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Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

By: Dr. Madison Oak PT DPT
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Vestibular Physical Therapist, and the founder of The Vertigo DoctorDr. Madison Oak, PT, DPT Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 146. The Importance of Nutrition in Vestibular Disorders

    146. The Importance of Nutrition in Vestibular Disorders
    Jun 30 2026
    I recently got a certificate in functional nutrition and I have thoughts. Starting with the fact that staying hydrated and fueling your body with nutrients will be—not can be, will be—a game-changer for your vestibular disorder. In this episode, I’m breaking down something that comes up over and over again in Vestibular Group Fit: how much what you eat (and drink!) actually matters when you have a vestibular disorder. This isn’t about going on a perfect diet or never eating processed foods again. It’s about understanding how blood sugar regulation, hydration, inflammation, gut health, and hormones are all connected to your dizziness. And what small, manageable steps you can take to start feeling better. In this episode, we’ll dig into: Why diet & hydration are foundational basics for managing a vestibular disorderHow blood sugar crashes — including overnight ones — can trigger dizziness & attacksWhy skipping meals is practically a guaranteed migraine triggerThe role of key nutrients like iron, vitamin D & B vitamins in managing chronic dizzinessHow inflammation connects to vestibular disorders — and how food either fuels or fights itPerimenopause & menopause: how hormonal changes affect metabolism, muscle mass, insulin sensitivity & dizzinessEndocrine-disrupting chemicals (plastics, pesticides, PFAs) & how low-tox swaps can make a real differenceWhy your gut microbiome might be the reason your medications aren’t workingPractical, accessible ways to start improving your nutrition without overhauling everything at once You don’t have to eat perfectly! You just have to start somewhere because the better your nutrition and hydration are, the better you will feel. Links Mentioned: Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fitOptimal Bloodwork Link: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/yt2ko79vaq Detoxify by Alli Cohen: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1668033534/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_TYFM23HJFGM1JPQW5671?linkCode=ml1&tag=thevertigodoc-20&linkId=1700598d13c22416e1837eb71940139d EWG Dirty Dozen list: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php Free Resources: ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor Work with Dr. Madison: For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.comOtherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit! Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/ Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit Love what you heard?Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you! This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. Citations Patelarou, E., & Giakoumidakis, K. (2025). Nutrition and Quality of Life for Patients with Chronic Disease. Nutrients, 17(13), 2170. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132170Paramasivam, A., Murugan, R., Jeraud, M., Dakkumadugula, A., Periyasamy, R., & Arjunan, S. (2024). Additives in Processed Foods as a Potential Source of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: A Review. Journal of xenobiotics, 14(4), 1697–1710. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox14040090Erdélyi, A., Pálfi, E., Tűű, L., Nas, K., Szűcs, Z., Török, M., Jakab, A., & Várbíró, S. (2023). The Importance of Nutrition in Menopause and Perimenopause-A Review. Nutrients, 16(1), 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010027Yu, X., Pu, H., & Voss, M. (2024). Overview of anti-inflammatory diets and their promising effects on non-communicable diseases. The British journal of nutrition, 132(7), 898–918. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114524001405Kang, H. S., Kim, S. Y., Kim, J. H., Kim, E. S., Choi, H. G., Lim, H., Kim, J. H., Park, H. Y., Kim, N. Y., Hong, S., Choi, K. C., & Kwon, M. J. (2022). Association between Migraines and Prior Proton Pump Inhibitor Use: A Nested Case-Control Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 15(11), 1385. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15111385Zhang P. (2022). Influence of Foods and Nutrition on the Gut Microbiome and Implications for ...
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  • 145. How to Prepare to Start a New Vestibular Medication

    145. How to Prepare to Start a New Vestibular Medication
    Jun 23 2026

    If you’ve ever started a new medication and immediately felt worse—you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.

    In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common and most frustrating experiences in the vestibular world: medication sensitivity. And more importantly, what to actually do about it.

    I’m breaking down why so many people with vestibular disorders struggle to tolerate new medications, how to wean on and off gradually to give yourself the best shot at success, and why going slow is actually the fastest way to feel better. We’re also talking about the nocebo effect—because what you expect from a medication can literally shape what you experience.

    Plus, I’m making a case for the most underutilized resource in your healthcare team: your pharmacist. Seriously, use them. They know things your doctor might miss.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    • Why medication sensitivity is SO common in the vestibular community
    • The case for weaning onto medications gradually
    • What compounding pharmacies are & how they can be a game changer for hypersensitive people
    • Why you need to understand the nocebo effect before starting a new medication
    • How to tell the difference between “dizziness as a side effect” vs your chronic dizziness
    • How to set yourself up for success when starting a new medication
    • A tool you can use to take the guesswork out of medications

    Starting a new medication doesn’t feel like as much of a gamble when you know how to prepare, advocate for yourself, and you go slow. Following these tips, you give yourself the very best shot at finally feeling better.

    Related Episodes:

    • How to Wean Off Your Preventative Medications: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/54-how-to-wean-off-your-preventative-medications/

    Links Mentioned:

    • Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit
    • Golden Genetics (mention Dr. Madison for a discount!): https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/

    Free Resources:

    • ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n
    • ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd
    • ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership
    • ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit
    • ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

    Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

    Work with Dr. Madison:

    • For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com
    • Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

    Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

    Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

    Love what you heard?
    Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

    —————————————

    vestibular medication, medication for vestibular disorder, placebo and nocebo effect, side effects, vestibular migraine, VM, vestibular disorders, chronic dizziness, mindset and the nocebo effect, increased anxiety and depression, nervous system and dizziness, vestibular group fit, migraine management, compounding pharmacies
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    Less than 1 minute
  • 144. How to Pick the Right Shoes for Balance Problems

    144. How to Pick the Right Shoes for Balance Problems
    Jun 16 2026

    Today, we’re talking shoes. Specifically, the best shoes for you if you have chronic dizziness or balance problems. (If you caught my viral Hoka video back in April, you already know I have thoughts.)

    But I need you to know this… it was never really about Hoka. It’s about understanding what’s actually going on with your shoes when you have a vestibular disorder and why that matters more than any brand name ever will.

    I’m breaking down the anatomy of a shoe (from toe box to heel drop) so you can stop Googling “best shoe for dizziness” and just know what to look for. Because the best shoe is the one that works for your feet, your symptoms, and your life. Full stop.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    • The big takeaway from my viral Hokas video
    • Why there’s no single “best shoe” for vestibular disorders
    • The key parts of shoe anatomy every vestibular warrior should know
    • How conditions like peripheral neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, or a toe fusion change what YOU need in a shoe
    • The best places to shop for shoes when you have a vestibular disorder
    • Why heel-to-toe walking matters for fall prevention

    Your shoes are touching the ground so YOU don’t have to think about it, so let’s make sure they’re actually working how they need to for you.

    If you have questions about this or you want support as you explore the best possible shoe for you, join us in Vestibular Group Fit (use code GROUNDED)!

    Links Mentioned:

    • Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit
    • The viral Hoka video: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWzgM9BKc-/
    • Recommended shoes link: https://liketk.it/67x4j

    Free Resources:

    • ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n
    • ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd
    • ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership
    • ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit
    • ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

    Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

    Work with Dr. Madison:

    • For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com
    • Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

    Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

    Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

    Citation

    Jellema, A. H., Huysmans, T., Hartholt, K., & van der Cammen, T. J. M. (2019). Shoe design for older adults: Evidence from a systematic review on the elements of optimal footwear. Maturitas, 127, 64–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.06.002

    Love what you heard?
    Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

    This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

    —————————————

    shoes for balance problems, exercises for vestibular disorders, living with vestibular migraine, vertigo, bppv, pppd, guidelines of physical activity, anxiety and depression, chronic dizziness, balance issues, anatomy of a shoe, toe box, rocker angle, sole firmness, cushioning, tread, heel bevel, heel drop
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    Less than 1 minute
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