Eating disorder therapist near me

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Binge eating treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Binge eating

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a serious health condition characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort. It's a condition that affects millions worldwide, transcending age, gender, and socioeconomic statuses. Unlike typical overeating, individuals with BED feel a loss of control over their eating, followed by shame, distress, or guilt. Recognizing the natural ways to manage and treat BED is crucial in fostering a healthier relationship with food and oneself.

Causes

Binge eating disorder stems from a complex mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Psychological issues such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety are common triggers. Stressful life events, dieting rigors, and boredom can also precipitate episodes. Unlike other eating disorders, it's not solely about food or weight; it's often a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult emotions or situations.

Signs and symptoms

- Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific time frame, e.g., within a two-hour period - Eating fast during binge episodes - Eating until uncomfortably full - Eating large amounts of food when not physically hungry - Eating alone due to embarrassment about the quantity of food consumed - Feeling disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating - Lack of control over eating during binge episodes

Diagnosing Binge eating

BED is diagnosed based on the history of eating behavior patterns, feelings about eating, and what the binge episodes entail. Healthcare professionals often use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for diagnosis. A thorough evaluation might include physical exams, psychological evaluations, and discussions about eating habits. It's important for anyone who thinks they might be experiencing BED to seek a professional diagnosis, as it's a condition that often coexists with other psychological issues like anxiety and depression.

Prevention and natural treatment

Prevention of binge eating disorder involves fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image from an early age, including emphasizing the importance of eating for nourishment rather than emotional comfort. Encouraging mindful eating practices, where the focus is on how and why one eats, not just what one eats, can also play a crucial role. In terms of treatment, a Functional Medicine approach seeks to address the root cause of BED rather than just treating symptoms. This might include: - Nutritional Counseling: Working with a dietitian to develop healthy, balanced eating habits that do not trigger binge eating episodes. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a form of psychotherapy that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. CBT can teach individuals coping strategies for dealing with distressing emotions without turning to food. - Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage the stress and emotional turmoil that may lead to binge eating. - Supplemental Support: In some cases, natural supplements could be recommended to balance any nutritional deficiencies or to support mood and stress levels. Combining these strategies can be effective in reducing the frequency of binge eating episodes and improving emotional well-being. It's worth noting that the journey to overcoming BED is deeply personal and can vary significantly from one individual to another. Using a holistic approach that considers all aspects of an individual's life and health can create a foundation for long-term recovery and well-being.

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