Eating Disorder Relapse

Eating disorder relapse is likely something you will experience if you are recovering from an eating disorder. However it’s important to remember that even though relapses will most likely occur, it’s all apart of the recovery process.

But why exactly are relapses so common? Is it possible that we are missing a piece of the puzzle? Recent studies suggest that your gut health may have a lot more to do with eating disorder relapse than you think.

Gut Bacteria Imbalance and Eating Disorders

New findings suggest microbes in the intestinal tract may affect the ‘gut-brain axis’.

This is the biochemical signalling that takes place between the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system, which plays an important role in healthy brain function. Gut bacteria are involved in this signalling, and so an imbalance in bacteria could affect the brain.

While we’re not able to say a gut bacterial imbalance triggers eating disorder behaviors, it is certainly worth looking into. After all severe limitation of nutritional intake at the center of restricting and purging could change the composition of the gut microbial community. These changes could contribute to the anxiety, depression, and further weight loss of people with the disorder.

How To Keep Your Gut Healthy

The best way to improve your gut health is by eating fermented foods or taking probiotics. Poor gut health can cause poor moods and low energy, both of which can effect the effectiveness of a workout. A healthy gut improves overall metabolism and gives you increased capacity to shed weight. Here are some foods you should eat in order to keep your gut microbiome healthy:

• Yogurt
• Kimchi
• Sauerkraut
• Kefir
• Kombucha
• Tempeh

There are also many non-fermented foods that help keep your gut healthy and happy. These foods include:

• Bananas: Due to their high levels of potassium and magnesium, bananas help reduce inflammation and promote harmony between gut microbes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Full of probiotics and amino acids that can help relieve acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Mangoes: Help prevent the loss of good gut bacteria.
• Wild Salmon: The omega-3 fatty acids found in wild salmon can heal an inflamed gut and prevent future inflammation.
• Broccoli: The sulfur-containing metabolites found in broccoli reduces inflammation in your gut and the risk of bladder, breast, colon, liver, lung, and stomach cancer.

The Eating Disorder Relapse Takeaway

Eating disorder relapse is extremely common, however it is all apart of the recovery process. It is highly likely that imbalances in the gut are linked to eating disorder relapses and why they are so common.

Interested in learning how to best explore in an effort to experience the vibrant life you desire? If so, I encourage you to check out my website. I offer a variety of programs all dedicated to helping you live a healthier life, from the inside out. My approach is positive and compassionate, my practice is based on the principles of Functional Medicine. Together we’ll take the deep dive into learning WHO you are as an eater, addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms. You’ll learn how to master the skills needed to Live the Change…Be the Change…See the Change.