Emotional Overeating: The Silent Battle Within

April is National Emotional Overeating Awareness Month, and the sobering fact is that millions of Americans across the nation are battling against this pervasive disorder, which reaps havoc on victims’ health and well-being and often leaves family members searching for answers.

    Suffering individuals are frequently overwhelmed by powerful adverse emotions as an often silent war rages within. Sometimes, the fight against emotional overeating is in plain sight; however, much of the time, it is a hidden fight playing out dangerously in secret.

    What exactly is an emotional overeating disorder? It is a condition in which one eats food, or even drinks, as a way to self-soothe and/or suppress negative emotions, such as anger, fear, stress, sadness, loneliness, and even boredom. A life-changing event, such as a personal death, divorce or mounting financial pressure, can trigger these type of feelings that lead to emotional eating. Other triggers include health problems, work stress and chronic fatigue. Indicator tests are available to help identify emotional triggers. One should consult a qualified healthcare provider for more information.

    The impact on the body, mind and spirit can be absolutely devastating. The body is a world of intertwined systems that continuously work together as a whole—greatly dependent on one another. If the body is not properly cared for and nourished, the negative impact can be widespread. By many estimates, 75 percent of overeating is driven by emotions. Oftentimes, the strongest food cravings hit when an individual is at his or her weakest point emotionally, thus turning to food for comfort and to cope, consciously or unconsciously.

    While these facts are disturbing, fortunately, there are action steps that can be taken to help fight and win the battle against emotional overeating. Eliminating unhealthy “go-to” foods that seem to always be handy when trouble hits is important. Such foods are usually high in calories, fatty in nature and overloaded with sugar.            In addition, individuals should never live in denial by refusing to face the truth, no matter how tough the reality. One should identify emotional triggers that lead to downward spirals. Keeping a food “diary” to keep track of what is eaten and when is a simple but effective step that helps to identify emerging negative patterns and the potential causes. Seeking help from family members, friends and healthcare professionals, when necessary, is another crucial step. Having a support network is vital for success. It’s also important to keep in mind that setbacks will mostly likely happen, but the key is to learn from them and not let shame and guilt, which may arise, define you and become obstacles to the healing process.

    Other helpful action steps include bike riding, walking, increased positive social interaction, reading or writing, and taking up a new hobby. Replacing negative thoughts, activity and behavior patterns with good ones helps to eliminate or greatly minimize the impact and effect of emotional triggers. The key is to cultivate and nurture one’s positive self-image and self-esteem.     

    It is also beneficial to get good rest and make good decisions when it comes to diet and eating. As stated, emotional eating often leads to poor food choices, so it is vitally important to eat the proper nutrients. The gut, known as the “second brain,” plays a pivotal role in one’s emotional health. A gut-healing diet includes fermented foods, probiotics, bone broth, nutrient-dense whole foods and organic choices.    

    Emotional overeating is a serious issue that must be addressed and not ignored. Luckily, healing and hope can be reached by taking the necessary steps that lead to restoration and recovery!

For more information about emotional overeating, call About Your Health, located at 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy., Ste. J, in Columbia, at 803-798-8687 or visit AboutYourHealthSC.com.