Have you ever heard of “Orthorexia”? “Orthorexia
Nervousa” affects a small number of people who become obsessed with the
"perfect diet.” These individuals
fixate on eating foods that make them feel pure and healthy — to the extent
that they avoid foods with any artificial colors/flavors/preservatives,
pesticides/genetic modification and unhealthy fat, sugar or added salt.
Experts believe, including
Dr. Steven Bratman, the doctor who first described and named this disorder
after his own experiences, there is a distinct difference between eating
healthily and being Orthorexic.
Orthorexics find themselves being unable to take part in everyday
activities – like eating outside of their own home because they cannot be sure
that the “proper” food techniques or ingredients were used. They isolate themselves and often become
intolerant of other people's views about food and health.
Is Orthorexia an
eating disorder? According to the Mayo Clinic,
no. Although, many health professionals
believe it should be classified as a mental health disorder such as Anorexia or
Bulimia since it involves a compulsion to follow rigid, food guidelines that
affect self-esteem.
How do I know if
I have Orthorexia? NEDA Feeding People (The National Eating Disorder Association) suggests
that you ask yourself these questions to determine if you may have an
unhealthy obsession with eating healthy. Their Web site states, “The more
questions you respond “yes” to, the more likely you are dealing with
Orthorexia.”- Do you
wish that occasionally you could just eat and not worry about food
quality?
- Do you
ever wish you could spend less time on food and more time living and
loving?
- Does
it seem beyond your ability to eat a meal prepared with love by someone
else – one single meal – and not try to control what is served?
- Are
you constantly looking for ways foods are unhealthy for you?
- Do
love, joy, play and creativity take a back seat to following the perfect
diet?
- Do you
feel guilt or self-loathing when you stray from your diet?
- Do you
feel in control when you stick to the “correct” diet?
- Have
you put yourself on a nutritional pedestal and wonder how others can
possibly eat the foods they eat?
Is there treatment for Orthorexia? According to Ashely Hensaw and Tom Iarocci, MD, of SymptonFind.com, the answer is yes. They suggest:
- Nutrition
consultations: Those with this disorder often see a nutritionist who
can help them find foods that give them a balanced, healthy diet. The key
here is helping the individual to see that their food choices are
providing inadequate nutrition and to assist them in finding healthy,
wholesome foods which give them a more well-rounded diet.
- Cognitive
behavioral therapy: Going to therapy can be extremely useful for
someone with Orthorexia because it addresses the underlying mental causes
of the disorder. A therapist can help identify and deal with these issues
while also offering solutions and support for the individual.
- Medication:
In some cases, the obsessive-compulsive behaviors often associated with Orthorexia
can be successfully treated with certain prescription medications.
- Medical
attention: Those who are suffering physically due to the extremely
limited diet they have been following may need medical help for their
condition. Those with Orthorexia may need to undergo physical examinations
to evaluate their health at the time of diagnosis.
Fitness for Health
can help you build a healthier body by creating a customized, exercise regimen
that addresses your unique concerns.
Whether you want to decrease your weight, tone, build muscle, increase
flexibility or improve your athleticism, we can help you reach your goals! Visit www.FitnessForHealth.org to learn how we can help you.
The blog post discusses orthorexia, a condition characterized by an unhealthy obsession with eating only healthy foods. It highlights the potential dangers of this mindset, including physical and mental health implications, and encourages readers to find a balanced approach to nutrition.
ReplyDeleteprince george county reckless driving lawyer
The page outlines the legal implications of reckless driving in Prince George County, VA, detailing potential penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and license suspension. It stresses the importance of consulting an experienced attorney to effectively address these charges and navigate the legal process.