30 million Americans will struggle with disordered eating at some point in their lives. Nearly one million Canadians are living with a diagnosed eating disorder, and millions of others struggle with food and weight preoccupation. These serious illnesses affect all kinds of individuals across the spectrum of gender, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status.
The month of February marks two observances to raise public awareness about the dangers of eating disorders. In the United States, the National Eating Disorders Association is spearheading National Eating Disorders Awareness Week from February 24th through March 1st. In Canada, the National Eating Disorder Information Centre is behind Eating Disorder Awareness Week from February 1st through February 7th.
Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia and binge eating are complex and life threatening – they have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. However, due to societal stigma, many eating disorders go undiagnosed or untreated.
The holistic, patient-centered approach of naturopathic medicine is a key tool in screening and treating eating disorders effectively.
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Jennifer Botwick, ND
“Addressing eating disorders and nutritional peculiarities requires a sensitive eye, a listening ear and a thorough appointment: the written patient intake, the physical exam, and an extensive interview.”
Jennifer Botwick, ND
Renowned Nutrition Expert and Retired Clinical Supervisor and Adjunct Faculty, University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine
Jennifer Botwick, ND
Renowned Nutrition Expert and Retired Clinical Supervisor and Adjunct Faculty, University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine
After the initial stage of screening, naturopathic doctors take a multifaceted approach to address the eating disorder as thoroughly as possible.
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Afsoun Khalili, BSc, ND
Afsoun Khalili, BSc, ND
Associate Professor and Clinic Faculty, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Afsoun Khalili, BSc, ND
Associate Professor and Clinic Faculty, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic doctors approach treatment for eating disorders from a variety of angles. These NDs weigh in with the methods they find most effective.
Afsoun Khalili, BSc, ND
Afsoun Khalili, BSc, ND
Associate Professor and Clinic Faculty, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Afsoun Khalili, BSc, ND
Associate Professor and Clinic Faculty, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Jennifer Botwick, ND
It is important to “recognize behaviors and patterns with regard to food, eating, thinness, weight, self-acceptance, cutting, excessive exercise, regimented eating and precise daily notations” when screening for eating disorders. In treatment, she recommends regular therapy. “Therapy varies for the individual, as does what and how we eat. As nutritional lifestyles vary, so does the type of treatment. Talk therapy for some, dance, art, or music therapy for others. A professional and safe counseling relationship can aid the patient in their path of wellness with a healthy relationship to and with eating.”
Jennifer Botwick, ND
Renowned Nutrition Expert and Retired Clinical Supervisor and Adjunct Faculty, University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine
Jennifer Botwick, ND
Renowned Nutrition Expert and Retired Clinical Supervisor and Adjunct Faculty, University of Bridgeport School of Naturopathic Medicine
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
When treating patients struggling with eating disorders, these doctors have seen great progress because of their naturopathic approaches. Here are a few of their success stories.
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Orthorexia is another condition that can arise from extreme dietary monitoring and an obsessive desire to “eat clean.” Naturopathic expertise is valuable for this circumstance as well.
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Nicole Cain, ND, MA
Integrative Mental Health Expert, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
Katie Stage, ND, RH (AGH)
Faculty Senate President and Director of the Division of Therapeutics, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
This month and every month, naturopathic doctors work closely with patients to screen and treat eating disorders.
“Naturopathic medicine offers hope to the hopeless. While the modern medical model has helped millions of men and women recover from eating disorders, there are those who do not get well with conventional approaches. Naturopathic medicine provides a completely unique and fresh perspective.”
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