I have to start by saying, any patient that comes to see me with an eating disorder of any kind, it really is imperative they are also seeking professional GP and Psychological support. For example, say a lovely lady comes to see me for help with her relationship with food, getting her menstrual cycle back, nutritional support etc, ideally she is ALSO under the care of a supportive GP and Psychologist. I really do believe that to give an individual the best care and best support on their recovery journey, it requires a multi-disciplinary approach.

As a Naturopath, when assisting patients with EDs, I really bring it back to basics. For example, I don’t use many if any herbs or particular hormonal combinations for a female with HA (Hypothalamic Amenorrhoea = lost period). She doesn’t need herbs. What she needs is to restore herself back to her healthy thriving weight, nourish herself through food, gently move her body, strengthen and improve her mental health, improve her relationship with food/movement and more. I am well aware, this is easier said than done, I know.

Some key areas I focus on with my ED patients include;

• Incorporating an ‘All in moderation’ philosophy and a balance of all things.

• Working on including macronutrients with each meal – protein, essential fatty acids and complex carbohydrates/starchy veggies.

• Similarly, working on including micronutrients with each meal that are often found to be deficient, e.g. zinc, iron, manganese, phosphate, B vitamins, selenium.

• Eating regular meals/snacks throughout the day - every 2-3 hours.

• Eating the right volume of food in a day and a wide variety of foods.

• Addressing lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, movement, sunshine exposure, scheduling in fun and so much more.

• Often testing is required too - particularly a full blood count to understand further how their body is coping, in particular evaluating; cholesterol levels, liver markers, nutritional deficiencies (particularly iron, B12 and zinc) , white blood cells and more.

• Addressing any nutritional deficiencies/bodily symptoms through food, lifetsyle and potential supplementation.

There are so many ways a Naturopath can help a patient in recovery from an ED/DE - bringing it back to basics, and really focussing on nutrition, movement and lifestyle is where it is at. And when a multi-disciplinary team is involved, the better the recovery.

** If any of this sounds familiar, please feel free to get in touch. I understand what you are going through and am here to help you get back to nourishing every cell in your body. Furthermore, if you know of someone or think you might have an eating disorder, please speak with your GP or healthcare professional. You can also contact a number of support services such as The Butterfly Foundation https://butterfly.org.au/. You are not alone, and there are so many strategies and professional healthcare workers that can help you on your journey to recovery. Nutmeg’s Sydney North Shore neighbours, Body Matters and The Redleaf Practice, are both amazing clinics specialising in Eating Disorders of all kinds.

Take care of you and know the journey to recover IS possible.

Love Nutmeg xxx