Because anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by minimal food intake, it stands to reason that your nutritional intake is also deficient. When your body does not have the nutrients it needs to perform its proper functions, more than your mental health suffers – your physical health suffers just as much.
This is why proper nutritional education is crucial for effectively addressing the complications of anorexia nervosa.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a severe, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image and a significant restriction of food intake. Individuals suffering from anorexia often see themselves as overweight, even if they are at or below a healthy weight.
This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, but it is most commonly observed in adolescent girls and young women.
The symptoms of anorexia can be both physical and psychological. Physically, individuals may suffer extreme weight loss, have a noticeably thin appearance and struggle with health complications like fatigue, dizziness, hair loss and an absence of menstruation in females.
Psychological symptoms may include an obsession with food, dieting and body image, along with anxiety, depression and social withdrawal. People with anorexia may engage in extreme behaviors to control their weight, such as excessive exercise, misuse of laxatives or fasting.
No one factor causes anorexia, but a family history of eating disorders, mental health issues or substance abuse can increase the risk of developing it. Societal pressures, cultural ideals of beauty and the pervasive influence of social media can also worsen feelings of low self-esteem. Additionally, individual personality traits, such as perfectionism or lack of confidence, may play a role in the development of anorexia.
What do we mean when we say “nutrition”?
Nutrition is how our bodies obtain and utilize the essential nutrients from food. These nutrients — carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals — are vital in maintaining health and well-being.
At its core, nutrition is the process of our body converting the food we consume into energy and other building blocks for the body. Each nutrient serves specific functions: carbohydrates provide energy, proteins are essential for growth and repair, fats support cell structure and hormone production, and vitamins and minerals facilitate various biochemical processes. A balanced diet gives our bodies the right nutrients to function optimally.
The impact of nutrition extends beyond physical health, however: it plays a significant role in mental well-being as well. Emerging research suggests that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, and B vitamins, found in whole grains, are linked to improved brain function and mood regulation.
Additionally, a balanced diet can influence the gut microbiome, which has been shown to profoundly affect mental health through the gut-brain axis. Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and contribute to overall psychological resilience.
Why is nutrition so crucial for anorexia nervosa treatment?
Nutrition is a key part of treating anorexia for a wide variety of reasons.
Improves physical health
Individuals suffering from this disorder often experience severe malnutrition, which can lead to a multitude of health issues, including weakened bones, heart problems and organ failure. Proper nutrition is needed to build up the body’s nutrient stores and address deficiencies due to restrictive eating.
Helps restore weight
Underweight individuals are at risk for numerous health complications, and gradual weight gain through nutrition is needed to achieve a healthy weight. A structured meal plan emphasizing calorie-dense and nutrient-rich foods can help individuals achieve their weight restoration goals safely and effectively.
Healthcare professionals must carefully monitor this process to ensure that weight gain occurs over a healthy timeline.
Improves one’s relationship with food
Focusing on nutrition during treatment helps stop the demonizing of food and promotes a healthier relationship with eating. Nutrition education provides individuals with the knowledge they need to understand the role of food in their lives, helping to alleviate fears surrounding weight gain and body image. Furthermore, as physical health improves through proper nutrition, individuals often experience a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, which can further support their mental health recovery.
A better eating plan
A structured nutritional plan encourages regular meal times and balanced food choices, which can help develop a healthier relationship with food. Therapy often incorporates aspects of mindful eating, which can further support this healthy attitude. Over time, consistent and positive eating experiences may reduce food-related anxiety and promote a sense of control over one’s eating behaviors.
How can I improve my nutrition?
Improving your nutrition can be simple and manageable. Here are some easy ways to enhance your diet:
- Incorporate more fruits and veggies by including a variety of colors for a range of nutrients
- Choose whole grains instead of white bread, pasta and rice
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Spend a little time each week planning your meals to help you make healthy choices
- Focus on whole, unprocessed foods as a suitable means of obtaining protein
- Choose healthy snacks like nuts, yogurt or fruit to help you maintain a healthy state of metabolism throughout the day
- Preparing meals at home gives you control over the ingredients, so you can choose the ones that make you comfortable and provide the most nutrient-dense options
- Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your hunger cues and eating slowly. This can help you enjoy your food more and appreciate the meal you made and the nourishment you’re providing yourself
These changes can gradually lead to lasting improvements in your nutrition and overall health.
Ready to recover?
If you’re ready to improve your nutrition, contact Seeds of Hope by calling 610-644-6464 or filling out an online contact form to get in touch with us today.
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