Protocol · Neurological Health
Autonomic Dysfunction/Dysautonomia Support Protocol
Sodium/Electrolytes and Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) are the core of this stack, with 6 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Autonomic Dysfunction/Dysautonomia Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
8 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Sodium/Electrolytes | Amount listed: Increase dietary sodium to 3–5 g daily (with increased fluids 2–3 L); electrolyte drinks | Increased sodium and fluid intake expand blood volume, reducing orthostatic symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | Amount listed: 100–300 mg daily (sometimes higher in specific deficiency states) | Autonomic nervous system support; deficiency can cause autonomic dysfunction | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 100–300 mg daily | Supports mitochondrial function; may help with fatigue and autonomic regulation | Not graded yet | ||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily | Supports nerve and muscle function; may help with symptoms like palpitations and muscle cramps | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin B12 | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 mcg daily (methylcobalamin form) | Essential for nerve health; deficiency can cause autonomic neuropathy | Not graded yet | ||
| Iron | Amount listed: Only if deficient - ferritin target >50 ng/mL | Iron deficiency common in POTS patients; may worsen orthostatic symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid | Amount listed: 600 mg daily | Antioxidant with nerve-protective effects; studied in diabetic autonomic neuropathy | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily | May support autonomic balance and reduce inflammation affecting nervous system | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Autonomic Dysfunction/Dysautonomia. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia) refers to problems with the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature regulation, and sweating. Common forms include POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), orthostatic hypotension, neurocardiogenic syncope, and small fiber neuropathy. Symptoms can include lightheadedness, rapid heart rate on standing, fatigue, brain fog, digestive problems, and exercise intolerance. Causes include autoimmune conditions, viral infections (including post-COVID), diabetes, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and sometimes unknown.
CRITICAL: Autonomic dysfunction requires proper medical evaluation to identify underlying causes and rule out serious conditions. Treatment depends on the specific type and cause. Medications like fludrocortisone, midodrine, beta-blockers, or ivabradine may be needed. Physical therapy and exercise programs designed for dysautonomia are important. These supplements and lifestyle measures support management but don't replace medical treatment. Work with a cardiologist, neurologist, or autonomic specialist.
Sodium/Electrolytes and Fluid Expansion* are first-line non-pharmacological treatments for orthostatic intolerance. Increasing sodium (often 3-5g daily) along with increased fluids (2-3 liters) helps expand blood volume, reducing symptoms when standing.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)* is essential for autonomic nervous system function. Deficiency can cause autonomic dysfunction, and high-dose thiamine has shown benefit in some dysautonomia patients.
Coenzyme Q10* supports mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to some cases of dysautonomia, and CoQ10 may help with the significant fatigue common in these conditions.
Magnesium* supports nerve and muscle function and may help with symptoms like palpitations and muscle cramps common in dysautonomia.
Vitamin B12* is essential for nerve health. Deficiency causes autonomic neuropathy and should be corrected.
Iron* deficiency is surprisingly common in POTS patients and can worsen orthostatic symptoms. Correcting iron deficiency (targeting ferritin >50 ng/mL) may improve symptoms.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid* has been studied for diabetic autonomic neuropathy with positive results. It may have broader nerve-protective effects.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* may support autonomic balance and reduce neuroinflammation.
Expected timeline: Salt and fluid loading: benefits within days to weeks. Nutrient repletion (B12, iron if deficient): 1-3 months. Other supplements: 4-8 weeks to assess benefit. Dysautonomia management is often long-term.