Why I Went Low Sodium
When I was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 2002, I was told that I had maybe 5 years left to live. It wasn’t an acceptable answer. I was newly married (In 2000), we had just moved into our first home (2001) and we were expecting our first child four months from my diagnosis. I had grown up playing sports, soccer and football, and had learned over and over, that the best offense is a good defense. That would include going low sodium.
My Body Was In Poor Shape
Every aspect of my life needed to be looked into to find out how I could defend against my heart becoming worse, and if necessary, to qualify for a transplant and protect the new heart I would one day need. Snoring at night was reason enough to get a sleep test done and to get a bi-pap machine to prevent damage to my heart from lack of oxygen at night. Stress at work promoted a career change to seek a more stress-free work environment (something I am not sure I have achieved yet 😉 ). Then there was a question of diet and weight.
I was big. Too big. I was a 275 lb. Defensive Tackle in High School. In the 15 years of not playing my large frame had grown to 378 lbs at my worst. It was NOT muscle mass like I had in High School either. My diet was such that I was truly surprised that I didn’t have any other health issues like clogged arteries, diabetes, or a heart attack.
No Diet – A Lifestyle Change
I grew up in a family that showed, buried, and dealt with emotions through food or alcohol. I hated the concept of dieting. To go “on” a diet meant that I would eventually come “off” it. I didn’t do real well with the denial aspect of diets either. If I were to make a healthy change to protect my heart, I needed to make a lifestyle change. I found ways to make my favorite dishes and recipes salt free or as low sodium as possible. I would have to hack the salt from what I was eating. This is why I went Low Sodium. This blog is a result of what I have learned over the years. I am here to hopefully aid and inspire you on your own journey.
Cheers!
Christopher