Gut Health and Eating Disorders: What’s the Overlap?
Ever feel like your gut is staging a protest every time you eat? Bloated, gurgly, unpredictable…like it’s got its own dramatic personality? You’re not imagining it. Your gut and your brain are besties in a very intense, sometimes toxic relationship. When most people think about eating disorders, they think of food, weight, and body image. But did you know that gut health and mental health are deeply connected? As an eating disorder psychologist, I often see clients whose digestive issues both influence and are influenced by their eating disorder. Understanding this connection can be an important piece of recovery, especially when it can make life feel…well, messy.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Think of your gut as the drama queen and your brain as the overprotective parent. Through the gut-brain axis, they constantly talk to each other. If your gut is unhappy, hello, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, your brain gets the memo, sending extra anxiety, cravings, or mood swings. And vice versa: stress, dieting, and disordered eating can throw your gut into full-on rebellion mode. So changes in your gut, such as inflammation, microbiome changes, or irregular digestion, can directly affect your mood, and anxiety. Likewise, stress, restrictive eating, and disordered behaviours can disrupt gut function.
How Eating Disorders Impact the Gut
Restrictive eating, bingeing, purging, and over-exercising can all mess with digestion. Common issues include bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, acid reflux, irregular bowel movements, and changes in hunger/fullness signals. Then, the guilt and anxiety kick in, creating a vicious loop: gut acts up → you freak out → gut acts up more → repeat. So this is the cycle where the gut and mind feed into each other.
Why Multidisciplinary Care is a Game-Changer
Here’s the plot twist: no single superhero can fix this alone. Recovery works best when you assemble your Avengers. A psychologist can help to untangle the emotional mess, a dietitian guides gentle, non-restrictive nutrition, and a doctor keeps an eye on physical health. Together, they make sure your mind, gut, and body aren’t fighting each other like reality TV contestants. When all parts work together, recovery is safer, faster, and more sustainable.
How Gut Health Can Support Recovery - Without becoming obsessive
Emerging research shows that a happy gut can actually support mental health. That doesn’t mean doing a 10-step cleanse or avoiding carbs forever. Instead, focus on:
Eating regularly: Your gut hates surprises. Don’t leave it hanging. That means gentle, consistent eating.
Variety over restriction: Colourful meals, not punishment plates.
Gentle movement: Walk, stretch, or wiggle, your gut loves it. AKA Mindful Movement
Stress relief: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and therapy.
Teamwork: Multidisciplinary care makes recovery safer, faster, and less dramatic. Don’t be afraid to speak up and get help.
Importantly, this is not about dieting or restriction. It’s about nurturing your body and building trust with food.
The Takeaway
Gut health and eating disorders are deeply intertwined, but improving digestion doesn’t come from dieting or strict rules. Your gut and brain are having a constant group chat, and sometimes the messages are…loud. Recovery isn’t about silencing them, it’s about listening, responding with compassion, and having the right squad in your corner. Multidisciplinary care ensures that your body, mind, and gut are all supported (they’re collaborating), making healing safer and more sustainable.
Remember: a happy gut isn’t about “perfect eating.” It’s about trusting your body, showing it some love, and maybe laughing at the chaos along the way. So we can start nurturing a safe relationship with food and our body.
Ready to start chatting about the chaos? Contact us now.
Note: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
