78: Is It Anxiety—or Dysautonomia? – The Hidden Nervous System Disorder Behind Fatigue and Brain Fog with Dr. Aaron Hartman

Could your chronic fatigue, anxiety, or dizziness actually be signs of an underlying autonomic imbalance like POTS?

In this episode, the host unpacks the complex world of dysautonomia and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)—conditions that arise when the autonomic nervous system (ANS) stops functioning properly. Affecting heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and even emotional regulation, dysautonomia can lead to a wide range of symptoms that are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

The discussion explains the five key components of the autonomic nervous system, explores diagnostic methods, and reveals how these conditions often overlap with other chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders. Treatment strategies—from nutrition and hydration to emerging therapies—are also reviewed, emphasizing a functional and individualized approach to care.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences with chronic fatigue, anxiety, or cardiovascular symptoms as possible signs of autonomic imbalance. The next episode in the series will focus on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), continuing the deep dive into interconnected “mystery illnesses.”

Show Highlights

• What dysautonomia and POTS are, and how they affect the body’s regulatory systems.
• The five main components of the autonomic nervous system.
• Why dysautonomia is frequently misdiagnosed or mistaken for anxiety.
• The overlap between POTS, Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue.
• Key diagnostic tools and functional testing options.
• Nutritional and lifestyle strategies to support autonomic balance.
• Emerging therapies that address the root causes of dysautonomia.
• How functional medicine views dysautonomia as a whole-body issue.
• A preview of next week’s topic: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How the autonomic nervous system regulates vital functions and how dysregulation leads to widespread symptoms.
• The role of hydration, salt intake, and balanced nutrition in managing POTS.
• The impact of stress, infections, and inflammation on autonomic function.
• Steps to identify and address underlying causes through functional medicine.
• Why early recognition and personalized care can improve long-term outcomes.

Resources & Links

Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com

YouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: @AaronHartmanMD