digestive problems

The link between disordered eating & digestive distress

disordered eating

If you experience digestive complaints, how does this affect what and how you eat? Perhaps it preoccupies your mind whilst you try to understand what can alleviate the symptoms?

If you also struggle with eating challenges, perhaps you have not considered the role this may be playing in your gut symptoms including bloating, acid reflux and abnormal bowel movements.

WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?

Forty-four percent of people with IBS type symptoms are disordered eaters and 98% of people with eating disorders have co-occurring gut disorders. It is no consequence.

Digestive symptoms correlate with psychological distress; due to eating behaviours that disrupt digestion, changes in the physiology of the gut and an imbalance in the microbiome (the eco system of our gut).

Food restriction leads to delayed gastric emptying and a feeling of premature fullness along with nausea and bloating. The villi (the small finger like projections lining the gut that allow absorption of nutrients), become flattened.

Low food intake or purging often leads to constipation. Unsurprisingly, purging also results in a weakened oesophageal sphincter and GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Acid reflux and symptoms of IBS are often experienced by binge eaters.

A VISCIOUS CYCLE…

This often leads to a vicious cycle, gut discomfort and pain resulting in further food restriction in order to manage symptoms. Digestive complaints may also lead to the desire to eat ‘perfectly’ even when the diet does not relieve symptoms.

This causes rigidity and fear when eating certain foods. Disruption of digestive processes also impacts appetite cues, so it can become challenging to feel hunger and/ or satiety. Commonly, strict adherence to diets can also lead to binge eating.

 

If you have eating challenges and are experiencing distressing digestive symptoms, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Book in a complimentary call HERE to see how I can help

You can also come and join me in The Food Freedom Collective community – a free group to support you on journey to find freedom around food and your body

If any of these resonate then this community is for you :

💠You are on and off diets all the time

💠You find yourself binge eating

💠You are an ‘emotional eater’

💠You restrict food in order to lose weight

💠 You can’t stop thinking about your weight, appearance or food

💠 You feel overwhelmed and confused no longer knowing what you ‘should’ eat

With weekly live videos and daily support

Eating challenges, IBS & the gut

eating challenges IBS and the gut

If you experience digestive complaints, how does this affect what and how you eat? Perhaps it preoccupies your mind whilst you try to understand what can alleviate the symptoms?

If you also experience eating challenges, perhaps you have not considered the role this may be playing in your gut symptoms including bloating, acid reflux and abnormal bowel movements.

WHAT IS IBS?

April is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) Awareness Month and many of the people I work with suffer with this condition. IBS is known as a functional gut disorder diagnosed in the absence of structural problems and inflammatory bowel disease amongst other conditions.

WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?

In addition to the clients who come to me for help with their gut, many of have eating challenges. Interestingly, 44% of people with IBS type symptoms are disordered eaters and 98% of people with eating disorders have co-occurring gut disorders. It is no consequence. Digestive symptoms have been found to correlate with psychological distress; thought to be due to the eating behaviours that disrupt digestion, changes in the physiology of the gut and an imbalance in the microbiome (the eco system of our gut).

Food restriction leads to delayed gastric emptying and a feeling of premature fullness along with nausea and bloating. The villi (the small finger like projections lining the gut that allow absorption of nutrients), become flattened. Low food intake or purging often leads to constipation. Unsurprisingly, purging also results in a weakened oesophageal sphincter and GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).

A VISCIOUS CYCLE…

This often leads to a vicious cycle, gut discomfort and pain results in further food restriction in order to manage symptoms. Digestive complaints may also lead to the desire to eat ‘perfectly’ even when the diet does not relieve symptoms. It causes rigidity and fear when eating certain foods. Disruption of digestive processes also impacts appetite cues, so it can become challenging to feel hunger and/ or satiety. Commonly, strict adherence to diets can also lead to binge eating.

If you are experiencing distressing digestive symptoms, it doesn’t have to be this way. I work with a wide variety of people struggling with different digestive health complaints. Some have had an official diagnosis from their doctor, while others have been told everything looks normal, but they just don’t feel themselves. 

I offer a full range of professional tests to get to the root of your gut problems. Combining test results with an in-depth assessment helps me devise a personalised programme just for you. If you also have eating challenges, this requires a nuanced approach to avoid further harm with the likes of restriction or elimination diets.

Please do book in a complimentary call HERE to see how I can help

 

 

 

Fabulous Fennel

Fennel plants at the market 

Fennel contains a myriad of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and has countless health benefits. Furthermore, it has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for congestion, digestive problems and to promote breast milk flow, menstruation and urine flow. 

Clinical studies have indicated that the phytonutrient anethole has anti-cancer properties and can reduce inflammation. The research found that anethole inhibits the promotion of a harmful molecule which can alter genes and cause inflammation. 

Fennel promotes bone health due to it’s combination of iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and manganese. Fennel’s potassium, calcium and magnesium composition can help to lower blood pressure and the fibre content will help to reduce cholesterol levels. Heart disease is associated with elevated levels of the molecule homocysteine in the body, however, fennel’s folate content can help to prevent it’s build up.
 
Fennel consists of a crunchy white bulb, pale green stalks and feathery green leaves from which flowers grow and where the seeds are found.
 
All parts of the fennel can be used in your cooking. The stalks are a delicious addition to a soup base or stock .They can be sautéed with fennel leaves and onions. Additionally, the leaves can add a subtle liquorice aroma to many a dish. The seeds can spice up any meal, be brewed as herbal drink or just chewed to promote good digestion. The bulb can be chopped into salads, steamed, sautéed or roasted as a delicious starter or side.

My weekly ‘Nutritional Nugget’ written for Fields to Fork Organics

If you are interested in reading more ‘Nutritional Nuggets’, top tips and the latest nutrition news, sign up to my monthly newsletter at www.marcellerosenutrition.co.uk