Table of Contents
What triggers a food binge?
Certain calorie-dense foods, especially those loaded with refined sugars, can trigger overeating and cause you to overindulge. “The most common trigger foods are highly palatable foods filled with sugar, salt and unhealthy fats,” says Lena Beal, M.S., RD, LD, a therapeutic dietitian at Piedmont’s Fuqua Heart Center. So, what happens to your body when you overeat? Overeating causes the stomach to expand beyond its normal size to adjust to the large amount of food. The expanded stomach pushes against other organs, making you uncomfortable. This discomfort can take the form of feeling tired, sluggish or drowsy. Foods high in saturated fat (like palm oil and animal fat) can cause desensitization of dopamine receptors and are linked to lower reward response, leading to a lack of motivation and drive. Binge eating overloads a person’s system, which may result in low energy, sleepiness, and sluggishness. Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time also may result in acid reflux, cramping, heartburn, and diarrhea. Binge eating overloads a person’s system, which may result in low energy, sleepiness, and sluggishness. Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time also may result in acid reflux, cramping, heartburn, and diarrhea. An example of binge eating would be eating a large amount of food in a short amount of time and feeling as if you were out of control. In general, binge eaters tend to eat more often than those who experience the occasional bout of overeating.
Who is prone to binge eating?
Binge eating disorder is more common in younger and middle-aged people. However, older people can be affected, too. Binge eating disorder is common among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The distress of having diabetes, which requires a constant focus on weight and food control, may be the reason for this link. Associated with these frequent binges are intense feelings of being out of control and powerless to stop eating, as well as disgust, shame and depression. However, unlike individuals with bulimia, binge eaters do not engage in compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, exercising or misusing laxatives and diuretics. The word ‘binge’ first appeared in English in the mid-1800s to mean ‘to soak’. Around the time of World War I, the term ‘binge’ was used to refer to eating or drinking in excess. The term binge-watching can be traced back as far as 2003, but it didn’t come into common usage until around 2012. The RALIC Method: a step-by-step process to free you from compulsive eating. An opportunity to see your own behaviour more clearly. The chance to connect with others who understand what it’s like to struggle with binge eating. Restricted eating, malnourishment, and excessive weight loss can lead to changes in our brain chemistry, resulting in increased symptoms of depression and anxiety (Centre for Clinical Interventions, 2018b). These changes in brain chemistry and poor mental health outcomes skew reality.
How do people act after a binge eating?
“Drink lots of water – at least two liters or more – the next day to rehydrate your body after consuming high-salt and high-sugar foods as well as alcohol,” Vavrek says. Keeping your body well-hydrated is always a good practice, especially after a binge, because water aids in digestion and reduces bloating. A 10-day water fasting plan should ideally begin with limiting the intake of solid foods during the first two days. From day 3 to day 7, drink 1-2 liters and completely avoid solid foods. This way, you can boost your body’s metabolism, burn fat, and eliminate toxins. Focus on clear liquids, like water, and drink 8-10 glasses a day. You might also try sports drinks, which can help replace nutrients, as well as fruit juice and ginger ale. Mild: 1 to 3 episodes per week. Moderate: 4 to 7 episodes per week. Severe: 8 to 13 episodes per week. Extreme: 14 or more episodes per week.
What are the levels of binge eating?
Mild: 1 to 3 episodes per week. Moderate: 4 to 7 episodes per week. Severe: 8 to 13 episodes per week. Extreme: 14 or more episodes per week.