How can we confront our friends with disorders?

If I encountered an individual that was suffering an eating disorder I would want to take the time to fully assess their physical state as well as their associated mental challenges. Brannon and Feist (2004) define eating disorders as either the inability to have an appetite because of nervous or physiological illness or the opposite which is a continuous desire to eat. These illnesses are called anorexia nervosa and bulimia respectively. They suggest that a treatment should consist of both individual and group cognitive behavior therapy, hospitalization, learning to eat at home, and teaching parents or significant others strategies on how to get the person suffering to eat in cases of anorexia. In cases of bulimia it is recommended to manage the intake of sugar as this behavior causes hypoglycemia which causes the person to further crave sweets and continues the cycle of binging and purging (Brannon & Feist, 2004). Antidepressants have been helpful for bulimics; however nutrition and behavior based cognitive psychological programs have shown to be equally effective.

There are great deals of nutritional options for those who suffer from eating disorders. A study cited by Holford (2005) states that a zinc supplement and a placebo supplement were given to equal groups who had anorexia and those who received the zinc supplement had an increase in body weight that was twice that of those who received the placebo. Eades (2000) recommends that upon diagnosis of an eating disorder a diet should consist of regular eating patterns on a schedule that consist of complex carbohydrates and avoid potatoes, wheat, corn syrup, refined sugar, flours and the diet should be rich in fibrous vegetables and fruits. Sugars and refined carbohydrates cause the body’s metabolism to have a drastic swing between highs and lows and this may result in cravings that contribute to binge eating or eating avoidance.

The American Dietetic Association (2001) also recognizes that nutritional intervention is necessary to combat the side effects of eating disorders which include muscle weakness, fatigue, cardiac arrhythmias, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance which can be caused by purging, especially self-induced vomiting, and laxative abuse. They recommend that an interdisciplinary team should be organized to manage the recovery of the nutritional deficiencies and psychological addictions that are associated with these disorders.

Werbach (1999) has further recommendations for those suffering with eating disorders which also confirm the suggestions from Eades (2000), Holford (2005), and the American Dietetic Association (2001). Werbach’s suggestions include avoiding sugar, changing the diet to one that is rich in complex carbohydrates and proteins, avoiding alcohol, and supplementing the diet with a good vitamin that has all the B families including folic acid and niacin.

American Dietetic Association (2001). Nutrition intervention in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified (ednos). Journal of American Dietary Association, 101, 810

Brannon, L. & Feist, J. (2004). Health psychology: An introduction to behavior and health (5th Ed.). CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Eades, M. D. (2000). The Doctor’s Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. New York: Dell.

Holford, P. (2005). Optimum Nutrition for the Mind. Basic Health Publications

Werbach, Melvyn R. (1999). Nutritional Influences on Mental Illness, (2nd ed.). Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press.

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