Dehydration, thirst, POTS and long COVID with Dr. Harriet Carroll

In this podcast episode, Dr. Harriet Carroll discusses her experiences with POTS, which developed after a COVID vaccine, and her research on hydration, thirst, and blood sugar regulation. Dr. Carroll shares insights on how astronauts' hydration challenges post-space travel can illuminate POTS treatment approaches, highlighting findings where increased blood volume does not necessarily improve orthostatic tolerance. She also explores the complex interplay of hormones like vasopressin that regulate hydration and how they can relate to symptoms and conditions like POTS. Dr. Carroll's model describes different types of thirst—including those driven by medications and neurological responses—and she extends these ideas to better understand symptoms in POTS and long COVID sufferers. Further discussion includes the potential role of vasopressin analogs in treating POTS and considers the lack of responsiveness to standard treatments like fludrocortisone. Her personal health journey is also discussed, offering insights into the broader challenges of vaccine injury and chronic illness management.