Electrolytes for POTS

Electrolytes are essential for improving POTS.

But what exactly are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals — such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium — that our bodies require. Some of the processes requiring electrolytes include the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contracting and relaxation, and maintaining osmosis.

If you remember from high school biology, osmosis is when molecules are passed from one of the cell membrane to another, so that both sides have an equal amount of molecules.

When we talk about osmosis in relation to POTS, we are most interested in the concentration of water and sodium, both inside and outside the cell walls.

Any POTS patient worth their salt (ha!) knows that staying hydrated should be an important part of their self-care regimen. And electrolytes are the key to becoming and maintaining hydration efficiently.

How to get Electrolytes?

There are several ways to get electrolytes:

• consume drinks with electrolytes, such as:
  • tap water
  • bottled spring water
  • bottled alkaline water
  • hydration drinks
• use electrolyte tablets to make your own drinks
• swallow electrolyte pills (must drink adequate water too!)
• getting an IV

Often times people with POTS will experiment with different sources and products, to see which ones suit their lifestyle best. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to get electrolytes. What works best for one potsie might not work for another.

Electrolyte Products

I’ve put together a list of several hydration products I’ve personally tried. Check them out below: