Many people suffer from bulimia disorder, also known as binge eating episodes, which is one of the common eating disorders that affects both the physical and psychological condition. The problem appears in the form of episodes of eating large amounts of food.
Followed by a feeling of guilt or attempts to get rid of excess calories in unhealthy ways. Controlling bulimia requires gradual awareness and a change in dietary and emotional behavior with appropriate psychological support.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia is a psychological disorder characterized by repeated cycles of eating large amounts of food in a short time, followed by feelings of guilt and attempts to get rid of the food through vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting. This leads to disruption of nutritional balance and stress on the body's systems.
Psychological and behavioral causes of bulimia
Some reasons that lead to bulimia:
- Fear of weight gain and dissatisfaction with external appearance.
- Chronic anxiety, depression, or exposure to acute psychological pressures.
- Ideal social expectations regarding body shape.
- A history of eating disorders or psychological trauma in childhood.
Common signs and symptoms of bulimia
- Eating large amounts of food without a feeling of control.
- Intentional vomiting after eating or using laxatives.
- Severe weight fluctuations.
- Constant feeling of guilt or shame after eating.
- Problems with teeth and throat due to repeated vomiting.
8 ways to treat bulimia
Consult a specialist in eating disorders
The first step is always to seek help from a psychiatrist or nutritionist. Early diagnosis helps in developing an appropriate treatment plan that includes modifying dietary behavior and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Organize meal times
Regularly eating 3 main meals and 2 light meals daily reduces the desire to overeat and restores the body's internal balance between hunger and satiety.
Avoid harsh and fast diets
Harsh diets increase the desire for binge eating. It is better to follow a balanced diet that contains all nutritional elements without deprivation.
Practicing meditation and breathing exercises
It calms the mind, reduces stress, helps with awareness of eating habits, and also reduces emotional eating resulting from anxiety. Regular meditation reduces anxiety and helps control the desire for excessive eating.
Engaging in enjoyable activities
Engaging in activities like reading, drawing, or walking in nature helps stimulate the brain to reduce focus on food and helps improve mood naturally. Filling free time with enjoyable activities limits thinking about food.
Writing down feelings and daily habits
Writing down feelings before and after eating, noting situations that trigger eating episodes, learning from repeated patterns. Awareness of triggers is an essential step to control dietary behavior.
Getting enough sleep
Regular sleep helps regulate hormones responsible for appetite like leptin and ghrelin, which reduces episodes of nighttime hunger. Good sleep regulates appetite and reduces binge eating episodes.
Exercising regularly
Physical activity improves mood by raising happiness hormones, and reduces stress and the desire for emotional eating.
In short:exercise balances mental and physical health.
The role of parents in supporting the affected person
Parents are a fundamental factor in supporting the affected person, the most important of which are:
- Avoid directing criticism about weight or body shape.
- Providing a safe and understanding environment without pressure.
- Encouraging the affected person to seek help from specialists.
- Gentle monitoring of dietary habits without forced interference.
Useful foods during recovery
Some foods that help with recovery:
- Whole grains and nuts to stabilize energy levels.
- Yogurt rich in probiotics to improve digestion.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables to restore the balance of vitamins and minerals.
- Water and natural juices to compensate for lost fluids.
Light exercises and their role in healing
Moderate sports like yoga and walking help regulate hormones and improve mood without excessive activity, which is essential for recovery from bulimia disorder.
Ways to prevent relapse after recovery
- Avoid constant comparison with others.
- Maintaining a balanced lifestyle of sleep, food, and activity.
- Continuing psychological therapy regularly.
- Seeking support immediately upon the appearance of any returning symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about bulimia
Is a complete cure from bulimia possible?
Yes, with commitment to psychological and behavioral therapy, the disorder can be controlled completely.
Do medications increase the speed of recovery?
Some antidepressants may be used to improve mood, but they do not replace psychological therapy.
Can bulimia be treated at home?
In mild cases, self-support steps can be started with periodic follow-up by a specialist.
Article summary
Controlling bulimia requires an integrated plan that includes psychological therapy, organizing nutrition, and changing lifestyle. Meditation exercises, social support, and adequate sleep are important factors in recovery.
By following the ten previous methods, a healthy relationship with food can be restored and binge eating episodes can be gradually reduced. The most important step is patience and continuous commitment until reaching complete stability.