Understanding Low Blood Pressure and POTS

Oct 21, 2024

Low Blood Pressure and Related Conditions

Introduction to Low Blood Pressure

  • Normal blood pressure: 120/80
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension):
    • Systolic < 90
    • Diastolic < 60
  • Shock causes: Overheating, overtraining, blood loss, medications, trauma

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

  • Definition: Condition where standing up causes blood pressure to drop and pulse rate to increase
  • Symptoms: Dizziness, disorientation, vision loss, lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, shakiness, fainting, unconsciousness

Mechanisms of Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing

  1. Inadequate Blood Volume

    • Causes: Internal bleeding, anemia (low iron), dehydration (lack of salt)
      • Excessive water intake without salt can dilute sodium and cause dehydration
    • Note on Ketogenic Diet:
      • Initial fluid loss requires increased salt intake
      • Loss through diuretics, vomiting, dehydration
  2. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction

    • Role: Adaptation of body to postural stresses
    • Function: Pushes blood to brain upon standing
    • Located in brain stem, sensitive to B1 deficiency
      • B1 is crucial for brain oxygen use
    • B1 Deficiency Symptoms: Similar to POTS, includes high pulse rate, arrhythmias, dizziness
    • Causes of B1 Deficiency: Refined carbohydrates, sulfites in red wine/dried fruit, malabsorption, increased demand from ketogenic diet or stress

Nutritional Recommendations

  • Increase intake of:
    • Salt
    • Vitamin B1 (preferably through nutritional yeast)
    • Vitamin D3

Books and Resources

  • Dr. Berg's Publications:
    • "Dr. Berg Body Shapes" - First book on body types
    • "The Seven Principles of Fat Burning" - Outdated
    • "The New Body Type Guide" - Comprehensive, professional
    • "The Healthy Keto Plan" - Updated version of the guide
      • Covers: Hormones, body types, keto plan, intermittent fasting, fat burning strategies
      • Additional topics: Stress relief techniques, exercise, recipes
    • Promo: Purchase "The Healthy Keto Plan" and receive "Healthy Keto and Intermittent Fasting" free
      • Quick guide to Keto and Intermittent Fasting
    • Available on Amazon