When modern medicine doesn’t have an obvious “best approach” to treating a disorder, the condition can become all-consuming due to lack of direction.
And when it comes to eating disorders, there’s no exception.
It’s estimated that around 24 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder and that number is on the rise. Considered one of the most life-threatening of mental illnesses, it’s the second highest cause of mental health related deaths (opioid addiction being the first).
That’s incredibly significant…especially since there isn’t an agreed upon, well-supported by research, standard treatment.
But help may be closer than you think.
Over the past few years, I have taken an in-depth look into eating disorders. Everything from diagnosis to bio-chemical causes to naturopathic treatment is now part of my repertoire and I want to share knowledge that may surprise you.
1. Eating disorders may be caused by a nutrient insufficiency.
What does that mean?
In addition to body image and environmental factors (like low self-esteem and social media) and personality type, a nutrient deficiency may be in part to blame.
During intense growth periods (such as puberty and pregnancy), the body needs an abundance of nutrients. If it doesn’t receive enough, it can trigger a biological pre-disposition for eating or other mental health disorders.
A lack of nutrients such as amino acids, B vitamins, and zinc can create challenges for hormone regulation, growth and development, and neurotransmitter synthesis pathways – which can all lead to an increased risk of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
Notably, vegan and vegetarian diets (popular among many adolescents as they explore who they want to be by making conscious eating choices) can be bereft of essential nutrients.
I recommend that those following these diets work with a medical professional to ensure proper supplementation is received – especially between early childhood and early 20s as well as in reproductive years.
Other causes of low nutrition and malabsorption are:
– low stomach acid
– undiscovered or asymptomatic celiac disease
– overall poor diet
2. Diagnosis and root cause analysis can help determine a targeted treatment plan.
When I consult with an individual and/or family dealing with an eating disorder, I look at a variety of components to determine if a functional diagnosis is at play (meaning a bio-chemical root cause).
Depending on age, this can include:
– blood or urine tests for nutritional analysis
– testing for inflammation in the body
– assessment of digestion
– discussion of nutritional habits
When nutritional insufficiencies are found, it can tip the scale for those with a genetic pre-disposition to develop a mental health condition.
3. An individualized, coordinated treatment plan that addresses the root cause may be most beneficial long-term.
Rather than trying anything to see what works, I like to take a targeted approach. In roads can be made if the root cause is not only identified, but then treated.
Repleting nutritional insufficiencies and restoring digestive function are two of the most helpful treatments I commonly recommend in conjunction with cognitive therapy &/or psychotherapy and work with a dietician or nutritionist who understands disordered eating.
While counseling strategies are vital and can be helpful short-term, many patients can experience relapses if the underlying cause is never treated. Testing to identify a nutritionally mediated neurobiological issue is crucial.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, know that neither of you are alone. I am here to help navigate the journey back to health.
For those in the Boulder or Denver metro area, please call me at (303) 960-3920 or contact me here for naturopathic diagnosis, testing, and treatment for eating disorders.
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