Importance of Food in Health

Is nature's remedy a thing? Is food really the fuel we need to survive? As a matter of fact, food does all of that, and more. Not only does the correct nutrition help our body grow in the ways it needs, but it helps regulate our emotions and give us happiness. Many people struggle mentally with the concept of food, and others have no access to it.

Introduction

It might seem crazy to many that food plays such an important role in our day to day lives. Many people might go their whole lives without thinking about the importance of the nutrition they put in their bodies. However, from how you feel, to how to perform and act, food is essential in being happy and healthy. Lack of food, extreme control over diets, and feeling helpless when food may seem out of your control all affect different aspects of life.

What Eating Disorders Are and What They Affect

Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, orthorexia, restrictive dieting, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are associated with and can cause distressing thoughts and emotions. Eating and food in general have a large impact on people’s thoughts and emotions, which can, in turn, affect the course of anyone’s life. Eating disorders can affect the physical, psychological and social human functions. They are shaped by the way a person views their weight, body, and certain foods, which in turn leads to anxiety and obsession over how they look, what foods to eat, how much, and when. This obsessive control over oneself can lead to many negative causes, such as the failure of the reproductive system, anemia, bloating, tiredness, dizziness, yellowing skin, hair thinning and fallout, obsession over nutrition labels, menstrual periods ceasing, cold intolerance, muscle weakness and wasting, heartburn and reflux (in those who vomit), severe constipation, fatigue, poor concentration, stress fractures from compulsive exercise as well as bone brittleness, heart health issues, less production of keratin and collagen, which leads to more brittle nails and hair, less developed cognitive abilities, stunted growth, and a slowed metabolism, as well as delayed puberty, anxiety, and depression. In simple terms, eating disorders can be seen as anxiety towards food or aspects of food displayed by certain worrisome behaviors.

Behaviors

Many behaviors associated with eating disorders can be described as addictive. Some include purging food by vomiting or by the misuse of laxatives, as well as extreme, intensive, and long periods of exercise, not eating or avoiding certain foods or food groups, avoidance to change or a change in schedules, planning mealtimes at an obsessive rate, refusal to “go out,” guilt when missing a workout, obsession over nutrition labels, not eating all day only to binge under stress or other pressures, and more. It is different for everyone, but affects millions of people a year. Many people with an eating disorder can exhibit ambivalence towards treatment, denial of a problem with eating and weight, or anxiety about changing eating patterns. With proper medical care, those with eating disorders can resume healthy eating habits, and recover their emotional and psychological health. This can be through extensive care, community support, therapy, nutritionist assistance, and joining a group such as Music Mangoes.

How to Fix it

There is no one right way to get rid of or “fix” an eating disorder, and while it is not something to condone, there is no shame in having a disorder, but it is highly advised to seek help. Some ways to seek positive assistance and get ahead are to normalize your eating patterns and achieve a healthy weight, learn to monitor your eating and moods by practicing mindfulness, set goals, get medical assistance, seek therapy, practice affirmations, develop new relationships, get good support system, join a positive community, practice a new hobby, and learn healthy coping skills. Practicing all of this will, in turn, help you reach a healthier and happier version of yourself, as well as improve your mood and relationships.

Mental Illness and Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are very often seen correlated with other mental health illnesses and are passed down by genes, meaning that they are heritable. For example, if someone else in your family has been showing signs of a mental illness or disorder, it is more likely for you to get it as well. A few of the correlated illnesses to eating disorders include anxiety, depression, OCD, and substance abuse/addiction. Many people feel shame and guilt when caught with disordered behaviors, and are hesitant to seek assistance, which is why it is important to help by spreading awareness of mental health issues and raising funds to donate and condone positive hobbies.

Conclusion

All in all, food makes the world a better place. It gives us the nutrition we need to grow, and the happiness we need to function correctly. Many people struggle mentally with the concept of food, and others have no access to it. So, by collaborating with Music and Mangoes, everyone can share the benefits that come by using food as fuel.