formulated to address their unique needs, including the right balance of electrolytes without unnecessary additives.

Myth 3: If you're not thirsty, you're not dehydrated.

Thirst is not always a reliable indicator of dehydration, especially in individuals with dysautonomia-related conditions like POTS. 

Fact: Maintaining a regular hydration schedule is important, as waiting until you're thirsty may mean you're already dehydrated.

Myth 4: Hydration only matters on hot days or during exercise.

For POTS sufferers, maintaining hydration is critical every day, regardless of the weather or activity level.

Fact: Staying properly hydrated can help manage and prevent POTS symptoms, even in cooler temperatures or during periods of inactivity.

Myth 5: More hydration is always better.

While hydration is essential, there is such a thing as too much water, which can lead to water intoxication or hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). 

Fact: It's important to balance water intake with electrolyte consumption, particularly sodium, to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance. This is where Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) come into play, allowing you to "work smarter, not harder" with your hydration. ORS solutions optimize water absorption and electrolyte balance, enabling you to maintain hydration more effectively without the need to consume large volumes of water.

Understanding Myths

Understanding these myths can empower POTS sufferers to make informed decisions about their hydration strategy. Proper hydration, combined with a balanced intake of electrolytes, can make a significant difference in managing POTS symptoms and improving quality of life.

For those navigating the challenges of POTS, finding a hydration solution that meets your needs without compromising quality or safety is essential. That's where products like NormaLyte come in. Our oral rehydration solutions are meticulously formulated to support the hydration needs of individuals with POTS, free from unnecessary additives, and aligned with the principle of providing effective and safe hydration.

Discover how NormaLyte can support your hydration strategy and help you manage your POTS symptoms more effectively by visiting our collection of oral rehydration products online or filling out our contact form for more information today!