Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can have severe effects on all systems of the body. If you are recovering from anorexia nervosa, here are some useful tips on how to restore your nutritional health. In treating anorexia nervosa, the gradual restoration of nutritional health is an integral part of recovery.
The malnutrition that has resulted from this eating disorder can have many adverse effects on the body, such as abnormal heart rhythms, reduced blood flow, and severe nutrient deficiency. Therefore, the restoration of nutritional health should be a top priority.
Given that you are already receiving treatment for eating disorder in Westport, CT, here are additional tips to help you restore your nutritional balance:
1. Avoid refeeding syndrome
Refeeding syndrome results from the rapid feeding of a person whose body is in starvation mode. The fast introduction of foods causes a shift in fluids and electrolytes and the body, which causes metabolic abnormalities that can result in death.
To avoid refeeding syndrome, you must consult with a registered dietitian who can provide you with a proper diet plan. When recovering from anorexia, one must monitor the intake of phosphorus, calcium, thiamin, potassium, and magnesium for the first five days, and every other day after that (for a few weeks).
You can do this by working closely with medical professionals who can monitor your condition and put you on the right path for healthy eating.
2. Consult with a dietitian
Dietitians are licensed to provide diets based on clinical nutrition therapy. After the initial refeeding stage in the hospital or treatment center, it is highly recommended that you consult with an outpatient dietitian regularly. A dietitian can help rehabilitate your body and give you an adequate diet to reach a healthy weight.
They will also consider your preferences, hunger cues, and past aversions to create a meal plan that works for you.
3. Avoid foods that can fill you up quickly
At least for the first few weeks of treatment, reduce foods that can fill you up quickly, such as liquids and raw produce. Doing this will help you make room for more food and increase caloric intake.
4. Choose calorie-dense foods
Eating a lot of food can be too much for your stomach and your mind. While you’re increasing your portion sizes, incorporate calorie-dense foods into your diet. Examples of which are oil, butter, cheese, nuts, avocados, and granola.
Moreover, you can supplement your diet with liquid nutrition (e.g. Ensure, Prosure, etc.) to help you reach your daily calorie requirements. If you don’t feel like eating solid foods, you can also drink liquid nutrition products as an alternative.
5. Attend therapy sessions
Recovering from an eating disorder is harder if you do it alone. To help you regain control in your life and heal psychologically, go to a psychiatrist or a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. Part of your therapy can be learning how to enjoy food again.
With an eating disorder, it can be difficult to enjoy eating genuinely. Fortunately, a therapist can help you come up with strategies on how you can rebuild a healthy relationship with food.
Regaining nutritional balance is an essential step in recovery. If you want to help yourself or a loved one recover nutritional health, here are the tips you should start with.