October is Dysautonomia Awareness Month.
So what is dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia refers to a disorder in or with the autonomic nervous system. This is responsible for things like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, kidney function, temperature control and more, basically all the bodily functions that occur without having to consciously things about it and it affects every part of the body.
"People living with various forms of dysautonomia have trouble regulating these systems, which can result in lightheadedness, fainting, unstable blood pressure, and abnormal heart rates.
Dysautonomia is not rare. Over 70 million people worldwide live with various forms of dysautonomia. People of any age, gender or race can be impacted. There is no cure for any form of dysautonomia at this time but there is research bing done."
There are several illnesses that are caused by dysautonomia. I don't have any particular dysautonomia disorder but I am affected by dysautonomia due to my M.E. and HSD. I have a low blood pressure and faulty heart rate which leads to dizziness, light headedness and fainting. I also struggle with temperature control, especially feeling cold all the time and finding it difficult to warm up and my digestive system is slowed down too.
Although there is no cure there are things that can be done to help manage my dysautonomia I take electrolyte supplements, and I've had to get over my dislike of salt and increase my salt intake and eat smaller meals. The idea behind smaller meals is that the you have a big meal all the blood goes to the digestive system leaving less blood for the rest of the body causing symptoms like dizziness and light headedness. Changing my posture too like when I lie down can also help.
