I went on my first run back today after being off my foot for almost three weeks. I cried…I forget how many things I take for granted. The ability to run without pain, to have health, enough strength to move my legs across the trails…the pavement…the concrete. Pounding heart. Inhale. Exhale.
Some were not so lucky. In fact, I have lost five friends this year to their battle with an ED. It breaks my heart that their lives were cut short due to this terrible disease. So this week…I will remember their lives and the words of wisdom they spoke into my life. Their immense strength. And I will draw forth that same strength and continue to fight.
Over 24 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder (anad.org). Eating disorders, specifically Anorexia, are the number one… the NUMBER ONE killer of all mental disorders. NUMBER ONE!!!
The purpose of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is to ultimately prevent eating disorders and body image issues while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatment. Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening illnesses – not choices – and it’s important to recognize the pressures, attitudes and behaviors that shape the disorder. We have come far in the last two decades but eating disorders research continues to be under-funded, insurance coverage for treatment is inadequate, and societal pressures to be thin or look a certain way remain rampant. Some doctors fail to recognize the signs or offer the help that many people suffering from an eating disorder need. Education is vital.
While eating disorders are
often thought of as something that affect only women, the reality is anyone can
fall victim to one. In fact, male eating disorders
account for almost 10 percent of all cases. Perhaps even
more depressing is that a 2012 study found that eating
disorders in children are increasing.
Little girls are beginning to diet, to restrict their food intake by age 6.
The signs of an eating
disorder can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include an intense
fear of being fat, weight loss, avoiding situations in which expected to eat
food, using the bathroom directly after a meal, excessive exercise, having
conversations that are highly centered on food or calories or weight,
"having to" prepare separate meals, and fear of not knowing what
ingredients are included in foods (such as at a restaurant).
However, one must remember
that eating disorders are really less about food and more about the many
underlying issues such as a feeling of a loss of control over life and very low
self-esteem. It is hard to remember in today’s society that we all come in
different shapes and sizes…and that not one is better than the other.
If you suspect a loved one
may have an eating disorder, I recommend you find a neutral setting and time to
meet, and then expressing your concerns gently. Think of eating disorders as
you would any other serious illness. It is important to remember that they're
no body's fault. People don't develop them on purpose. I know I didn’t wake up
one day and think…hmm think I’m just gonna NEVER eat again…
When speaking with your
friend, use non-judgmental language and 'I' statements. It is OK point out
behaviors and emotions you have noticed, but avoid blaming or shaming the
person. Be prepared to listen and don’t try to problem solve. Offer to help
your friend find a professional to talk to. And for goodness sakes, don’t tell
them to just go eat a hamburger…:/ LOVE and support are vital.
Below is a list of the
affects an ED can produce:
Psychosocial:
Eating disorders profoundly impact an individuals quality of
life. Self-image, relationships, physical well-being and day to day living are
often adversely affected. Eating disorders are also often associated with mood disorders,
anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Bulimia nervosa may be
particularly associated with substance abuse problems. Anorexia nervosa is
often associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The scope of related
problems associated with eating disorders highlights the need for prompt
treatment and intervention.
Medical:
The process of starvation associated with Anorexia Nervosa
can affect most organ systems. Physical signs and symptoms include but are not
limited to constipation, abnormally low heart rate, abdominal distress, dryness
of skin, hypotension, fine body hair, lack of menstrual periods. Anorexia
Nervosa causes anemia, cardiovascular problems, changes in brain structure,
osteoporosis, and kidney dysfunction.
Self-induced vomiting can lead to swelling of salivary
glands, electrolyte and mineral disturbances, and enamel erosion in teeth.
Laxative abuse can lead to long lasting disruptions of normal bowel
functioning. Complications such as tearing the esophagus, rupturing the
stomach, and developing life-threatening irregularities of the heart rhythm may
also result.
Medical Issues: General
Physical Dangers:
Sometimes those suffering with Anorexia and Bulimia do not
appear underweight - some may be of "average" weight, some may be
slightly overweight, variations can be anywhere from extremely underweight to
extremely overweight. The outward appearance of a person suffering with an
eating disorder does not dictate the amount of physical danger they are in, nor
does is determine the severity of emotional conflict they are enduring.
Some Symptoms:
Amenorrhea - loss of menstrual cycle.
Barrett's Esophagus - associated with Cancer of the
esophagus and caused by Esophageal Reflux, this is a change in the cells within
the esophagus.
Blood Sugar Level Disruptions-
Low Blood Sugar- can indicate problems with the liver or kidneys
and can lead to neurological and mental deterioration.
Elevated Blood Sugar- can lead to diabetes, liver and kidney
shut down, circulatory and immune system problems.
Callused fingers - caused by repeated using the fingers to
induce vomiting.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome -crippling fatigue related to a
weakened immune system.
Cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, incontinence -
increased or decreased bowel activity.
Death- caused by any of the following or any combination of
the following: heart attack or heart failure; lung collapse; internal bleeding,
stroke, kidney failure, liver failure; pancreatitis, gastric rupture,
perforated ulcer, depression and suicide.
Dehydration - caused by lack of intake of fluids in the
body.
Dental Problems- decalcification of teeth, erosion of tooth
enamel, and severe decay.
Gum Disease -caused by stomach acids and enzymes from
vomiting; lack of vitamin D and calcium, and hormonal imbalance.
Depression - mood swings and depression caused by
physiological factors such as electrolyte imbalances, hormone and vitamin
deficiencies, malnutrition and dehydration. Living with the Eating Disorder
behaviors can cause depression. Depression can also lead the victim back into
the cycle of the Eating Disorder (or may have initially been the problem before
the onset of the ED). Stress within family, job and relationships can all be
causes. There are also a percentage of people born with a pre-disposition to
depression, based on family history.
Diabetes - high blood sugar as a result of low production of
insulin. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, hyperglycemia or chronic
pancreatitis.
Digestive Difficulties - a deficiency in digestive enzymes
will lead to the body's inability to properly digest food and absorb nutrients.
This can lead to mal-absorption problems, malnutrition and electrolyte
imbalances.
Dry Skin and Hair, Brittle Hair and Nails, Hair Loss -
caused by Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies, malnutrition and dehydration
Edema - swelling of the soft tissues as a result of excess
water accumulation. Most common in the legs and feet of Compulsive Overeaters
and in the abdominal area of Anorexics and/or Bulimics (can be caused by
Laxative and Diuretic use).
Electrolyte Imbalances - electrolytes are essential to the
production of the body's "natural electricity" that ensures healthy
teeth, joints and bones, nerve and muscle impulses, kidneys and heart, blood
sugar levels and the delivery of oxygen to the cells. Bad Circulation, Slowed
or Irregular Heartbeat, Arrhythmias, Angina, Heart Attack - There are many
factors associated with having an Eating Disorder that can lead to heart
problems or a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest can cause permanent damage to
the heart, or instant death. Electrolyte imbalances (especially potassium
deficiency), dehydration, malnutrition, low blood pressure, extreme orthostatic
hypotension, abnormally slow heart rate, electrolyte imbalances, and hormonal
imbalances call all cause serious problems with the heart.
Esophageal Reflux - Acid Reflux Disorders - partially
digested items in the stomach, mixed with acid and enzymes, regurgitates back
into the esophagus. This can lead to damage to the esophagus, larynx and lungs
and increases the chances of developing cancer of the esophagus and voice box.
Gastric Rupture - spontaneous stomach erosion, perforation
or rupture.
High Blood Pressure, Hypertension - elevated blood pressure
exceeding 140 over 90. Can cause: blood vessel changes in the back of the eye
creating vision impairment; abnormal thickening of the heart muscle; kidney
failure; and brain damage.
Hyperactivity - manic behavior; not being able to sit still.
Impaired Neuromuscular Function - due to vitamin and mineral
deficiencies and malnutrition.
Infertility - the inability to have children; caused by loss
of menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances. Malnutrition and vitamin
deficiencies can also make it impossible to succeed with a full-term pregnancy,
and can increase the chances significantly of a baby born with birth defects.
Insomnia - having problems falling and/or staying asleep.
Iron Deficiency, Anemia - this makes the oxygen transporting
units within the blood useless and can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath,
increased infections, and heart palpitations.
Kidney Infection and Failure - kidneys cleanse the poisons
from your body, regulate acid concentration and maintain water balance. Vitamin
Deficiencies, dehydration, infection and low blood pressure increase the risks
of and associated with kidney infection thus making permanent kidney damage and
kidney failure more likely.
Lanugo - (soft downy hair on face, back and arms). This is
caused due to a protective mechanism built-in to the body to help keep a person
warm during periods of starvation and malnutrition, and the hormonal imbalances
that result.
Liver Failure - the liver aids in removing waste from cells,
and aids in digestion. Fasting and taking acetaminophen (drug found in
over-the-counter painkillers) increases your risks for Liver damage and
failure. Loss of menstruation and dehydration (putting women at risk for too
much iron in their system), and chronic heart failure can lead to liver damage
or failure.
Low Blood Pressure, Hypotension - caused by lowered body
temperature, malnutrition and dehydration. Can cause heart arrhythmias, shock
or myocardial infarction.
Lowered body temperature - caused by loss of healthy
insulating layer of fat and lowered blood pressure.
Malnutrition - caused by undereating or overeating.
Malnutrition indicates deficiency for energy, protein and micronutrients (e.g.
vitamin A, iodine and iron) either singularly or in combination. It can cause
severe health risks including (but not limited to) respiratory infections,
kidney failure, blindness, heart attack and death.
Mallory-Weiss tear - associated with vomiting, a tear of the
gastroesophageal junction.
Muscle Atrophy - wasting away of muscle and decrease in
muscle mass due to the body feeding off of itself.
Orthostatic Hypotension - sudden drop in blood pressure upon
sitting up or standing. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred vision, passing
out, heart pounding and headaches.
Osteoporosis - thinning of the bones with reduction in bone
mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein, predisposing to fractures.
Osteopenia - below normal bone mass indicating a calcium
and/or vitamin D deficiency and leading to Osteoporosis. Hormone
imbalance/deficiencies associated with the loss of the menstrual cycle can also
increase your risks of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia.
Pancreatitis - when the digestive enzymes attack the
pancreas; caused by repeated stomach trauma, alcohol consumption or the
excessive use of laxatives or diet pills.
Peptic Ulcers - caused by increased stomach acids, cigarette
smoking, high consumption of caffeine or alcohol.
Pregnancy problems - including potential for high-risk
pregnancies, miscarriage, still born babies and death or chronic illnesses from
minor to severe, in children born (all due to malnutrition, dehydration,
vitamin and hormone deficiencies).
Swelling - in face and cheeks (following self-induced
vomiting)
Seizures - increased risk of seizures in Anorexic and
Bulimic individuals may be caused by dehydration. It is also possible that lesions
on the brain caused by long-term malnutrition and lack of oxygen-carrying cells
to the brain may play a role.
Tearing of Esophagus - caused by self-induced vomiting
TMJ "Syndrome" - degenerative arthritis within the
tempero-mandibular joint in the jaw (where the lower jaw hinges to the skull)
creating pain in the joint area, headaches, and problems chewing and
opening/closing the mouth. Vitamin deficiencies and teeth grinding (often
related to stress) can both be causes.
Weakness and Fatigue - caused generalized poor eating
habits, electrolyte imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, depression,
malnutrition, heart problems.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association (1998), Eating Disorders.
Dept. of Health and Human Services (1987, 1995). Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia.
Also adapted from EDAP, Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention, 1998, www,edap.org
My hope…my desire…my purpose now in life…why I believe God has lead me down this path, is to help educate people. To use my story…my struggle…to stop the suffering of others. Please. If you know someone who is struggling…or you yourself are victim of an Eating Disorder, feel free to contact me. Any day, any time. You are not alone. You are not a failure. You are loved. There is freedom and there is hope. I know this because I was RIGHT there. And now I am HERE. Use me J
Winter Grace
