Latest news with #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Integrating modern medicine with ancient wisdom
There has always been a gulf, and perceived incompatibility, between modern medicine and integrative medicine. While modern medicine is focused largely on abnormalities and finding cures for them, integrative medicine is focused on the entire continuum of human healthcare engagement: prevention, maintenance and cure, or to put it more specifically in medical treatment terms, rejuvenation, restoration and rehabilitation. Ancient medical systems such as ayurveda, yoga, acupuncture and tai chi have great potential for the human body, brain and mind, as many research papers have revealed. It has been pointed out too, that we may be erroneous in calling these older systems complementary, as they not only preceded much of modern medicine as we know it but have stood the test of time. Integrative medicine sits well within the philosophy that healthcare must be pluralistic, inclusive and adopt complementary approaches that restore equilibrium (the healthy condition) in an individual. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, United States, emphasises that integrative medicine is a holistic approach to health and well-being, using a coordinated and conjoint but optimal use of allopathy and complementary medicines. Integrative medicine may be defined as a 'single-window' healthcare service that adopts an evidence-based blend of traditional and modern medicines, with optimal use as either a combination or as monotherapy. Here we present one client's healing journey from a plethora of long COVID symptoms, to a state of well-being, with an approach that combines the best of modern science and the wisdom of ancient medical traditions. Mr. S and his healing journey Mr. S, a 52-year-old businessman, consulted us, burdened as he was by a complex web of physical and psychological challenges. Following a COVID-19 infection two years ago, he had begun experiencing persistent cognitive lapses, fluctuating moods ranging from irritability to agitation, muscular stiffness, low back pain, and a host of gastrointestinal issues including bloating and acid reflux. Compounding these problems were fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and increased sensitivity to noise and light — symptoms that, taken together, seriously eroded his capacity to function both at work and at home. A comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation conducted by our team of a physician, a psychologist, a physical therapist, and an electrophysiologist uncovered several key findings. Although Mr. S's EEG and ECG were normal, precision tests revealed significant autonomic dysfunction detected as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS is diagnosed through a significant increase in heart rate on changing postures (usually 30 beats or more when one progresses from lying to standing) accompanied as well in some cases by a drop in blood pressure (systolic > 20 mmHG and diastolic > 10 mmHG) on standing up. Mr. S also suffered from marked anxiety, moderate depressive symptoms, and mild cognitive impairment. His score of 17 out of 30 on our comprehensive autonomic symptom checklist highlighted the extent of his dysautonomia. In light of these findings, the care team decided on an integrated treatment strategy, merging established modern medical practices with ancient healing wisdom to holistically address both his physical and psychological ailments. Central to his modern medical management was the judicious use of pharmacotherapy to stabilise autonomic imbalances, manage mood-related symptoms, and alleviate discomfort. The autonomic nervous system takes its origins in our limbic (emotional) brain, and the use of drugs that stabilise brain activity is, therefore, both logical and necessary. Augmenting this approach was a cutting-edge novel intervention Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS). Vagus nerve stimulation has long been studied for its role in modulating the balance between the body's sympathetic ('fight or flight') and parasympathetic ('rest and digest') systems. In taVNS, a small electrode stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve near the ear. These sessions, administered four times weekly for 20 minutes each, are designed to prompt a parasympathetic response, helping to calm hyperactive stress circuits in the body. Research increasingly indicates that taVNS can reduce heart rate variability issues, lower inflammation, and alleviate mental health symptoms — making it particularly relevant for managing complex dysautonomia. Neuromodulation of this kind 'paces' the nervous system, like the cardiac pacemaker. Mr. S's psychological care included 10 hours of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to mitigate severe anxiety and moderate depression including cognitive retraining exercises to help his neurocognitive symptoms. It is well known that neurocognitive dysfunction that is perceived but not detected in formal testing, also called subjective cognitive dysfunction, is a common outcome of depression and anxiety. Under the guidance of a clinical psychologist, he learned to identify distorted thought patterns, improve stress management skills, and adopt healthier coping strategies. Muscle relaxation techniques further supported this process, helping him gain mastery over the physiological manifestations of anxiety — such as muscle tension and shallow breathing. His practice of cognitive retraining also helped in his gaining confidence about his cognitive performance. Physical therapy formed another pivotal dimension of his treatment. Through manual therapy, electrotherapy, and graduated exercise regimens, Mr. S found relief from muscle spasms, built endurance, and improved both gait and coordination. Meanwhile, complementary approaches from naturopathy and ayurveda provided a well-rounded, integrative model of care. Treatments such as acupressure, reflexology, and abdominal mud packs helped stabilise his digestive system and offered a soothing counterpoint to the physical and psychological stresses he had been enduring. Shiroabhyangam—a gentle ayurvedic head massage with warm kshirabala oil — further enhanced relaxation, improved sleep initiation, and encouraged a sense of inner calm. A structured yoga regimen completed his mind-body therapeutic journey. Incorporating pranayama (breathing exercises), sukshma vyayama (gentle stretches), chanting, and yoga nidra (deep relaxation), the programme empowered Mr. S to calm his overactive sympathetic drive and strengthen his parasympathetic tone. In tandem with a balanced, gut-friendly dietary approach, his digestive issues were addressed by reducing acid reflux triggers, incorporating probiotics to support healthy gut flora, and adopting smaller, more frequent meals to alleviate bloating. After five weeks, Mr. S reported markedly reduced dizziness, numbness, and muscular pain; substantial improvement in mood and sleep; and greater overall resilience. With his autonomic dysfunction significantly mitigated, he returned to a more productive and satisfying daily routine, bolstered by sensible nutrition, regular exercise, and continued yoga practice. Integrative medicine & the McDonald's paradigm Comprehensive and integrated care, including but not restricted to yoga, tai chi, qigong, acupuncture and other mind-body practices, are recommended as add-on interventions in mainstream care and such an approach is rapidly gaining application globally for persons with chronic diseases. In a large study of people with chronic neuropsychiatric symptoms in the U.S., it was found that 43.8% of U.S. adults with at least one neuropsychiatric symptom, used at least one Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapy. The multiplicity of symptoms appeared to be an important predictor of integrative medicine being considered. Other important considerations were the duration and chronicity of the complaints and the recommendation of the conventional care provider to consider CAM. Twenty per cent of patients used CAM because standard treatments were either too expensive or ineffective, while 25% used CAM because it was recommended by a conventional health care provider. Adults with at least one neuropsychiatric symptom were more likely to disclose the use of CAM to a conventional healthcare provider (47.9%). Our experience with Mr. S, one of over 15,000 people with chronic disease that we have treated using integrative medical therapy, indicates that such an approach holds promise for individuals experiencing dysautonomia as part of long COVID, and indeed a plethora of other chronic symptoms and diseases, especially in our experience, those affecting the brain and mind. Emerging data globally indicates that post-viral syndromes can involve persistent autonomic disruptions — symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and orthostatic intolerance often linger, long after the acute infection has remitted. Combining modern techniques such as taVNS, targeted medications, and structured rehabilitation with holistic therapies — yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and evidence-based traditional remedies — can help recalibrate the autonomic nervous system and foster a meaningful recovery. Reviewing the available research data including discussions at expert forums such as the World Congress of Neurorehabilitation (Vancouver, Canada, May 2024), where Buddhi Clinic had the opportunity to present a full symposium on integrative approaches to neurorehabilitation, the consensus appears to be that integrative medicine is the need of the hour, in an ageing world burdened by chronic disease. Bringing complementary and alternative treatments into the mainstream and seamlessly integrating them with modern (allopathic) medicine and treatments is therefore not just desirable, but essential. Integrative medical practice is criticised in some quarters. These criticisms arise from safety concerns, lack of well-designed efficacy studies, limited knowledge about drug interactions, less robust regulatory controls over products, perceived bias against CAM in mainstream medical journals, and conflict between research and clinical practice. Research in complementary and alternative healthcare approaches has increased in recent years, and sufficient data that support the benefits of certain practices in some illnesses are being reported. In addition, work in the field of non-pharmacological care research for conditions like cancer points out that these practices have become 'essential and critical' in providing optimal care and support to elders with this condition. With the support for integrative medicine by the Government of India, the future growth of such research appears bright. In our experience, the service paradigm has to be based on a McDonald's model: combining prescription (the Mac meal) with choice (just fries or a burger as one deems fit). For conditions of health and mild impairment, the choice model may work well, as it encourages patient autonomy; but in conditions of disease, where restoration and rehabilitation are required, a prescription model drawn up by the healthcare team may work better. The core of integrative medicine lies in its unique ability to encourage patient choice and participation in care; to be complementary (combining the modern with the traditional, seamlessly); to support in acute conditions and take the lead in chronic conditions; to focus on symptoms rather than diagnosis; and to take a practical, problem-solving approach to health and wellness. Most importantly, perhaps, combining modern medicine with ancient wisdom, leverages the power of human touch and communication, both powerful tools in the journey to health and well-being. Thus, as Mr. S's journey reveals, the synergy of modern medicine and ancient wisdom offers great hope for individuals confronting chronic diseases including those dealing with the complex aftermath of viral illnesses such as Covid. A truly holistic path to restored health and well-being has been brought to life by bringing together healing traditions, both modern and ancient. (Dr. Ennapadam S Krishnamoorthy is founder and CEO, behavioural neurologist & neuropsychiatrist, Buddhi Clinic, Chennai. Dr. Rema Raghu is co-founder & chief clinical officer, Buddhi Clinic, Chennai.)
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Insider
Living on $3,400 a month: How one couple pays the bills while juggling medical debt and saving for gender-affirming surgery
Last year Alex Mixson and his wife Marley Britt were having a string of medical crises. She was unable to work because of an undiagnosed illness, and he had to have an appendectomy. "We couldn't afford Columbus anymore," Mixson said of the Ohio city where they lived. Multiple emergency medical visits drained their savings and racked up thousands of dollars in debt. Mixson, a trans man who's been transitioning for eight years, put off his top surgery to focus on saving money and helping his wife, who had been suffering from undiagnosed Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome — a condition that causes dizziness and lightheadedness that was making it difficult for her to work. "I'd rather take care of my wife than be comfortable in my skin," said Mixson, who is 26. The couple moved back to West Virginia, and both of them are employed, earning about $3,400 a month total. Mixson is building savings to have top surgery in the next few months. Britt and Mixson are part of a cohort of about 91 million Americans who cannot afford or don't have access to quality medical care. A study from the UCLA Williams Institute also found that while transgender people have high rates of enrollment in health insurance, 1 in 3 avoid seeking healthcare because of the cost. "It's a lot to struggle with, and it's hard," Mixon said, of his journey to afford surgery, "but it's so rewarding at the same time to just wake up and not feel so shitty about yourself." Finding community and fundraising for gender-affirming medical care Mixson works as a front desk receptionist, and his wife is a remote IT worker. Since spiraling into debt, the two have had to cut amenities like eating out and have chosen to prioritize rebuilding their emergency savings over paying back their medical bills. The two spend over half of their combined monthly paychecks on rent, transportation, utilities, and food, leaving them with about $100 a month to set aside for savings. "I haven't paid a medical bill. I just kind of let it sit on my credit," Mixson said. Britt was finally diagnosed with POTS this past month and is receiving proper treatment for it while working remotely. The newfound stability has allowed the pair to schedule Mixson's top surgery this summer. Mixson estimates that if insurance doesn't cover his top surgery, he'll be on the hook for another $10,000. He has saved some of that amount and started a GoFundMe to raise an additional $3,500. Mixson said it's been hard to fundraise from the small queer community in his hometown, as he said most are also struggling to make ends meet. Mixson has been posting to Reddit forums about his fundraiser in an attempt to reach a wider audience online and garner more support. As of March 31, he's only raised $980 toward his goal. He said that his close friends have been pivotal in helping him figure out things like insurance and extending cash in times of need, including $200 when he moved, so he and his wife could buy groceries. For Mixson, top surgery is a matter of safety in being able to pass as a cisgender man. Since starting testosterone, he said, few people recognize him from before his transition, but in the small city, word spreads quickly. There are moments when Mixson is afraid he'll be recognized. He's even more worried since the election, given that the Trump administration has pulled funding from institutions that work on DEI-related projects and purged inclusive language and mention of transgender people on federal websites, saying it promotes "woke" ideology. "I need to do what I need to do, keep my head down and come home," Mixson said. His wife has asked him to carry pepper spray in his car in case he is attacked. Research from the Williams Institute at UCLA in 2021 found that transgender individuals are four times as likely as their cisgender peers to be victims of violent crime. Despite the financial challenges, getting the surgery is important to Mixson. From a young age, he has struggled with body dysmorphia — feeling that his gender identity didn't match the gender he was assigned at birth. Mixson has been taking testosterone for five years and flattens the appearance of his chest using a compressive top, but that has also led to other kinds of discomfort. "I've been binding for years and it's at a point now that my back is almost always hurting," Mixson said, adding that his transition has brought positive changes to his mental health. "I am definitely more outgoing than I used to be. I feel stronger."
Miami Herald
11-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Managing PoTS: Tips for Living with the Chronic Illness Affecting Millions
Imagine standing up and your heart suddenly races as if you've sprinted a mile-except you haven't budged. For millions of Americans with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), this dizzying, exhausting reality is their daily norm. Though not fatal, PoTS profoundly disrupts everyday life, causing a spectrum of symptoms-dizziness, near‑fainting, brain fog, palpitations, fatigue, tremors, chest discomfort, headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal distress. Recent data suggest PoTS is on the rise. "PoTS can be triggered by SARS‑CoV‑2 infection as part of long COVID," said Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo. A 2025 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that nearly 80 percent of long‑COVID patients met the diagnostic criteria for PoTS. "Prior to the pandemic, at least 3 to 5 million people had PoTS, which has likely doubled after the pandemic," Blitshteyn told Newsweek. "We still don't know exactly how many Americans currently have PoTS, but it is estimated that millions more Americans are now suffering from this disease," added Dr. Brit Adler, a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University. PoTS is described as an abnormality in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, the system controlling breathing, gut function, heart rate, blood pressure and many other bodily functions. It can also be linked to problems like "low blood volume, vascular dysfunction, or other mechanisms," Adler said, adding that those with hypermobility syndromes like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often had the condition as well. PoTS comes as a result of the autonomic nervous system's "adjustment to being upright not functioning properly," Professor Lesley Kavi, the chairperson of the U.K.-based charity organization PoTS UK, told Newsweek. As many basic tasks in the day require postural changes and standing, a person with PoTS is constantly being put under strain as they navigate simple tasks. Symptoms tend to lessen when a patient is horizontal, but it can sometimes take a long time for symptoms to ease off once flared. Things like heat, prolonged standing, dehydration, stress, intensive exercise, viruses, infections, and menstruation can all worsen PoTS symptoms. Kavi said that major surgery, injuries such as concussion, and exposure to a traumatic event can trigger an onset of PoTS, but she added that there isn't enough data and research yet to be able to determine precisely what mechanisms are going wrong within the body. Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology at North Carolina's UNC Health, told Newsweek: "Many people may be born with a vulnerability, and then something in the environment - often an infection or injury - triggers the onset of symptoms. It's multifactorial, and the exact blend is different for everyone." Prevalence estimates range widely: the Cleveland Clinic cites 1–3 million U.S. cases, while Dysautonomia International reports 3–6 million. This variability stems largely from under-recognition-most clinicians seldom consider PoTS during evaluation, according to Spiritos. Women account for approximately 80 percent of cases in the U.S., according to Dysautonomia International, likely due to hormonal influences and autoimmune predisposition. "This is partly because the X chromosome carries many immune-related genes, and women have two copies, which can lead to more robust, but also more error-prone, immune responses," Spiritos said, "[And] we see anecdotal patterns where estrogen can worsen PoTS symptoms, while testosterone may be protective." Lesley Kavi from PoTS UK said that avoiding symptom triggers can be a good place to start for managing the condition, although this is very individual. For some, this could include avoiding prolonged standing, dehydrating things like the heat, alcohol, and caffeine, she added. Increasing fluid intake is essential, Kavi said, adding an adult with PoTS should aim to drink between two to three liters of water a day, or more if they exercise or are in a hot environment. In order to ensure the water stays in your system, increasing sodium intake is also important, Kavi said. Patients are advised to increase their sodium intake to as much as 10,000-12,000 mg per day, but each patient will respond best to a different amount. Compression clothing, particularly tights or leggings that cover the abdomen, are helpful in boosting blood circulation too, Kavi said. Typically medical grade compression is required of between 20 to 30 mmHg. "Exercise can be something that helps the most for some people, but the problem with exercise is that it can make others feel really terrible afterwards, even for a day or two," Kavi added. Starting "low and slow" is always the way to go, Kavi said, adding that it was important to get expert input. The best forms of exercise to start with are horizontal, she added, pointing to exercise bikes, Pilates, rowing machines, and swimming. Although, it is always best to get professional support, Blitshteyn said. "While there are no cures, there is treatment to help you improve and function better in your life." It is also important to remember "you're not alone and PoTS is a real, physiologic disorder," Adler said. "Many people go years without a diagnosis and are often told that their symptoms are from anxiety and it is in their head." Spiritos said it's a good idea to educate yourself, as "understanding the condition is empowering," and recommended listening to the POTScast and Bendy Bodies podcasts. "Ultimately, community and knowledge are power, and with the right tools, you can get better," he added. Related Articles What to Eat When You're Living With Long COVIDHow This Simple Routine Could Improve Immune Function Over TimeWoman Struggles With Dangerous Heart Condition-Then Dog Changes EverythingMillennial Woman With Stoma Who Refuses To Stop Wearing a Bikini Applauded 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
11-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Managing PoTS: Tips for Living with the Chronic Illness Affecting Millions
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Imagine standing up and your heart suddenly races as if you've sprinted a mile—except you haven't budged. For millions of Americans with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), this dizzying, exhausting reality is their daily norm. Though not fatal, PoTS profoundly disrupts everyday life, causing a spectrum of symptoms—dizziness, near‑fainting, brain fog, palpitations, fatigue, tremors, chest discomfort, headaches, nausea and gastrointestinal distress. Recent data suggest PoTS is on the rise. "PoTS can be triggered by SARS‑CoV‑2 infection as part of long COVID," said Dr. Svetlana Blitshteyn, professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo. A 2025 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that nearly 80 percent of long‑COVID patients met the diagnostic criteria for PoTS. "Prior to the pandemic, at least 3 to 5 million people had PoTS, which has likely doubled after the pandemic," Blitshteyn told Newsweek. "We still don't know exactly how many Americans currently have PoTS, but it is estimated that millions more Americans are now suffering from this disease," added Dr. Brit Adler, a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University. File photo: a doctor checks a patient's heart rate and blood pressure in a clinic. File photo: a doctor checks a patient's heart rate and blood pressure in a clinic. Klaus Rose/dpa via AP What Is PoTS? PoTS is described as an abnormality in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, the system controlling breathing, gut function, heart rate, blood pressure and many other bodily functions. It can also be linked to problems like "low blood volume, vascular dysfunction, or other mechanisms," Adler said, adding that those with hypermobility syndromes like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome often had the condition as well. PoTS comes as a result of the autonomic nervous system's "adjustment to being upright not functioning properly," Professor Lesley Kavi, the chairperson of the U.K.-based charity organization PoTS UK, told Newsweek. As many basic tasks in the day require postural changes and standing, a person with PoTS is constantly being put under strain as they navigate simple tasks. Symptoms tend to lessen when a patient is horizontal, but it can sometimes take a long time for symptoms to ease off once flared. Things like heat, prolonged standing, dehydration, stress, intensive exercise, viruses, infections, and menstruation can all worsen PoTS symptoms. Kavi said that major surgery, injuries such as concussion, and exposure to a traumatic event can trigger an onset of PoTS, but she added that there isn't enough data and research yet to be able to determine precisely what mechanisms are going wrong within the body. Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a specialist in gastroenterology and hepatology at North Carolina's UNC Health, told Newsweek: "Many people may be born with a vulnerability, and then something in the environment - often an infection or injury - triggers the onset of symptoms. It's multifactorial, and the exact blend is different for everyone." How Common Is PoTS? Prevalence estimates range widely: the Cleveland Clinic cites 1–3 million U.S. cases, while Dysautonomia International reports 3–6 million. This variability stems largely from under-recognition—most clinicians seldom consider PoTS during evaluation, according to Spiritos. Women account for approximately 80 percent of cases in the U.S., according to Dysautonomia International, likely due to hormonal influences and autoimmune predisposition. "This is partly because the X chromosome carries many immune-related genes, and women have two copies, which can lead to more robust, but also more error-prone, immune responses," Spiritos said, "[And] we see anecdotal patterns where estrogen can worsen PoTS symptoms, while testosterone may be protective." What The Experts Recommend For PoTS Patients Lesley Kavi from PoTS UK said that avoiding symptom triggers can be a good place to start for managing the condition, although this is very individual. For some, this could include avoiding prolonged standing, dehydrating things like the heat, alcohol, and caffeine, she added. Increasing fluid intake is essential, Kavi said, adding an adult with PoTS should aim to drink between two to three liters of water a day, or more if they exercise or are in a hot environment. In order to ensure the water stays in your system, increasing sodium intake is also important, Kavi said. Patients are advised to increase their sodium intake to as much as 10,000-12,000 mg per day, but each patient will respond best to a different amount. Compression clothing, particularly tights or leggings that cover the abdomen, are helpful in boosting blood circulation too, Kavi said. Typically medical grade compression is required of between 20 to 30 mmHg. "Exercise can be something that helps the most for some people, but the problem with exercise is that it can make others feel really terrible afterwards, even for a day or two," Kavi added. Starting "low and slow" is always the way to go, Kavi said, adding that it was important to get expert input. The best forms of exercise to start with are horizontal, she added, pointing to exercise bikes, Pilates, rowing machines, and swimming. Although, it is always best to get professional support, Blitshteyn said. "While there are no cures, there is treatment to help you improve and function better in your life." It is also important to remember "you're not alone and PoTS is a real, physiologic disorder," Adler said. "Many people go years without a diagnosis and are often told that their symptoms are from anxiety and it is in their head." Spiritos said it's a good idea to educate yourself, as "understanding the condition is empowering," and recommended listening to the POTScast and Bendy Bodies podcasts. "Ultimately, community and knowledge are power, and with the right tools, you can get better," he added.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
RHONY star Bethenny Frankel's daily workout routine at 54 is the ultimate anti-aging hack
For many, staying fit after 50 sounds like a battle with treadmills, strict diets, and endless supplements. But Bethenny Frankel, the straight-talking, no-nonsense star of The Real Housewives of New York City, is here to show that wellness doesn't need to be complicated—or expensive. In a recent interview with Women's Health, the 54-year-old entrepreneur and Skinnygirl mogul opened up about her no-frills health routine that prioritizes sleep, walking, hydration, and listening to her body—especially as she manages a chronic condition known as POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Let's break it all down—and explore why her methods may be just what your 50s and beyond need. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Jakarta Raya: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo 1. Sleep: Her non-negotiable health habit 'Sleep is a big character in my life,' Bethenny says, admitting that she's 'militant' about getting good quality rest. To create a dark, distraction-free environment, she uses an eye mask to block out light and a night guard to prevent nighttime teeth grinding (a common stress response). And science is firmly on her side. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults over 50 should aim for 7–9 hours of sleep a night to support cognitive health, metabolism, and immune function. A lack of deep, restorative sleep has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, depression, and type 2 diabetes—all of which are more common with age. Her dedication to sleep is a reminder that you can't out-exercise a poor night's rest. It's foundational—like charging your phone. No battery, no function. 2. Walking: Her go-to fitness routine Unlike many celebrities who live in the gym or have personal trainers on call, Bethenny swears by walking 10,000 steps a day—preferably outside in nature. 'I walk. That's it. I tried weights once—it didn't stick,' she laughs in the interview. Yoga? Occasionally. But walking is her non-negotiable. And it turns out, she's onto something. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that adults who walked at least 8,000 steps per day had a 51% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who walked 4,000 steps or fewer. Walking after 50 is especially beneficial. It helps improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce risk of osteoporosis, boost mental health and reduce anxiety and depression and enhance cognitive function, lowering dementia risk. Not to mention, walking is low-impact, requires no special equipment, and offers the therapeutic benefits of time spent outdoors—sunshine, fresh air, and a break from screens. She also mentions that she sleeps better after hitting her step goal—a truth echoed by studies linking daily movement with improved sleep quality. 3. Managing POTS with lifestyle tweaks Bethenny has also opened up about living with POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a lesser-known but often debilitating condition that affects blood circulation and causes symptoms like rapid heart rate, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog when moving from sitting or lying to standing. It's a form of dysautonomia, meaning it involves the part of the nervous system that regulates automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure. POTS is more common in women (particularly aged 15–50) and is often triggered or worsened by dehydration, heat, or stress. For Bethenny, staying on top of her hydration is key. 'I put hydration packets in my water,' she shared. 'There are several different types of water flavor stories that I have going on—some are relaxing, some are hydrating, some are digestive.' These aren't just for taste. Hydration packets often contain electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which help retain fluids and regulate blood pressure—crucial for someone with POTS. Increasing salt intake (under medical supervision) is actually a first-line recommendation for managing POTS symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Frankel's 'hydration station' approach—rotating between calming, digestive, and hydrating mixes—keeps things interesting while serving a functional health purpose. It also serves as a good reminder that hydration isn't just about drinking more water; it's about replenishing what your body loses, especially when it's struggling to regulate itself. Why her routine works—And what we can learn What makes Bethenny's approach inspiring isn't just that it works for her, it's that it's realistic and relatable. She's not pretending to be a fitness guru or showing off elaborate green smoothies made from rare Amazonian berries. Instead, she's prioritizing the basics like sleep, movement, hydration! And these habits are sustainable—whether you're 24 or 64. In a world filled with ever-changing diets, intense gym routines, and the pressure to "bounce back," Bethenny Frankel's minimalist approach to health is like a breath of fresh air. It's consistent. It's doable. And it's proof that aging gracefully doesn't mean slowing down it means listening more closely to your body and giving it what it truly needs. No equipment chest, triceps & abs routine! Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
