The Sporkful A Salty Medical Mystery
Nov 18, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Abigail Keel, an audio producer and reporter, shares her personal journey through a baffling medical mystery involving debilitating vertigo and a strict low-sodium diet. She reflects on the unexpected challenges such a dietary change brought to her relationship with food and mental health. Abigail’s story highlights the importance of balance in nutrition, emphasizing the joy of eating and the emotional struggles tied to dietary restrictions, ultimately leading her to seek a more enjoyable approach to food.
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Abigail's Food Journey
- Abigail Keel was a picky eater as a child, but her culinary interests expanded in high school and college.
- As an adult, she became a food enthusiast, enjoying cooking shows, following chefs, and hosting dinner parties.
Vertigo and Diagnosis
- Abigail experienced sudden vertigo attacks, accompanied by headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
- After medical tests, she was diagnosed with Meniere's disease, an inner ear disorder.
Initial Approach to Low-Sodium
- Abigail's doctor recommended a low-sodium diet, under 1500mg daily, to manage Meniere's.
- Initially, she cut out salty snacks and fast food but didn't strictly track sodium intake.