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Category: Mental health

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

Binge Eating is an Example of a Disordered Eating Behavior

4 min read
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), an estimated 2.8% of U.S. adults will experience binge eating disorder in their lifetime. Binge eating is a prime example of a disordered eating behavior, characterized by consuming an unusually large amount of food in a short period while feeling a lack of control.

Binge Eating Disorder: What is it called when you eat uncontrollably?

3 min read
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States. When you eat uncontrollably, this condition is formally known as Binge Eating Disorder, or BED. It is a serious, but treatable, mental illness characterized by recurrent episodes of consuming an unusually large amount of food, accompanied by a feeling of a loss of control.

What's the Best Source of Serotonin?

4 min read
An estimated 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut. This crucial neurotransmitter, often called the 'happy chemical', influences mood, sleep, and appetite. Determining what's the best source of serotonin for your brain involves a multi-faceted approach, as it isn't something you can ingest directly, but rather something your body synthesizes.

What is it called when you crave starch?

4 min read
According to a 2016 meta-analysis, pica, including the specific craving for starch, was associated with a 2.4-fold increase in the odds of anemia. This persistent and intense desire for non-nutritive, starchy substances is a medical phenomenon with specific names and causes.

Does eating carbs help your serotonin level?

4 min read
Did you know that up to 95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut? This remarkable fact highlights how diet profoundly impacts mood, and for serotonin, in particular, the strategic consumption of carbs can be a key factor in boosting levels.

Does the Carnivore Diet Increase Serotonin? A Deeper Look

5 min read
According to a 2021 social media survey, 95% of carnivore dieters reported improvements in mental clarity, mood, and anxiety, but does the carnivore diet increase serotonin, the neurotransmitter commonly linked to feelings of happiness? This question probes a deeper understanding of biochemistry beyond simple food-to-neurotransmitter conversion.

Is Geophagy Harmful to Your Health?

4 min read
According to the Cleveland Clinic, pica, an eating disorder that includes geophagy (eating earth), affects up to 30% of young children and can occur in pregnant women. While sometimes rooted in cultural practices, the question remains: is geophagy harmful to one's health?

Pica: The Eating Disorder Where People Crave Dirt or Ice

4 min read
According to the Cleveland Clinic, pica is a relatively common mental health condition where a person compulsively eats non-food items, affecting certain populations more frequently. This behavior is known as the eating disorder in which people crave foods such as dirt or ice, and it can affect individuals of any age, though it is more common in children and pregnant women.

Understanding Pica: The Disorder Characterized by Eating Dirt or Clay

4 min read
According to the National Institutes of Health, the practice of consuming earth, soil, or clay is an ancient habit, yet in modern contexts, it is medically known as pica. Pica is an eating disorder characterized by eating dirt or clay, along with other non-nutritive, non-food substances for at least one month. The behavior can be a sign of underlying nutritional deficiencies or other medical issues.