Eating Disorder

Eating Disorders can be a powerful influence in the quality of our health, controlling our thoughts and actions throughout the day.  They always start by using (or not using) food to fill an emotional void and always end with an all consuming addiction.

Eating Disorders Big Lie

Each of us is touched by lives that are broken through the destruction of disordered eating.  Many years ago, a famous singer, Karen Carpenter, shocked the nation when anorexia took her life.  Many other actors and performers have struggled with food addiction, starving for acceptance, and caught in the snare of deceit that body image is somehow connected to personal worth and value.  

In our homes, our sons and daughters turn to food to numb the intense peer pressure and acceptance through social media "likes", and "selfies" ... creating the fragile impression that their worthiness is based on what they look like and what others think of them.

Most people are not prepared - nor - equipped to understand the complexities of disordered eating. As food becomes a way to numb our emotions, it chemically addicts us, and keeps us coming back for more.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa is a behavior where a person chooses NOT to eat, thus putting their body in a continual state of starvation.  Anorexia is driven by a need to become thinner and includes a false perception of oneself when looking in the mirror.  Control is a constant motivator for someone with anorexia.   They can be strong willed on the inside and compliant on the outside.

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia literally means “hunger like an ox” and consists of binge eating. There are many complex factors involved with binge eating. However, it always involves intense stress and anxiety and is usually accompanied by some form of purging. It is driven by a fear of gaining weight.  Those who suffer from bulimia agonize in private. They are a slave to food during their waking hours.  Most people feel intense guilt and shame and live a life of secret pain.

The Deep Root

The root of every eating disorder is complex, and contains many layers of hurt, but almost always it rests in a core issue of not feeling accepted and loved unconditionally.  

Those who have never suffered with the vicious cycle of a food addiction, may see this as a very “out of control” behavior.  But consequently, people with disordered eating are trying desperately to control at least one part of their life.

Health Dangers

Robbing the body of healthy food creates severe nutrient depletion.  The greater the depletion the more intense the cravings for food, thus, perpetuating a never ending cycle of addiction, frustration, anxiety, and hopelessness.

    Purging, whether through vomiting or laxatives, may create: 

• Low levels potassium in the blood. Symptoms associated with potassium depletion include irregular heartbeat, poor reflexes, muscle weakness, fatigue, continuous thirst, edema, constipation, dizziness, mental confusion, and nervous disorders.
• Chronic dehydration
• Tooth erosion from  gastric acid in the stomach
• Rapid and frequent blood sugar changes
• Strain on the pancreas, possibly leading to type 2 diabetes
• Stress and anxiety, increasing cortisol and reducing serotonin levels
• Depression due to the low serotonin levels, anxiety and guilt.

    Starving the body of nourishment creates:

• Severe Malnutrition (see low levels of potassium)
• Heart failure
• Organs shutting down
• Brain function failure

Overcoming!

There is HOPE!  Begin your journey to recovery by using the Renewable Health Ten Step Guide.  Take one step at a time. The hard truth is that only YOU know what it will take for you to recover.  The courage comes from inside. These tools and resources can help you to find freedom - if you choose to use them. 

Health Coaching is extremely valuable with disordered eating,  as it will help you to peel back the layers of programming over years of time AND break the addictive properties of sugar!   Just to have someone by your side knowing that you can do this... YOU are worth it ....can make all the difference in recovery.   Contact me for a consultation.  I'd love to help you get started.