What can I do to better live with dysautonomia?
What can I do to better live with dysautonomia?
To help manage your dysautonomia symptoms:
- Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Drink a lot of water. Carry water with you at all times.
- Add extra salt to your diet. Keep salty snacks with you.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Keep your blood sugar within normal limits if you have diabetes.
- Listen to what your body is telling you it needs. For example, take breaks from work or school if your body is telling you it needs rest.
- If you feel dizzy, sit down, lie down, and/or raise your feet.
- Stand up slowly.
- Wear compression stockings and support garments to increase/maintain blood pressure
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Avoid heat. Take lukewarm or cool baths and showers.
- Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medicine or supplement.
- Ask your healthcare provider if you can drink caffeinated beverages or eat foods with artificial sweeteners. Caffeine should be avoided if you have a raised heart rate. Artificial sweeteners can cause migraines in some people.
Other wellness tips for living with dysautonomia can be found here.