They're everywhere; magazines talking about the eating habits and body sculpting practices of the rich and famous. Why are we so focused on the physical appearance of these people or for that matter, why do we put so much pressure on them to look a certain way? AND, what messages are we sending our kids, especially the girls? PLUS, what purpose does it serve to gossip about them?
I agree with being healthy; yet, how healthy are we being when we become obsessed? Obsession is a form of worry. Worry indicates a desire to control. When we're worried about the size and shape of our body, we're wanting to control. With life spinning out of control, we seek to gain some degree of control, and more often than not, the only things we ever have control over are our thoughts. Unfortunately, the human race competes within the framework of right / wrong, good / bad and various other extremes. As we grow and explore the world, we do everything we can to fit in and the only way to do that is by being good enough for someone or something; hence, obsession with our physical appearance becomes a tool for attracting and repelling attention. Even though it appears as if our society is attempting to lose weight and be healthy, the actions or lack thereof, have nothing to do with any of that; it's all about control and acceptance. In other words, we're collectively out of control, desperately seeking love. What's worse, this twisted unhealthy way of existing is a sad reality for millions of people.
What I'm referring to are eating disorders which affect nearly 24 million people of all ages and genders with at least 50% being treated for depression and anxiety. Statistically, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness; although, these numbers vary due to the final cause mentioned on the death certificate. Many people with an eating disorder develop heart problems, kidney problems, cancer, suffer from malnutrition or simply choose to end their life. However, it does not need to get to this point. There are plenty of early warning signs and with ample sensitivity, understanding, love and guidance our family members, friends and patients can successfully get through this difficult time.
Eating disorders are any of the following:
1. Anorexics starve / restrict food intake ~ minor forms of this eating disorder include people practicing excessive drinking of coffee and alcohol and cigarette smoking all while eating limited amounts of food.
2. Bulimics purge through the use of laxatives, diuretics, excessive exercise, vomiting OR fasting for extended periods of time to make up for a binge.
3. Compulsive overeaters do not use inappropriate weight control behaviors and are often laden with guilt or shame leading to additional binges.
4. Diabulimics are bulimics with diabetes manipulating their insulin levels for weight management.
If you suspect an eating disorder, take some time and look for any of these indicators:
1. Extreme concern with body weight and shape
2. Intense fear of being fat
3. Refusing to eat; not wanting to eat in public
4. Excessive use of laxatives or diuretics (bulimia)
5. Unusual need to use the bathroom after eating; always running water while using the restroom
6. Obsessed with food; eager to prepare large meals for friends and family and not eating with them
7. Extremely restrictive eating patterns
8. Excessive exercise
9. Loss of menstrual cycle
10. Change in tooth structure, color and length
11. Dry mouth
12. Bleeding gums
13. Increased sensitivity to hot and cold in the mouth
14. Perfectionist personality (anorexia / bulimia)
15. Increased sensitivity to cold (anorexia)
16. Low blood pressure and heart rate
17. Profuse perspiration and shortness of breath (binge eating)
18. Hair loss, sunken eyes, pale skin (anorexia)
19. Blood shot / lightly bruised eyes (bulimia)
20. Mood swings, anxiety, depression
21. Dizziness and headaches
22. Sore throat and / or swollen glands (bulimia)
Changes in the mouth are often the first physical symptoms of an eating disorder and can occur as early as six months from the start of the problem.
The nutritional deficiencies resulting from the harmful practices can lead to low bone mass, weakened heart as well as metabolic and electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances cause the blood to become more acidic (metabolic acidosis) and the potassium levels to drop directly affecting the quality of the saliva and its production. Laxatives, diuretics and vomiting add to the devastating effects in the mouth. Tooth erosion, dry mouth, gum disease, cavities are all early consequences of an eating disorder and the reason why a patient often seeks the assistance of a dental practitioner. There is also the risk of osteoporosis and jaw fractures in the anorexic patient.
Here's where the role of the dental professional becomes more than just a cavity detector. Dentists, doctors, dental hygienists, and assistants are now, more than ever, in the position of saving lives. To address the findings and concerns sooner than later is imperative because the evidence we currently have is undeniable ~ our oral health directly affects our physical health and vice versa. It's a systemic issue requiring a collaborative effort. It's time for doctors and dentists to come together and demonstrate holistic healthcare.
Eating disorders are not about being thin or healthy. They are a form of mental illness that 'upsets' the whole system as each one does. From my perspective, these issues are a microcosm representing the macrocosm. We are a world spinning out of control and are doing so on an individual basis as well. The cure? Feeding / filling the hungry hearts suffocated by fear.
At this point, it seems necessary for the collective to pull together in support of the greater good. It's going to take understanding, love and a genuine desire to alleviate the pain. Imagine the degree of discomfort someone must be feeling in order to manifest these physical symptoms. No one should have to die (or be on the verge of dying) to finally feel accepted. Therefore, smile. Smiling is contagious and getting someone to smile back at you just might save their life.
Remember, there is power in vulnerability. The more we allow ourselves to be seen, the more we see others and it's in this transparency that we create shifts. If the eyes are the window to the soul, it's only fitting that the mouth is the window to our heart.
Tammy Davis, Holistic Practitioner & Ghostwriter in Sarasota, FL
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