In addition to being the month for celebrating love, February is also famed across the globe for Eating disorder awareness. Being African for that matter, some of us will dismiss this as a ‘white people’ disease and move on. Hence the need for raising awareness. One of the reasons this is associated with the westernized countries is because in African culture being thick and curvy is celebrated in women and men with a pot belly signifies prestige. A new culture is being adopted where a specified body type is ideal. In a bid to look a certain way, the eating patterns are distorted and with that so is our relationship with food.
Most religions teach that your body is a temple. This concur with seeing as the body is the vessel that houses you. And the vehicle that enables you to get through your day to day activities. Your body is what people see before they get to know who you are. And before they accept you and form bonds. It precedes your personality and your capabilities. Our bodies are a beautiful compilation of systems and organs, that work collaboratively and in symbiosis from the moment we draw in the first breath to when we exhale the last.
This is exemplified over and over when the brain sends impulses causing our hearts to beat. In addition, triggering hormone production (which control the body processes such as; digestion, our emotions and our mental capabilities). Controlling of muscle and bone motility hence movement and in the utilization of nutrients in the body. We barely take notice of these processes until something such as a muscle cramp, indigestion, or infections call our attention.
Forms Of Eating Disorder
Just as a car needs regular service, the body needs some TLC for it to function effectively. To reduce the incidence of breakdowns.
Since I am a fuel ambassador (we know that food is the body’s fuel, right?), my bias leans towards food with today’s focus being eating disorders.
An eating disorder is a term that describes illnesses characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress. The food and eating discord may include inadequate or excessive food intake which ultimately damages the individual’s well-being. The most common forms of eating disorders include Pica, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. They affect both men and women, young and old, rich and poor. Therefore from all cultural backgrounds. So it should not come as a surprise when we relate to the symptoms in our loved ones.
Pica
This is characterized by an appetite for and the consumption of non – nutritive substances such as; paper, soil, metal, chalk, stones or even hair for a period spanning longer than a month. This is the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder. Therefore it is predominant in small children, pregnant women, and those with developmental disabilities such as; autism (Mineral deficiencies such as iron, zinc and calcium are occasionally associated with pica).
It renders one susceptible to poisoning (e.g. lead poisoning), infections and a much greater risk of gut obstruction. This is because these substances are indigestible. In some instances, the stomach walls are torn leading to internal bleeding.
Anorexia Nervosa
A person suffering from anorexia nervosa will characteristically have an obsessive fear of gaining weight. This leads to a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and maintain an unrealistic perception of body image. Many people with anorexia nervosa will sternly limit the quantity of food they consume. Because they view themselves as overweight, even when they are clearly underweight.
People with anorexia are so good at hiding it. The disease may become severe before anyone around them notices anything wrong. If left untreated, anorexia can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition. And can have damaging health effects, such as brain damage, multi-organ failure, bone loss, heart difficulties, and infertility. The risk of death is highest in individuals with this disease.
However, with treatment, most people with anorexia gain back the weight they lost. The physical problems they developed as a result of the anorexia will get better.
Bulimia Nervosa
This eating disorder is characterized by repeated binge eating followed by behaviors that compensate for the overeating. They are such as forced purging, excessive exercise, or extreme use of laxatives or diuretics.
Men and women who suffer from Bulimia may fear weight gain and feel severely unhappy with their body size and shape. Since the binge-eating and purging cycle is usually done in secret. It creates feelings of shame, guilt, and lack of control.
If left untreated, bulimia can result in long-term health problems such as; severe dehydration, heart difficulties (resulting from an electrolyte imbalance causing abnormal heart rhythms), gastrointestinal problems (bleeding from the oesophagus due to excessive re flux of stomach acid ),dental problems, and kidney problems.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Unlike other eating disorders, binge eating disorder is almost as common in men as it is in women. The average age at onset for binge eating disorder being 25 years and is more common in people under age 60. Individuals who suffer from Binge Eating Disorder will frequently lose control over their eating. Though almost similar, the difference between bulimia nervosa and BED is that episodes of binge-eating are not followed by compensatory behaviors. Behaviors such as; purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. For this reason, many people suffering from BED have a likelihood of being obese. They are at risk of developing other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.
Men and women who struggle with this disorder may also experience intense feelings of guilt, distress, and embarrassment. This is due to their binge-eating, influencing the further progression of the eating disorder. It then becomes a vicious cycle. Because the more distressed they feel about bingeing, the more they seem to do it. Because binge eating leads to obesity, it can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
Treatment And Management Of Eating Disorder
In the treatment and management of eating disorders, the first step towards recovery is; repairing lost or gained weight and health, normalizing food intake and behaviors, and managing nutrient deficiencies. The longer an eating disorder persists, the harder it is to get rid of which is why early diagnosis and prompt action is associated with a better prognosis. With anorexia, not eating dulls the senses. Bulimia, not eating leads to bingeing and then purging to relieve the distress – followed by more restriction of food. With BED, not eating leads to cravings followed by uncontrollable over eating. Some people are particularly vulnerable to these self-perpetuating cycles. It is therefore vital to seek professional help at the earliest possible time.
Nutritional needs of a recovering eating disorder patient are very different from other people. The needs continue to vary in the various stages of recovery. In general, patients recovering from eating disorders will initially have distorted metabolisms that will stabilize in the course of recovery. It is useful to have the help of an experienced dietician who understands how to calculate a target weight and can recommend calorie levels that are appropriate and foods that are nutritionally dense. Full recovery means a patient is; physically healthy, self-regulating in food and activity levels, emotionally stable and has insight into his or her behaviors. Eating disorders are treatable, and with the right treatment and support, most people with an eating disorder can learn healthy eating habits and get their lives back on track.
Conclusion
Whether you are in your teens, or are a young’ in living today like there is no tomorrow, or a model looking to get scouted, an actor signing up for auditions, a chef, a mom or a dad, a teacher, a doctor, a farmer, a….whoever you are; you have only got one body with no chances of trading it for a new one and no spare parts (transplants cost an arm and a leg and some organs are not transferable). If you do not like what you’ve got, love it till you begin to like it (you know, fake it till you make it).
Love it by; Eating healthy – experiment with your diet until you find one that suits you, or better yet see a dietician. Getting physical every so often (does not have to be at the gym, weekend jogs/ treks on a nature trail, dancing or daily 15 minute yoga does the trick). Love it by finding ways to unwind – watching a sunrise or a sunset, gardening, a long drive or motorcycle ride, time away with family and friends, maybe even try a psychologist (they have proven to be good for running your thoughts by without the judgement family or friends might come with). The one constant that is held about love is it starts with you…self love. Love you, take care of you. Then and only then can you begin to love others.
Happy love month…and remember, a Healthy you = Total well-being = a wholesome life.
Written By; Ababach Tamiru.
Nutritionist/ Dietitian,
C & P Health Center.
