Four nutrition findings with Jill Brook, MA
In this POTScast episode, Jill Brook, MA, discusses four nutritional findings that, while not specifically studied in POTS patients, have implications for symptoms relevant to dysautonomia sufferers. First, she shares that chewing, particularly using harder substances, may improve blood flow to the brain and cognitive function, with implications for managing brain fog. Second, she discusses the benefits of vitamin C for pain relief, noting its efficacy across various types of pain and its potential to reduce pain medication requirement. Third, she highlights research showing that higher fruit and vegetable intake is linked with improved mood and mental health, likening the effect to gains seen when moving from unemployment to employment. Lastly, she explores dietary nitrates found in vegetables such as beets and leafy greens, which have been shown to enhance exercise tolerance by improving oxygen efficiency in the muscles. While none of these studies have involved POTS patients specifically, they could offer low-risk, potentially beneficial strategies to explore for those with POTS, with appropriate medical guidance.