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Dealing with Dysautonomia: Causes, Symptoms, and Natural Management

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for a number of health issues relating to a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system. Together with the cardiovascular system and adrenals, your autonomic nervous system forms part of your Cardionomic circuit. While you can't do much to prevent this condition, there are some natural strategies that may reduce your symptoms.

Defining Dysautonomia

An image of the human body's nervous systemOver 70 million people across the globe suffer from dysautonomia. The condition results due to a dysfunction of the autonomous nervous system (ANS) and can present in the form of numerous health issues. Your ANS plays a key role in breathing regulation, maintaining your internal temperature, maintaining a steady blood pressure rate, and the regulation of your heart rate. It also plays a role in your excretion process, pupil dilation, and sexual function.

Dysautonomia can cause issues with the following:

  • Kidneys
  • Heart rate
  • Internal and exterior temperature control
  • Libido
  • Digestion
  • Breathing
  • Dilation of your pupils
  • Bladder

Do remember that in most cases, dysautonomia takes a long time to manifest, although some people may be born with the condition.

Misdiagnosis of the condition is common. Only an estimated 25% of those with dysautonomia see a correct initial diagnosis. This is because the condition is associated with a large variety of symptoms, often blamed on anxiety. But while anxiety due to stress may contribute to the condition, it is not usually the only factor involved. The condition is also often attributed to a neurological condition. Parkinsonā€™s disease often gets the blame. And while those with Parkinsonā€™s disease may have dysautonomia, not everyone with dysautonomia has Parkinsonā€™s disease. Consequently, these people may see many healthcare professionals addressing their condition ineffectually.

Types of Dysautonomia

People with the condition can have one of two types of dysautonomia: primary or secondary. We will look at both.

Primary Dysautonomia

Primary dysautonomia usually happens without the presence of another health issue. It may result from familial dysautonomia, a genetic disorder that affects both the development and survival of nerve cells in your ANS. It is also associated with nerve or brain damage. Although sometimes you find the occurrence of primary dysautonomia for no apparent reason.

Primary dysautonomia may contribute to the development of the following health conditions:

  • POTS: This disorder, associated with blood circulation, can cause an increase in heartbeat and lead to chest pains, shortness of breath, and fainting.
  • Pure autonomic failure: This type of dysautonomia causes your blood pressure to drop when you stand. People with the condition often experience visual problems, dizziness, fatigue, and chest pain.
  • Multiple system atrophy (MSA): This condition usually develops in those over forty years of age. A life-threatening condition, MSA could result in low blood pressure, bladder control issues, erectile dysfunction, and issues with your heart rate.
  • Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS): The most common form of dysautonomia, NCS is also referred to as vasovagal or situational syncope. It causes fainting. In some people, it happens once or twice during their lifetime. Other people with the condition may find they faint a few times daily.

Secondary Dysautonomia

Secondary dysautonomia, or intrinsic dysautonomia, is the result of a malfunctioning ANS due to another health condition. These conditions may vary, and include the following:

  • Parkinsonā€™s disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Deficiencies in vitamins E and B
  • Diabetes
  • Amyloidosis
  • Lupus
  • Lyme disease
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Celiac disease
  • Muscular sclerosis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome

Having any of these conditions could increase your risk of dysautonomia. Other risk factors include:

  • Living in very warm environments
  • Consuming high quantities of alcohol
  • Not staying adequately hydrated
  • Constant stress
  • Wearing tight clothing

Symptoms of Dysautonomia

An image of a man holding his head in painDysautonomia has a wide range of possible symptoms that vary from one person to another. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others see them appear only when under physical or emotional stress. And at times, you may even find them disappearing for lengthy periods of time. Common symptoms associated with dysautonomia include:

  • Constant fatigue
  • Feelings of weakness
  • Mood swings
  • Brain fog
  • Sleep issues
  • Migraines or headaches
  • Issues with balance
  • Dizziness
  • Problems with body and skin temperature
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Heart rhythm issues
  • Blood pressure issues
  • Blood sugar issues
  • Loss of libido in men
  • Sensitivity to noise or light
  • Discomfort or pain in the chest area
  • Sweating either more or less than normal
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Dehydration
  • Shortness of breath

Stress and Dysautonomia

Stress is a major contributor to dysautonomia. During periods of mild stress, your Cardionomic circuit, as part of your NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response, goes into a state of alert. Your heart rate may increase, while certain other functions, like digestion, become diminished so that your body can reroute energy to deal with the situation at hand. Your adrenals, during this time, heighten their cortisol production to deal create the typical "fight or flight" response.

But if the stressor persists, this state of alert becomes the new norm. And this can have profound consequences. Your cardiovascular system, autonomous nervous system, and adrenal glands may have to function at full throttle all the time. This can lead them to finally fall into a state of dysregulation, in which they become unable to work properly. This may result in:

  • dysregulation of your Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis that regulates your adrenal function and cortisol output.
  • metabolic imbalances that include fatigue, sugar cravings, and hypoglycemia.
  • dysregulation of your autonomic nervous systemā€™s sympathoadrenal hormone system. Common symptoms associated with this occurrence include an increased heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, and subclinical Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
  • cardiovascular damage that could result in postural hypotension or idiopathic supraventricular tachycardia.

While many of these symptoms may take longer to develop, once they surface, they could cause serious issues for the health of your Cardionomic circuit. While symptoms may be mild initially, they may become worse over time. Dysautonomia may result, with stress being the root cause of the condition.

Dealing with Dysautonomia

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to prevent dysautonomia. It is either a genetic condition or results from other health issues. But you can take steps to prevent your symptoms from worsening.

By addressing one of the underlying conditions, you may find some relief. Typically, the aim is to reduce the symptoms of the underlying condition so that you can start a program designed to build up your overall health. This would also support adrenal health. Often, it involves medication that may change over time.

Furthermore, symptoms vary from person to person, as does their severity or occurrence. For example, some people may find their symptoms disappear for years before coming back. Others live with them every day.

The best way of dealing with your symptoms is to talk to your healthcare provider and keep them up to date. You might also keep a health journal to help find the triggers that bring on or worsen your symptoms to help you find ways to manage them.

Natural Ways to Manage Dysautonomia

An image of a woman calmly breathingWhile there is no way of curing the condition, natural healing focuses on addressing the root causes of the condition, particularly stress. This applies mainly to those with secondary dysautonomia, although those with primary dysautonomia may also benefit. Therapies that may help you deal with your symptoms include the following:

Breathing Exercises for Dysautonomia

The sympathetic nervous system forms a part of the autonomic nervous system. One of the sympathetic nervous system's main roles is to stimulate the fight or flight reaction when presented with a stressful situation. This, of course, has an effect on adrenal function as well. When active over the long term, it could contribute to many health issues related to dysautonomia.

Fortunately, certain breathing exercises may help to reduce activation of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby helping to reduce symptoms as well.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

For this exercise, you sit in a relaxed position, close one nostril with your thumb, and slowly inhale through the open nostril. You then switch nostrils, exhaling through the other. Repeat this exercise several times for maximum effect.

Abdominal Breathing

With this technique, you lay down flat on your back someplace comfortable, such as on the floor or on a bed. If uncomfortable, place a pillow under your head or knees. Placing one hand over your ribs and the other over your heart, inhale through your nose, slowly and deeply, feeling your stomach and chest rise. Then exhale slowly. It's best to breathe this way for several minutes.

2-to-1 Breathing

This breathing technique is commonly practiced by those who do yoga. It encourages relaxation and has a calming effect on your entire ANS as well.Ā It is best, at first, to learn this technique while sitting in a comfortable position. Once mastered, you can use it any time during the day ā€“ while working, going for a walk, or watching television.

First, you count through a normal inhalation and exhalation. Let us say your inhale and exhale count is six. The 2-1 breathing technique involves consciously inhaling for four counts and then exhaling for two. You thus inhale for twice as long as you exhale.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy requires the help of a therapist. You will be taught strategies to overcome certain thinking patterns that contribute to your stress levels.

Practicing Mindfulness

Practices encouraging mindfulness may help address anxiety. Besides breathing exercises that force you to consciously think about your breathing, other beneficial mindful exercises include meditation and yoga.

Using Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD comes from the hemp plant and does not have the typical side effects associated with the use of cannabis. A 2017 study indicated that CBD may help reduce some of the symptoms associated with dysautonomia. Your healthcare provider is best able to determine the efficacy and dosage.

Other Ways to Help Manage Dysautonomia

Besides those mentioned, you can also try the following to help manage your condition.

  • Follow a healthy diet like the adrenal fatigue diet and cut down on sugary or processed foods and caffeine.
  • Try to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Make sure you get enough sleep at night.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Cut down on, or stop, drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Make sure you get enough salt in your diet.
  • Increase or maintain blood pressure by wearing compression stockings.
  • Do not take hot baths or showers, rather opt for lukewarm temperatures.
  • Do not stand or sit for extended periods ā€“ mix it up.

In Closing

An image of a man talking with a docotorIt is a sad fact of life that once you have dysautonomia, you will have the condition for life. But you can opt to do things to improve your quality of life. There are many natural ways to deal with the symptoms. Addressing the health issue that contributes to it, if you have secondary dysautonomia, can also help alleviate some of the symptoms.

If suffering from dysautonomia, here are a few things you can do to help manage it:

  • Consider addressing the root causes of your condition ā€“ the contributing conditions and stress.
  • Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
  • Try to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to help you deal with the symptoms.

If you would like to know more about or need assistance with dysautonomia, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free** no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.

Ā© Copyright 2022 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Lamā€™s Key Question

Yes, dysautonomia, like any other health issue, puts greater strain on adrenal gland function that, in turn, affects adrenal health. Any measures taken that help address dysautonomia symptoms may help support adrenal function as well. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to support the health of both of these systems.

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