Depression and anxiety are often the reasons behind a person’s eating behavior as well as the result of a person’s poor eating behavior.
Food, especially the high sugar, highly processed food that people tend to crave and binge eat tends to soothe anxiety or just numb emotional hurt and pain.
Did you know most of the serotonin required to regulate your moods is produced in your gut! Its really important to make sure your intestines are healthy and there is a good balance of healthy bacteria present to ensure optimal serotonin production.
Psychotherapy along with medication therapy is helpful working with the brain to:
- understand the past experiences and negative thinking patterns that lead to depression and anxiety.
- use strategies to re-wire those neurons and change your thinking to more positive thoughts.
- use different types of self care and relaxation strategies to soothe the anxiety and emotional pain.
- plan lifestyle changes to ensure adequate sleep, physical activity and quality time with friends and family.
Nutrition Therapy and Functional Nutrition Interventions can complement this by:
- ensuring adequate nutrient intake through meal planning and meal preparation using food and if needed nutrition supplements.
- identifying and addressing food sensitivities to maintain optimal health and function of the gastrointestinal tract.
- challenging any negative thoughts and feelings about food, weight and eating.