Sodium
The limited data that is available specific to recommended amounts, and the differing opinions among providers, can make it difficult to know what is best (Williams et al., 2022; Coleby, 2022).
Alongside the increase in water, researchers believe that orthostatic intolerance and symptom improvement can be helped for some, through the addition of large amounts of sodium.
As of right now, 6g of salt is thought to be very helpful, but we must stress that this will vary depending on the individual, presentation, symptoms, history, and form of POTS (Claydon & Hainsworth, 2004). These changes are always important to make under physician guidance as they can recommend different formulations, what to monitor, and how it should be taken.
When recommending salt tablets, some providers have noted that buffered salt tablets/capsules can be better tolerated by individuals in our community, an example being Thermotabs.
As always, however, please discuss what is best with your medical team prior to making any changes to your current treatment regimens.
Sources:
Claydon, V. E., & Hainsworth, R. (2004). Salt supplementation improves orthostatic cerebral and peripheral vascular control in patients with syncope. Hypertension, 43(4), 809–813. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.hyp.0000122269.05049.e7
Coleby, C. (2022, October). Non-Pharmacologic Treatment Overview. POTS & Beyond. Salt Lake City; Utah.
Williams, E. L., Raj, S. R., Schondorf, R., Shen, W. K., Wieling, W., & Claydon, V. E. (2022). Salt supplementation in the management of orthostatic intolerance: Vasovagal syncope and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Autonomic Neuroscience, 237, 102906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102906