Author: Breanna Mills R.D.
Experiencing digestive distress in recovery from an eating disorder is very common. Our digestive system is full of muscle and if this muscle is not being used regularly and consistently, it becomes less effective at doing its job. As a result of inconsistent eating habits or not digesting enough food on a regular basis, the digestive system slows down, which can lead to symptoms like bloating, constipation, gas and early satiety, among others.
The most important step in healing the digestive system is establishing a pattern of consistent, adequate and regular nourishment. As food intake increases and becomes more regular, the digestive system can heal. As this process is happening, there are supportive things that you can do to help. Here are some ideas that may be soothing while working on recovery:
Heating pad or hot water bottle
Grounding and breathing techniques
Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications- it is important to discuss these with your doctor or treatment team
Wearing comfortable clothes
Squatty potty
Teas like peppermint or ginger
Decreasing high fibre foods
Fibre can be a confusing topic for recovery. Although fibre is important in creating bowel movements, in recovery from an eating disorder, it can actually cause more issues. Food is moving slowly through the digestive system because the digestive system isn’t strong enough to push it through faster and is not a result of a lack of fibre. Adding more fibre to an already backed up system can just lead to more symptoms.
Digestive distress in recovery is very common and also very uncomfortable. Working on establishing more adequate and structured nourishment, along with some supportive remedies can help get through this uncomfortable period where the digestive system is healing and repairing the damage caused by the eating disorder.
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