Must-Haves for Traveling with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

Posted on by jesstraveled Posted in POTS, Travel TipsTagged , , ,

Hello fellow traveler – if you’re reading this it may be safe to assume you also have POTS , know a loved one living with it, or simply just curious as to what this inconvenient diagnosis is. Well, you’re in the right place because I’m about to dive into my must-have travel items to help alleviate POTS symptoms – because let’s be honest, I wasn’t going to let it slow down my traveling after I found out about it.

To start, and for those that are unfamiliar with POTS, it stands for “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.” It’s a medical condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating various bodily functions without conscious effort, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. POTS is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate when transitioning from lying down to standing up, which can lead to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Much more is effected, which is why it takes so long to diagnose – but today I want to focus on items that have made a huge difference in how I feel when traveling. POTS episodes are as easy to control as the weather, but hopefully these preventative measures will make a difference for you too…

1. Compression Socks: Listen up, fashionistas! Compression socks aren’t just for grandma anymore. These sassy little numbers come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can strut your stuff in style while keeping your blood circulation in check. Say goodbye to swollen ankles and hello to chic comfort! Hide them under yoga pants or sweats and no one will know. It’s a must on long distance flights or car rides.

Here are a few I would recommend:

2. Compression Leggings: To expand on the compression socks above, be sure to grab some compression leggings for travel and hiking days. Lets with circulation and illuminates the outfit orchestration with compression tube socks. Make sure they have at least 18-22 mmHg compression.

3. Water Bottle with a Twist: Staying hydrated is non-negotiable, and we’re not talking about boring old plastic bottles. Get yourself a snazzy, insulated water bottle that keeps your beverage icy cold. Plus, it’s easy to refill after TSA security so you can mix in your electrolytes and vitamens!

Here are the ones I like:

4. Electrolytes: A MUST HAVE AT ALL TIMES! Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, help regulate the balance of fluids in the body. This is essential for people with POTS because blood volume and hydration levels can impact symptoms. Electrolytes are essential for proper muscle and nerve function, regulating the autonomic nervous system, and help maintain proper hydration levels and prevent symptoms from worsening.

I’ve tried dozens of electrolyte brands, here are the ones I have found to have the best combo in sodium needs that my taste buds approve:

PS: I stay away from ones that have a lot of sugar – not good for long term use

5. Sensible Salty Snacks: Hangry is not a good look on anyone. Pack some portable, salty snacks like nuts, protein bars, and chips to keep your energy levels up. Snacking in style is key – say no to bland, boring bites! Salt goes hand-in-hand with the water intake!!!

Here are my fav salty snacks to travel with (which you can take through TSA security so you don’t have to pay airport prices):

6. Portable Salt Shaker/Grinder: You would think salt and pepper are a hot commodity in every restaurant, but I have found myself in situations where there is none. So, I always carry a portable salt grinder on me – which I like to fill with Pink Himalayan Salt, as it tends to be a little better for you. Plus, then you open up your opens as to what snacks you can eat when you can just pour salt on anything now!

7. Portable Fan: Whether you’re exploring Italy in the summer, waiting to board your flight, or taking a taxi in Turkey, a portable fan will come in clutch more often than you think. I don’t even travel locally without one in my purse. For a lot of people with POTS, heat is a trigger into an episode so it’s best to always have a cooling solution.

8. Your Very Own Mini Pharmacy: Let’s be real – POTS comes with a side order of “You-never-know-what’s-gonna-happen.” Be prepared with a travel-sized pharmacy: meds, pain relievers, and anything else you might need to conquer your adventure. Cute pill organizer, anyone?

9. Salt Capsules: An item always included in my mini Pharmacy is Salt Capsules. It’s important to note that not everyone with POTS will require the same level of salt intake, and recommendations should be personalized based on an individual’s specific needs. Individuals with POTS should work closely with healthcare professionals, such as cardiologists or autonomic specialists, to determine the appropriate amount of salt intake for their particular situation.

10. POTS Medical Card Identification: The last thing you want is for people to freak out and be unaware why you pass out, so to help communicate that you have POTS I would recommend carrying an info card, medical bracelet or something that could be easily identified to show you have POTS.

11. Migraine Relievers: Sometimes there is not much you can do when a POTS migraine flares up, but these items have helped tremendously lessen the symptoms. If you know you’ll have a freezer where you are going, pack an ice pack (gel ice packs ones are best to conform to your head) or a migraine hat to help.

12. Oximeter and Heart Rate Tracker: Monitoring your heart rate and oxygen levels are so important and key to preventing flare ups. I wear an apple watch everyday to track vitals and it helps me tell when I need to amp up my preventative measures (AKA more salt and water usually).

So, there you have it, my fellow travelers with POTS. With the right gear and a whole lot of preparedness, you can conquer any corner of the globe. If you have any recommendations that work for you, I’m all ears! Remember, POTS doesn’t define you; it’s just a small part of your journey.

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