With the COVID-19 Pandemic I have been seeing more eating disorder patients, whether it be a relapse of Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating and disordered eating patterns.
A few examples;
- I have seen patients diagnosed with COVID-19 with the diagnosis of COVID-19 came with no taste and this was linked to a relapse in their disordered eating patterns.
- With the diagnosis of COVID-19 came with isolation and this was linked to binge eating post the diagnosis with fear of going out post diagnosis
How to address;
-Research has indicated that olfactory/taste/ smell dysfunction is recovered in about a month can be longer for some patients
Try a variety of flavors, temperatures and textures. Don’t give up on foods. What tastes “off” today may taste normal next week.
Eat foods that taste good. Keep a list of these things.
Avoid foods that taste bad.
Try spices and herbs on foods or condiments to increase taste
Try warm/ to mildly hot lemon-honey water for comfort
Try ginger pieces/ ginger if "no taste" comes w/ nausea
-Involve your healthcare team with your feelings of isolation/Binge Eating
Keep Trigger foods out of the home
Practice Mindful Eating techniques(we discuss together at the appointment)
Keep a food journal/ write down emotions/ feelings in journal/ try to relate eating patterns to your emotions(recognize your feelings instead of eating them so to speak)
Try to have the patient find a person they feel comfortable eating around