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I have a 15-year-old patient with dysautonomia. I never know how to say that. Dysautonomia. That’s a tongue twister. I put her on an AIP protocol, but her nausea is so bad she has severe food aversions to some of the most nutrient-dense foods like bone broth. Can’t drink ginger teas, can’t really execute the protocol, so I recommended just focusing on avoiding the added sugars, processed oils, and flours. Unfortunately, she’s gravitating towards saltines and those types of foods, because they help with the nausea. She hasn’t been able to do her test yet and my concern is her not being able to even tolerate supplemental protocols to assist any underlying issues she has. I know dysautonomia has been associated with a series of other infections. I’m thinking of referring her out to someone that’s experienced with those types of chronic illnesses. In general, what would you do in those types of situations?

I have a 15-year-old patient with dysautonomia. I never know how to say that. Dysautonomia. That’s a tongue twister. I put her on an AIP protocol, but her nausea is so bad she has severe food aversions to some of the most nutrient-dense foods like bone broth. Can’t drink ginger teas, can’t really execute the protocol, so I recommended just focusing on avoiding the added sugars, processed oils, and flours. Unfortunately, she’s gravitating towards saltines and those types of foods, because they help with the nausea. She hasn’t been able to do her test yet and my concern is her not being able to even tolerate supplemental protocols to assist any underlying issues she has. I know dysautonomia has been associated with a series of other infections. I’m thinking of referring her out to someone that’s experienced with those types of chronic illnesses. In general, what would you do in those types of situations?

Chris Kresser: I would definitely work them up for CIRS and chronic infection. And if you don’t have experience there, I might consider referring out in this situation. But also I would consider CBD oil, which can be really helpful for nausea and even medical marijuana if she lives in a state where that’s legal. THC is, I think, somewhat more effective for nausea than CBD on its own or at least a ratio of THC to CBD like four to one or something like that. So that’s something that you might be able to do just now while you’re helping her with some of this other stuff. Or if she, even if you refer her out for those other things, that’s something that you may be able to help her with if you’re inclined in that direction.

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