HEALTH

  BINGE EATING: MEANING, EFFECTS & SOLUTIONS

You might be curious about what this is as it is something only some people are aware of. As plain as this may sound, Binge Eating is a moth that has eaten deep into the fabrics of sound health.

Binge eating is a disorder that involves a regular consumption of an unusually large amount of food over a short period until you're full to the point of discomfort. Most times, you may not necessarily be hungry before binge eating.

BED- Binge Eating Disorder is marked by repeatedly eating large amounts of food without control. It is also accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame and psychological distress. This disorder can cause other health issues linked to diets, such as Diabetes, High cholesterol levels, Asthma, Cancer and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Surprisingly, BED doesn't have to do with food alone. It has triggers such as stress, excessive dieting, low self-esteem, excessive food and boredom. It is also recognized as a psychiatric disorder because it can result from psychological conditions such as anxiety or depression. Sexual harassment can also be a cause.

  

 At one time or another, we may have experienced or indulged in an episode or two of binge eating, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it has become a disorder. To prevent It from happening again, you must pay attention to your stomach to know when it's full. This also helps you to exercise self-control. Also, drinking lots of water during meals can go a long way in helping you cut the amount of food you consume at once.

The good thing about BED is that it can be treated, but only with the cooperation of the person involved. Some therapies can be undergone, but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most effective. It helps discover the negative feelings and behaviours that cause BED and puts strategies in place to curb it.

Medications such as depressants can also treat BED but are not as effective as behavioural therapies. 

Other ways include;

-- Keep a food and mood diary. It helps you identify your triggers.

-- Practice mindfulness. Be careful and conscious of what you eat and when you eat. Remember to pay attention to your stomach.

-- Find someone to talk to. Don't keep quiet about it.

-- Choose healthy foods. Avoid junk as much as possible.

-- Eat regularly. Avoid skipping meals. Studies reveal that it's best to eat breakfast because it's the day's most important meal. If you skip a meal, your body will most likely want to make up for it during the next one.

-- Get enough sleep and try not to worry about issues.

-- Stay hydrated at all times

-- Exercise!

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