For those living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), everyday activities often require careful consideration and adjustment. While many people enjoy a drink to unwind, socialize, or celebrate, individuals with POTS must be particularly mindful of how alcohol can impact their condition. Understanding the effects of alcohol on POTS is crucial for making informed decisions about its consumption.
POTS is a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and other involuntary bodily functions. People with POTS experience an exaggerated increase in heart rate upon standing, often accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and even fainting. Managing POTS typically involves strategies to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate, such as increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression garments, and avoiding triggers.
We recently covered alcohol and its effect on Lupus. I thought we might as well make a post for Dysautonomia while we were at it! There are a lot of little topics that I never see discussed when it comes to everyday choices and how they affect Autoimmune diseases. We try and cover those little topics because we know we’re curious and maybe so are some of you! The decision to drink alcohol with medical conditions present should always be made with your doctor we are only opening the conversation not helping you make the decision! Our posts are not medical advice; you should only get medical advice from your doctor. I just wanted to throw that little disclaimer in there before we get started! Let’s go ahead and look at how alcohol affects the body and most importantly how that can affect dysautonomia.
Alcohol has several effects on the body that can exacerbate POTS symptoms:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. For individuals with POTS, dehydration can worsen symptoms like dizziness, low blood pressure, and tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate). Staying hydrated is critical for managing POTS, so the dehydrating effects of alcohol can be particularly problematic.
- Vasodilation: Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure. For someone with POTS, who may already struggle with low blood pressure or blood pooling in the lower extremities, this vasodilation can lead to increased dizziness, lightheadedness, and a higher risk of fainting.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels, leading to fluctuations that might cause feelings of fatigue or weakness. Since POTS already involves issues with energy levels and blood pressure, these fluctuations can exacerbate symptoms.
- Interference with Medications: Many individuals with POTS take medications to manage their symptoms, such as beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, or midodrine. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of these medications or increase the risk of side effects, making symptom management more challenging.
- Sleep Disruption: Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, reducing the quality of rest. Since fatigue is a common symptom of POTS, and adequate sleep is essential for symptom management, alcohol’s impact on sleep can lead to increased fatigue and worsening of symptoms the following day.
The effects of alcohol can vary greatly from person to person, and this is particularly true for those with POTS. Some individuals may find that they can tolerate small amounts of alcohol without significant issues, while others may experience a marked increase in symptoms even after minimal consumption. Factors such as the type of alcohol, the amount consumed, and the individualās overall health and symptom management strategies all play a role in how alcohol will affect them.
After talking with your doctor those with POTS who choose to consume alcohol, moderation, and mindfulness are key. I follow a few best practices I’ve made for myself that I’ll list below.
- Limit Intake: Start with a small amount to see how your body reacts. Itās often recommended to avoid binge drinking or consuming alcohol on an empty stomach, as these can lead to more pronounced effects. When it comes to alcohol less is more in my opinion. In movies, you see clips of people downing 6 shots which is absolutely insane and not real life for many people. I say this because you should make sure you’re educated on alcohol intake and limits before just diving in, especially when drinking with people who partake daily when you do not. Social drinking norms and the media’s portrayal of drinking can skew the reality for those who don’t drink. With all that being said be mindful and know your limit.
- Stay Hydrated: If you decide to drink alcohol, ensure youāre drinking plenty of water before, during, and after alcohol consumption. This can help counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about what your goal should be if you plan on drinking!
- Choose Your Drinks Wisely: Some people find that certain types of alcohol affect them more than others. For example, drinks with a high sugar content or mixed with caffeine might exacerbate symptoms. Experimenting with different types of drinks and sticking to those that are better tolerated can help minimize symptoms.
- Be Aware of Your Environment: Consuming alcohol in a hot environment or after physical exertion can increase the likelihood of symptom flare-ups due to the additional strain on your autonomic nervous system.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how your body reacts to alcohol. If you notice a significant increase in symptoms, it may be best to avoid alcohol altogether or reserve it for special occasions when you can manage the effects.
- Plan for the Next Day: Since alcohol can exacerbate POTS symptoms and lead to increased fatigue, plan your activities the day after drinking to allow for rest and recovery if needed.
Personally, I don’t drink for many reasons but the topic of alcohol and autoimmune diseases definitely interests me, and after looking into it a bit more, I solidified my stance on not drinking altogether. For me, I don’t like how alcohol makes me feel while drinking or after drinking. I still wanted to write this post because I think it’s an important topic to cover! Make sure to check out our other POTS-related posts that will be linked below!
While alcohol is a common part of social activities, its effects on those with POTS can be unpredictable and potentially harmful. Understanding the risks and listening to your body is crucial when deciding whether or not to consume alcohol. If you find that alcohol exacerbates your symptoms, it may be worth avoiding it altogether. Ultimately, the goal is to manage POTS symptoms effectively and maintain a quality of life that allows for both health and enjoyment. Making informed choices about alcohol is a key part of that balance.
