Vasovagal Syncope
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Natural Remedies for Vasovagal Syncope Management

| Modified on Jan 26, 2024
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Salt Water

Vasovagal Syncope, commonly known as fainting, occurs when the body overreacts to certain triggers, such as stress or pain, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This condition can be alarming, but natural remedies can help manage its symptoms and prevent occurrences.

Effective Natural Approaches to Vasovagal Syncope

Increased Salt and Water Intake

Increasing salt and water intake is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage Vasovagal Syncope. This helps maintain blood volume and pressure, reducing the likelihood of fainting. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right amount of salt intake for your specific health needs.

Regular Physical Activity

Regular, moderate physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves blood circulation. Exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can be particularly beneficial in preventing the onset of syncope episodes.

Adequate Sleep and Stress Management

Stress and fatigue are common triggers for Vasovagal Syncope. Ensuring adequate sleep and practicing stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help reduce the frequency of fainting episodes.

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs like ginger and ginkgo biloba are known for their circulatory benefits. These herbs can help improve blood flow and stabilize blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of Vasovagal Syncope.

Compression Stockings

Wearing compression stockings can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, maintaining steady blood flow and pressure. This can be particularly helpful for those who experience Vasovagal Syncope when standing for long periods.

Ensuring Proper Clothing Fit to Prevent Vasovagal Syncope

Avoiding Tight Clothing

An often overlooked but crucial aspect in managing Vasovagal Syncope is the fit of your clothing. Tight clothing, especially around the waist and chest, can restrict blood flow and breathing, potentially triggering a fainting episode. It's important to wear comfortable clothes that do not constrict your body.

Key Points to Consider:

  1. Loose-Fitting Attire: Opt for garments that allow easy movement and do not compress any body part too tightly. This ensures better blood circulation and reduces the risk of triggering Vasovagal Syncope.
  2. Breathable Fabrics: Choose materials that allow your skin to breathe. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and bamboo are ideal as they prevent overheating and maintain good air circulation around the body.
  3. Comfortable Undergarments: Ensure that undergarments, particularly bras and waistbands, are not too tight. These can significantly restrict blood flow and breathing if they are overly constrictive.
  4. Adjustable Clothing: Clothing with adjustable features like elastic waistbands or adjustable straps can be very helpful. They allow you to loosen your clothing if you feel uncomfortable or symptomatic.

By paying attention to the fit and comfort of your clothing, you can take a simple yet effective step in preventing Vasovagal Syncope episodes.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Avoiding Triggers in Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in managing Vasovagal Syncope. Certain foods and beverages can aggravate symptoms or increase the likelihood of fainting episodes. Being mindful of what to avoid can help in effectively managing this condition.

Key Dietary Triggers to Avoid:

  1. Alcohol: Alcohol can lead to dehydration and lower blood pressure, both of which are risk factors for Vasovagal Syncope. It is advisable to limit or avoid alcoholic beverages.
  2. Caffeine: While moderate caffeine intake might be okay for some, excessive caffeine can lead to dehydration and palpitations, potentially triggering syncope. Monitor your response to caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
  3. High Sugar Foods: Foods high in sugar can cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which might trigger fainting spells. Opt for a balanced diet with low glycemic index foods.
  4. Large Meals: Eating large meals can redirect blood flow to the digestive system and away from the brain, increasing the risk of fainting. It's better to eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Conclusion

Vasovagal Syncope, while distressing, can often be managed effectively with natural remedies. Incorporating increased salt and water intake, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, herbal remedies, and compression stockings into your lifestyle can help in reducing the frequency and severity of fainting episodes. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before implementing any new health regimen, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. By adopting these natural strategies, individuals can lead a more stable and worry-free life, even with Vasovagal Syncope.

Continue reading below to learn which natural remedies helped Earth Clinic readers prevent fainting and please let us know what helped you!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Cider Vinegar

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Posted by Sarah (Chapel Hill, Nc) on 01/05/2010
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I was admitted into the hospital in Oct. for excessive bleeding after fainting in the shower. I found this website the following week. I began drinking a shot-glass of apple cidar vinegar daily immediately. I also ordered the blackstrap molasses tablets, which I've been taking daily for 2 months. So I would say I started seeing positive results during my Nov. and Dec. menstral cycles. I just received my shipment of ACV tablets. Good Luck!

B12

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Posted by Masii (Richmond, London) on 08/03/2013
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Hi everyone, for 2 years, I suffered from light headedness and giddiness and once I fainted so badly.... So after many tests and MRI and sending me to all sorts of tests by Doctors and specialists, they found that I was deficient in B vitamins especially B12, and so when my doctor saw the results of my blood test, he immediately gave me a B12 injection and I had to go every wk and then every 2 wks and eventually less and less... But as soon as he gave me the B12 Injection, I was alive again, and for the last 2 years before that I could hardly walk to town as I was very giddy, by the way I am vegetarian, but apparently many meat eaters are also defficient in B vitamins especially B12..... so now I just buy the B12 drops or B12 Sprays and I am so happy, make sure you buy a good quality product, by going to a local health shop.

I wish all of you the best of health and thanks to our Earth Clinic family around the world,

Much love to everyone xxx

Replied by Gcsmitty
(Danville, Il)
03/26/2016

I've had vascovagal syncope for about five years now. It has gotten worse and more unpredictable. When I first started, I would have 4-6 episodes two days before the full moon. Now I usually have a couple days with several episodes about 2 weeks apart. (Has anybody had more when close to the ocean?)

I always feel them coming on and abort them, but also avoid activities that would make that difficult. Things like riding a bike, sitting where I could not get down, and driving. I even sold my jet ski because of the fear of having one while on it.

I try not to let it interfere with daily living. I even have them at night sometimes. It will wake me up, I turn around and get my feet on the headboard, and then turn back around and go to sleep. I've had to get down in the grocery store, at church, and multiple other places. I just explain to those around me that I am OK. I am only down for a couple minutes, and go back to what I was doing. After I've had 4 or 5, I do feel tired.

I am 64 years old. I would be especially interested in others near my age. It seems like most of the posts are much younger.

Replied by Br549
(Maine)
09/13/2016

I would ask a few questions up front; weight, your daily water intake vs total fluid intake, and then your caffeine intake.

Then, are you on any meds, and what is your diet like? Do you have any digestive issues?

I'll explain more later, depending on your answers.

Compression Socks

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Posted by SAM (Miami) on 07/30/2019
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Below are remedies if you have Low BP, BP drop upon standing. It would also help if you have POTS, but Low BP and BP drop upon standing are NOT symptoms of POTS. Licorice (Not DGL) would raise your BP if it is low. Not for long term (LT) usage.

Invest in legs compression sleeves that pump your blood upward. It could take up to 6 months for new blood vessels to grow which in turn would improve blood circulation. V-8 drinks are good to expand blood volume. There is no single remedy.

Finding the cause is important. From a Chinese medicine perspective, hypotension is a so-called deficiency pattern. The two key organs in the disease mechanism are the spleen and the kidneys. If the spleen is weak and empty, it is unable to transport ‘clear yang' upwards. As a result, too little Qi and Blood is produced. The kidney is the root of the spleen. Thus, a weak spleen will eventually also exhaust the kidneys. Herbal therapy and acupuncture helps support the spleen, stimulating the production and flow of Qi and Blood. Consult experienced TCM practitioner.

Electrolyte Drinks

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Posted by Terry (Nsw) on 06/17/2016
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I too suffer from syncope. I have learned not to get up from lying too quickly. Roll to the side, feet on the ground then sit for about 10 seconds. Last time I had some fainting spells I drank some electrolyte drink and it really helped. So the key is to find your triggers and try to eliminate them. Hope this helps others.

Electrolyte Drinks
Posted by Vasalguy (Dallas, Tx) on 01/17/2013
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I suffer from Vasovagal Syncope. It gets the worst when I drink excessive coffee. I've learned that I'm at risk of fainting if I have feelings of extreme light headness when standing. Some people say it's normal, if you stand up quickly which is true. However after one instance of having it and getting out of the hospital where they added two saline water fluid packs via IV drip in my blood to add water/fluids, I was able to get up quickly and move around and felt 100% great.

When they pulled blood, they said my blood was surprisingly thick. They struggled pulling blood, which I think is the ultimate problem with blood not flowing properly to the brain. Not enough fluids. The first thing to consider if you end up in the emergency room or in an ambulence is ask them to add fluids because you think it might be related to dehydration. I had them add it in the ambulence once. Your blood pressure will continue to drop and you may even feel a little cold as they add fluids but you will feel 100% better afterwards.

It is imperative that you cut out all diuretics including coffee. This has been the hardest thing for me because I am so addicted to it. I drink 3-5 cups a day sometimes. It's possible this is contributing to exaustion of the adrenal glands as well that leads to stress and not enough rest to increase the risk of it occuring.

What I have realized is that drinking water is not enough. I in the past have been a big drinker of lots of water and it helps to a point, but I've learned that the water just goes straight through you and sometimes isn't absorbed. Water in nature has electrolytes to improve its absorption. I read in parts of the world where drought is common, there have been kids dying of thirst and in would come the city water trucks and they'd take two handfuls of sugar and a pinch of salt and add it to the water and give it to the kids and they'd be up and running around within 24 hours. Without those, it did not help them.

I later learned that Gatorade was actually made after the Florida gators football team was having problems with people fainting during practice in the humid 90 degree heat. They were given water but they still fainted. Gatorade formulated it's original drink based off that and it got rid of the problem for them. I always thought the excessive sugar in the drink was bad, but in extreme dehydration states, it's actually very important.

After getting out the hospital, I continued drinking ____ [electrolyte drink] and whenever I feel syncope coming on related to dehydration from excessive coffee, I find even just one will severely help. Early signs of it for me include extreme shivers. I'll get out of the restroom from going #2 and have the shivers because when you use the restroom, your intestines pull all your fluids and flush them out.

I had a severe syncope once when I was on enemas for constipation. That's when I realized it was definitely related to dehydration. After drinking 3 g____s a day for a few days, the constipation completely went away and so did the syncope.

Drink water and gatorade, the full sugar one, salt sugar increases absorption, proven in countries with drought. Likely an electrolyte imbalance... Blood flows on water... I had 2 saline water bags added in me in the emergency room.. Felt instantly better for months. It's a problem with not retaining enough fluids. Water alone is not enough during extreme cases. May be triggered by heartburn too, although some doctors think heartburn is dehydration related as well because your stomach draws fluids into your stomach to mix with your stomach fluids to digest. Another reason why you may feel more lightheaded after eating a big meal if you suffer from syncope.

Don't overfill your stomach. The natural instinct is to down as much gatorade and water as possible quickly. Drink it slowly and get a feel for your stomach so you are never near 100%. Just pour a little in at a time.

I find that water with a tablespoon of apple cidar vinegar helps because it can cause you to burp and reduce gas pressure that might be preventing you from relaxing or drinking more fluids properly. Water and lemon also can help. In severe gas situations, I'd drink water with some apple cidar vinegar and take 500mg of magnesium. I bring this up, because heartburn/coughing can trigger it and I've learned that heartburn can be tied to gas putting pressure to push it back up and you cough and syncope.

Ideally you could get more electrolytes by eating more fruits and vegetables to absorb more fluids from natural foods.

If you ever feel light headed at all, sit down immediately. You can save yourself a trip to the emergency room or a concussion by doing this.

I hope this helps others out there suffering from it.

Replied by Eileen
(Cornelius, Nc)
10/02/2015

Thanks for the good word re: electrolytes, apple cider vinegar ("ACV") and magnesium! I will try this! Blessings to you and yours, Eileen

Replied by Chanel
(Chino, Ca)
03/06/2017

Thank you this was very helpful!!

Replied by Kelly
(California)
11/03/2017

This was seriously so helpful. Thank you so much.

Electrolytes

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Posted by Link9891 (Latrobe, Pa, United States) on 07/26/2012
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A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a condition called vasovagal syncope. To describe this condition as simply as I can (since most people have never heard of it), this condition causes episodes where you will pass out if not handled properly. Bascially, your body reacts to some kind of trigger which is unique to each person. Some have specific things such as needles, blood or other visual stimuli, others can be caused by stress, a rapid change in position/elevation, other stimuli, or (what I am "lucky" to have) no actual known trigger, so thus it happens pretty much whenever it wants. I noticed that this site doesn't have anything listed for this particular condition despite it being a surprisingly common condition. So I figured I would submit a few remedies I have found thanks to my doctor.

Sports Drinks
How "natural" this particular remedy is can be debatable, but it certainly helps. From what my doctor tried to explain, the ingredients in sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, or other sports drinks (organic products included), particularly high amounts of electrolytes, can help to try and prevent an episode from taking place. His recommendation was to drink at least 1 bottle (or 8 oz glass if you use a mix) a day and it does seem to help hold them off. Of course, it isn't fail-proof as there is no real way to completely prevent episodes from happening, but it will at least lower the chances of one happening.

Laying Down with Feet Elevated
This one isn't preventative, but more of "I'm having an episode and I would like to not pass out" and is the best possible treatment to do so. To understand how this particular remedy works, you need to have a better understanding of what this condition does to your body. After the event has been triggered, your heart slows down and your blood pressure drops. Because of this, blood stops being able to reach the brain. In order to get blood back to the brain, your head needs to be in a position in which blood can flow back to it. So, the only way your body knows how to make this happen is to make you pass out and fall to the ground, making your head level with your heart. As I'm sure you have already figured out, this isn't exactly safe and can lead to further problems (I've gotten a concussion or two from fainting during an episode - it's not fun in the least). In order to stop your body from getting to the point of fainting, the single best thing you can do is lie down and elevate your feet on some cushions, a chair, or anything else you can get to. This will naturally allow the blood to flow back into the brain and keep you conscious. At absolute minimum, this will ensure that if you do happen to black out, you're already on the ground and thus won't fall and hurt yourself.

I hope that both of these remedies may help someone else who suffers from vasovagal syncope to find some relief and potentially make episodes much less frequent and much safer.

Replied by Ben
(San Diego)
11/16/2012

WARNING!

I would be careful with the sports drink remedy. My girlfriend had her first syncopy episode brought on by only hydrating with gatorade. The elecrolytes they speak of include large amounts of potasium. In her case the vasovagal syncopy was triggered by hyperkalemia(high potasium). And it also caused an extended Q wave in her heart rythmn. She was in the hospital for a night and had to endure alot of poking, prodding, and test to find out what caused the fainting. It's scary to see someone you love in a hospital bed. So just be wary to not over do it with the sports drinks.

Replied by Nish
(Quebec)
03/08/2016

Thank you for this post. I passed out a few times at a low frequency and never really figured it out until recently when the doctor came up with this disgnosis. I was distressed at the fact that she didn't propose a remedy but your post made me feel better. Thank you.

Sea Salt, Adrenal Tonic

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Posted by Donna (Tampa Bay FL) on 01/26/2024
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Vasovagal syncope

I have suffered from this since 2019. Mine usually comes on after a meal. The first time I fainted from this, I was in a restaurant and Emergency services were called. My BP was 60/30. I had to go to ER where they gave me a saline drip, which made me better. I have had it on several occasions since then. I have found that using sea salt (I use Celtic sea salt) as well as a formula from Standard Process called Adrenal Tonic helps me. This contains rehmannia root, ashwaganda root, echinacea root, and licorice root. This is the only thing that will bring me out of a faint, back to feeling normal. I carry it with me always. Also, I found this by Dr Jamie Koufman.....https://jamiekoufman.com/the-vagus-nerve-part-i-what-does-it-do-and-what-happens-when-it-goes-bad/ It can be related to acid reflux and may be triggered by a virus which causes paresis of a part of the nerve. Hope this helps anyone suffering from this. It certainly is no fun having this.


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