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Eating Disorders and Food Addiction
Eating disorders are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behavior. The practice of an eating disorder can be
viewed as a survival mechanism. Just as an alcoholic uses alcohol to cope, a person with an eating disorder can use eating,
purging or restricting to deal with their problems.
Some of the underlying issues that are associated with an eating
disorder include low self-esteem, depression, feelings of loss of control, feelings of worthlessness, identity concerns,
family communication problems and an inability to cope with emotions.
The practice of an eating disorder may be an expression of something that the eating disordered individual has found no
other way of expressing. Eating disorders are usually divided into three categories: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa
and Compulsive Overeating.
Millions of Americans suffer from an eating disorder. Their lives are controlled by food. Gaining or losing weight
becomes the focus of their existence. They often feel guilty, isolated, depressed and ashamed. They may be compulsively
overeating, binge purging, or starving themselves. All of them have one thing in common - they are suffering from an
eating disorder which can be fatal if left untreated.
Food Addiction
Food addiction is a contemporary term used to describe a pathological disorder; the compulsive, excessive craving for
and consumption of food. This condition is not only manifested by the abnormal intake of food, but the intake and
craving for foods that are, in themselves, harmful to the individual. While society and the medical profession have
readily understood alcoholism and drug abuse, it is only in recent years that there is an equal acceptance of the
fact that persons may be addicted to food in the same way. When any substance is taken into the body regardless of
its potential for harm or in excess of need, that substance is said to be abused. Individuals who abuse substances
in such a way are addicts; these persons become physiologically and mentally dependent upon certain substances, in
this case food.
With professional support, lifelong recovery and freedom from an
eating disorder can be achieved. The key to recovery is to understand the cause of the self-destructive behavior and
to acquire the tools to facilitate the necessary changes.
Many people with eating disorders have unsuccessfully tried to manage alone for many years and feel very discouraged.
Coming to counseling, admitting you need help, and facing the pain of the behavior that is out of control is a
tremendous first step. In the process, we work towards understanding the emotional components of your eating as well
as developing healthier eating habits.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional therapy is a critical component in the recovery from an eating disorder. As a Certified Clinical Nutritionist,
our psychotherapy sessions will include discussions on current food intake and its adequacy to maintain health. Counseling also
includes discussions of food restrictions, self-imposed food rules, and personal attributes ascribed to foods.
Nutrition work includes separating food intake and weight-related behaviors from feelings and emotional issues.
Nutritional therapy in a collaborative, caring relationship provides clients with knowledge and skills which will
feed the body for physical recovery. After that, the focus of therapy can move toward renewing a healthy self-esteem
and self-worth.
Recovery
Honest understanding emotional associations with foods and of current food intake and is the first step in recovery.
My education, experience, and compassion for recovery can help make your process easier and successful.
For more information, please call me at (408)315-0645 or
contact me online.
Is it Binge Eating or Just Overeating?
Gender, Eating Disorders and the Brain
Night Eating Syndrome
see more ...
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Randi Fredricks, LMFT ♦
1711 Hamilton Ave Suite A, San Jose, California, 95125 ♦
408-315-0645
Contact Randi Online
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is intended for informational purposes only.
No therapeutic relationship is established by the use of this site. Randi Fredricks is a Licensed Marriage Family
Therapist MFC 47803. Randi Fredricks is not licensed with the California Medical Board or the Bureau of
Naturopathic Medicine. © 2001-2010 Randi Fredricks All rights reserved.
Medical Disclaimer and Copyright
San Jose Therapist, San Jose Therapy, San Jose Psychotherapy, San Jose Psychotherapist, San Jose Counselor,
San Jose Counseling, San Jose Marriage Family Therapy, San Jose Marriage Family Therapist
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