Research Suggests Clean Eating May Turn Into an Unhealthy Obsession

(Newswire.net — July 26, 2022) Orlando, FL — Eating disorders have become quite common today. There are even many researchers who are carrying out studies to look into the effects of eating disorders and what their contributing factors are.

A study carried out by researchers at York University’s Faculty of Health has shown that there are certain groups who are more susceptible to a pathological obsession with healthy eating or consuming only healthy food, known as orthorexia Nervosa (ON).

These are individuals with a history of an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive traits, dieting, poor body image, and a drive for thinness.

While eating healthy is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, such a preoccupation with healthy eating for some people can actually turn physically and socially impairing. 

In the first exhaustive review of the psychosocial risk factors linked with orthorexia Nervosa, York University psychology researchers looked into all studies published up until the end of 2018 in two popular databases. 

They analyzed the studies that examined how orthorexia Nervosa is associated with psychosocial risk factors. It is worth noting these risk factors predisposed or made an individual vulnerable to or more susceptible to the condition. 

“The long-term impact of these findings is that they will lead to better recognition among healthcare providers as well as members of the public that so-called healthy eating can, in fact, be unhealthy,” says Jennifer Mills, associate professor in the Department of Psychology and senior author on the study.

“It can lead to malnourishment or make it very difficult to socialize with people in settings that involve eating. It can also be expensive and time-consuming.”

It is further worth noting that when taken to the extreme, such an obsession with clean eating can be a sign that a person struggles in managing mental health. 

Since the pandemic hit, it has been found more and more people are struggling with mental health issues. There are those who resort to emotional eating due to isolation and other changes that the pandemic has brought. 

Scientists have been carrying out studies to look into the techniques potentially helpful in protecting and enhancing mental health. In addition to making dietary and lifestyle improvements, certain remedies like the use of lion’s mane may be helpful.

Over the years, researchers have been carrying out studies to look into the therapeutic goodness of this remedy. 

It’s been found to have neuroprotective, cardiovascular-health enhancing, blood-pressure-lowering, immunity-boosting, cholesterol-regulating, anti-inflammatory, cognitive-decline-fighting, nerve repairing, and weight management properties. 

It is used widely today through formulas like Divine Bounty Lion’s Mane. (amazon.com/Organic-Lions-Mane-Mushroom-Capsules/dp/B07LGR1KN7).