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Diet

  • Eat frequent small meals instead of 3 meals per day (causes less blood flow and pooling in abdomen during digestion).

  • Increase fluid intake to at least 64 ounces a day including water, electrolyte sports drinks, V8/ tomato juice, coconut water, etc...  Recommend not leaving home without a water bottle.

  • Increase salt (sodium) intake to 3-10 grams per day.  Eat or drink high sodium products and/or take salt tabs (i.e. Saltstick).

  • Avoid any possible dietary triggers that worsen symptoms.  Common ones include gluten, dairy, and processed carbohydrates.

  • Avoid alcohol as it causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and dehydration.

  • Monitor caffeine intake.  Some patients find it helps due to it's stimulative effects, others report worsening of symptoms.