Condition
Autonomic Dysfunction
Autonomic dysfunction, or dysautonomia, is a problem with the nervous system that controls automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure, often bringing lightheadedness on standing. Sodium and electrolytes have the strongest evidence, rated moderate, since extra sodium expands blood volume. Matured hop extract raised heart rate variability in one small trial of 34 healthy older adults, but that evidence is very limited and may not apply to people with dysautonomia.
Sources: PMID 32474473
- Supplements studied
- 3
- Graded outcomes
- 1
- Trials
- 2
- People studied
- 43
Evidence by supplement
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autonomic Nervous System Function A randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=34) found a single dose of MHBA significantly increased high-frequency heart rate variability (HF power, p=0.033) and total power (p=0.025) during cognitive tasks compared to placebo, suggesting enhanced parasympathetic (vagal) tone. This is consistent with the proposed vagus nerve activation mechanism identified in animal studies. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | 34 people | ||
Studies that measured autonomic nervous system function | ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain | Improves (the measure goes down) | 3 studies | 12 people | |||
Studies that measured pain
| ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms | Changes; see studies | 1 study | 31 people | |||
Studies that measured orthostatic hypotension symptoms | ||||||
Key findings
- Autonomic Nervous System FunctionImproves (the measure goes up)
The Autonomic Dysfunction/Dysautonomia Support protocol
2 primary supplements · 6 supporting supplements
- Sodium/ElectrolytesIncrease dietary sodium to 3–5 g daily (with increased fluids 2–3 L); electrolyte drinks
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)100–300 mg daily (sometimes higher in specific deficiency states)
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Autonomic Dysfunction. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
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Studies cited
5 studies from PubMed
- Supplementation with Matured Hop Bitter Acids Improves Cognitive Performance and Mood State in Healthy Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline
- Comparative efficacy of yohimbine against pyridostigmine for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension in autonomic failure
- A preliminary controlled study to determine whether whole-plant cannabis extracts can improve intractable neurogenic symptoms
- Short-Term Efficacy of CBD-Enriched Hemp Oil in Girls with Dysautonomic Syndrome after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination
- Chronic Pain Treatment With Cannabidiol in Kidney Transplant Patients in Uruguay