We were each diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) several years ago and while, over the course of this journey, we have learned so much about regulating our symptoms the best we can – it’s still a daily struggle.
Like many people with this form of Dysautonomia we suffer from having our blood pressure too low and our heart rate too high. While we take multiple medications to help combat these symptoms, we also rely heavily on outside sources, like wearing compressions, drinking electrolytes and upping our salt intake. We have to consciously work at keeping our POTS as manageable as we can while adapting to our “new normal”.
This is where our newest product spotlight comes in: Vitassium by SaltStick.
We were first introduced to Vitassium by SaltStick by our cardiologist (who specializes in POTS) during one of our routine appointments. He brought out sample packets of SaltStick capsules and fastchews, products that weere completely new to us. One thing we always loved about this doctor is that he would recommend options that weren’t just prescriptions and he encouraged us to try a variety of different things that could help us.
Kate: I remember when my doctor first brought out a few sample packets – I was definitely a little hesitant at first because I thought they were going to be very similar to the salt pills I had tried in the past. When I had gone to the Mayo Clinic for a full autonomic workup I was told that I needed to dramatically increase my salt intake as I was drinking plenty of water but was not holding on to it in my body (in order to increase my blood volume, in order to increase my blood pressure).
I had previously taken salt pills that another doctor had recommended and they KILLED my stomach – I was extremely queasy/nauseous and I even ended up throwing up. I’ll still put a LOT of salt in my food but it’s really difficult to up your sodium with food alone – especially when you’re feeling sick or when you’re not eating food that holds salt well. I find that healthier, less processed, foods are mostly the lowest in sodium which adds to the difficulty.
I ended up trying one of my SaltStick packets a few days after my appointment when I was having a particularly bad morning and I’m seriously SO glad I did. First off, my stomach was 100% fine and I believe that’s because they aren’t pure sodium. Secondly, they’re so much easier to take than having to rely on dumping salt on your food (especially when we’re not home)!
Vitassium by SaltStick is even a sponsor of Dysautonomia International (an incredible resource for those, like us, who have Dysautonomia). They really care about helping those with autonomic ailments and they also have a Dysautonomia 101 section dedicated on their own website – how amazing is that?!
Two SaltStick capsules (the serving size) have 500 mg of sodium and 100 mg of potassium. Potassium is added as it works together with the sodium but it is added in a much smaller amount because any more would compromise the desired effects of the extra sodium. The capsules have clean and simple ingredients that don’t cause any stomach distress and this is an extra major win in our book – they use a potassium citrate form that actually helps to soothe the stomach. (When we initially started to add more salt to our diet we were pouring salt into our mouths and gulping down water – this was not smart and our stomachs paid the price). Saltstick capsules are now such a part of our arsenal that we can’t imagine what we’d do without them.
This product was actually created for patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Addison’s Disease, Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Vasovagal Syncope and other autonomic dysfunctions where an increase in blood volume could be helpful.
Vitassium by SaltStick also makes Fastchews which are the only chewable tablets available that provide the same “electrolyte profile” as you lose in sweat so they help to maintain electrolyte levels. These are great for us Potsies, but are also a great resource for those that are dehydrated, play sports, hike/camp, travel etc. They provide less sodium/potassium (100 mg sodium, 30 mg potassium per the recommended 2 tablet dose) but they also contain 10 mg calcium, 6 mg magnesium to give you a full balance.
Besides being handy and making us feel better, we’re big fans of the fastchews because they taste like Sweet Tarts and come in really great flavors (our favorite is seedless watermelon and tart orange). We love these for when we’re out on the go and we always like to carry a packet in our purse.
For us, SaltStick capsules and fastchews are a super convenient, easy answer that help with our symptoms – and because of that, we’re huge huge fans.
If you’re interested in checking out the products we mentioned in this spotlight you can find Vitassium by SaltStick by clicking here.
They also offer a great option that you can sign up for, called Vitassium Club.
The Vitassium club is FREE to sign up and with this membership, you’re eligible for:
- Free shipping on orders over $50
- 20% off discount Vitassium and other SaltStick Electrolytes
- Access to medical literature and updates on new products/ promotions
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