Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve disordered eating behavior and extreme disturbances in body image. These behaviors can cause physical and emotional harm to the individual, and can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated. Symptoms of an eating disorder may include dramatic weight changes, preoccupation with food or calories, skipping meals, using diet pills or laxatives excessively, or other unhealthy attempts to control weight. It is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if there are signs of an eating disorder. Treatment for eating disorders typically includes a combination of therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), nutrition counseling, and in some cases medication. With the right treatment plan, people with eating disorders can learn healthy coping skills and lead a fulfilling life.

Eating disorders are characterized by a range of signs and symptoms related to disordered eating behavior. Common signs and symptoms of eating disorders include an excessive preoccupation with food or calorie counting, dramatic weight changes, skipping meals, difficulty concentrating due to thoughts about food or body image, extreme mood swings, and isolation from friends and family. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early intervention is the key to successfully treating an eating disorder.

There are several types of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders (OSFED). Anorexia is characterized by extremely restrictive dieting and excessive weight loss. Bulimia involves a cycle of binging (eating a large amount of food in a short period of time) followed by purging (compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse). Binge eating disorder is characterized by frequent episodes of binging without any compensatory behavior. OSFED encompasses a variety of disordered eating behaviors that don’t fit into the other categories. It is important to seek the help of qualified medical professionals when dealing with an eating disorder so that the right treatment plan can be developed.

Conventional treatments for eating disorders often involve a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. Medical treatment focuses on managing any physical complications related to the disorder, such as electrolyte imbalances or heart problems. Nutritional intervention typically involves working with a dietitian to develop healthy eating habits and regain any weight that may have been lost as a result of the disorder. Psychotherapy is a form of psychological intervention that aims to identify and resolve underlying issues related to the eating disorder such as low self-esteem, distorted body image, or trauma.

An orthomolecular understanding of eating disorders suggests that genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors all play a role in the development of eating disorders. The symptoms associated with this condition are caused by an imbalance in essential molecules in the body, often due to nutrient deficiencies or imbalances.  In Mensah Medical’s research, as well as practice, we have seen a specific pattern in biochemical imbalance especially with the anorexic population. Most of them tend to be undermethylated and severely zinc deficient.

Anorexia is very often correlated with undermethylation. In our clinic we see anorexia as an addiction disorder that manifests itself in undermethylated persons who use food control to master their desire for the perfect body. Through testing, Mensah Medical’s physicians determine your key biochemical imbalances and use compounded supplementation to restore these markers to their optimal level. By correcting imbalances of essential nutrients in the body, concerns are addressed at the root level. 

Nutritive therapy treatment, combined with intense psychotherapy, cognitive, or behavioral therapy typically takes 6 to 9 months for patient recovery, and requires ongoing care to maintain wellness. Anorexic patients who maintain high compliance with our protocols have the best prognosis when combined with psychotherapy, cognitive, or behavioral therapies.

Binging and vomiting, two classic behaviors in bulimic patients, trigger endorphins that release a feel good sensation in the brain. This euphoric feeling is desired in the patient because they are often fighting a chemical imbalance. Regarding bulimia, there is not one specific biochemical pattern that defines it. Knowing this, we conduct laboratory testing for the purpose of creating protocols that best match individual biochemical profiles.

The emotional component should always be considered in that it is necessary to help retrain thought patterns and emotional triggers. Anorexia and bulimia eating disorders need careful individualized targeted nutrient therapy as well as intense psychotherapy, cognitive, or behavioral therapy to successfully overcome this challenge.

It is vital to seek treatment early for eating disorders. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, are struggling with intrusive thoughts, experiencing brain fog or headaches, and want to regain balance in your life, contact Mensah Medical to schedule an appointment.

Eating disorders are complex conditions that can have physical, psychological, and environmental components. Possible causes of eating disorders include genetics, biology, psychological factors such as body image issues or low self-esteem, and certain environmental triggers such as stress or experiencing trauma. No single cause has been identified for why an individual may develop an eating disorder; however, it is important to seek the help of qualified medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Risk factors associated with eating disorders include genetics, biological predispositions, psychological vulnerabilities such as low self-esteem or distorted body image, social pressure to conform to a certain “ideal” body type, and environmental triggers such as experiencing trauma. It is important to note that anyone can develop an eating disorder regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. It is also important to seek the help of qualified medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Eating disorders can lead to a range of complications, both physical and psychological. Physically they can lead to general poor health, weakened immune system, malnutrition, dehydration, damage to heart and other organs, fatigue and exhaustion, hormonal imbalance, reproductive issues, disordered eating behaviors such as bingeing or purging. Psychologically they can cause depression or anxiety, suicidal ideation, social isolation and withdrawal from activities once enjoyed. It is important to seek the help of qualified medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.

In most cases, eating disorders and nutrient deficiencies begin in early adolescence when pressures are put on a child to diet by peers, coaches, cultural mores, or influences in the home. Body dissatisfaction can start as early as age six, and often leads to excessive dieting. Puberty is a dangerous time for dieting because the body is rapidly growing and changing. Establishing strong support systems, learning coping skills, and seeking the help of a mental health professional at the first signs of disordered eating are all ways to prevent the development of eating disorders.

A clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder is based on medical and psychological assessments that evaluate an individual’s physical, psychosocial and psychological functioning. Diagnosis will include a detailed health history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and interviews with the patient and their loved ones. Professional mental health evaluations such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are also used to assess a person’s mental health status. Additional tests may be performed to rule out other medical causes for the eating disorder-related symptoms.

Alternative medicine treatments for eating disorders can include herbal remedies, dietary supplements, acupuncture, meditation, and yoga. Dietary modifications may be used to increase the quality of nutrition and reduce unhealthy cravings. Acupuncture can help with detoxification, digestion, and overall well-being. Meditation and yoga are excellent tools for managing stress levels and releasing mental blocks that cause negative patterns related to eating disorder behaviors. Natural therapies such as psychotherapy or art/creative therapies may be beneficial in managing thoughts, feelings, and emotions that contribute to an eating disorder.

Prior to your first appointment at Mensah Medical, you will be required to complete a new patient intake form as well as a patient history form. These forms must be submitted to Mensah Medical before an appointment can be scheduled. For Outreach Clinic appointments these forms must be submitted one week before the scheduled Outreach. For established patients, prior to your follow up you will be required to complete a progress report. This must be submitted via your Elation Passport at least 72 hours before the appointment.

At Mensah Medical, we run lab work and blood tests to confirm your bio individual needs. If during the appointment the doctors deem it necessary they may order additional testing such as a hair analysis, G.I. Map, SAM/SAH Methylation Profile, or others. The physicians will create an individualized nutrient protocol to address each of the imbalances presented. Treatment and long-term monitoring will be facilitated by the nursing staff, Dr. Mensah, and Dr. Bowman. Formal follow ups on an individual’s progression will be done every six months to ensure biochemical levels and symptoms are responding appropriately. As a patient you will have easy and efficient access to our nurses and clinical team through an Elation Passport Portal.