Nutrition in Eating Disorders
What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are chronic diseases that require long-term treatment. It is often seen with mental disorders such as depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorders. The main features of the individual are to see himself as fat, to accompany emotional disturbances that cannot be managed in real life, to be afraid of being fat, to have a strong desire to lose weight, and to have physical appearance disorders. Eating disorders can be classified into 5 basic groups: Anorexia nervosa Bulimia nervosa Orthorexia nervosa Night eating syndrome Binge eating Anorexia Nervosa These individuals have a disorder in their body image, they do not see themselves as weak even though they are weak. They eat in very small portions, which they are afraid of gaining weight, and they lose weight quickly.
They have constipation and irregular menstruation problems, and they experience hair loss due to vitamin deficiency. Even if they eat little food, they see themselves as eating too much and feel nausea and bloating. They become hyperactive, depressed and aggressive. They do a lot of sports and exercise, and after a certain period of time, they move away from the social environment. Bulimia Nervosa Unlike anorexia nervosa, they often have food attacks and eat too much. They then throw the food out of the body by vomiting or with the help of laxatives and diuretics. Sometimes they are very thin or very overweight and their body weights vary. Especially in these people, dental and stomach ailments are common. In nutritional therapy, patients should receive psychotherapy together with drug use. Generally, they can refuse treatment and it should be tried to be accepted. With a balanced and healthy nutrition program, eating habits should be regained. Orthorexia Nervosa is a diet focused on consuming extremely healthy foods. The goal in orthorexia nervosa is not to lose weight. Over time, people begin to reduce their food variety and portions. Thus, due to the fact that they always consume the same foods, vitamin deficiencies occur in their bodies. Night Eating Syndrome These people usually eat normally during the day. In the evening and at night, they are fed in a way that they cannot keep themselves, and in time, their desire to wake up at night and eat something increases and turns into a habit. Afterwards, they feel remorse and their tendency to depression is observed. Overeating Syndrome The person cannot provide portion control and consumes too much food. With excessive food consumption, it also prepares the ground for many chronic diseases.
What Should Be Done in the Treatment of Eating Disorders?
Generally, the disorders of these people are psychological and it is necessary to work with a psychologist. The most appropriate diet for the situation should be prepared together with the dietitian.