#32: What about my child’s gut health?
with Marci Evans, MS, CEDRD-S, LDN, cPT
In this episode we discuss…
what brought marci to her work on food and body image healing
the impact of the book intuitive eating on her career
how digestive challenges and the concept of “gut health” can get complicated by diet culture or wellness culture
the research marci has done into the intersection of eating disorders and digestive complaints
the prevalence rates of 90 - 98% for digestive complaints in people struggling with EDs
the differences between digestive disorders, food allergies, food intolerances, and food sensitivities
how one of the top risk factors for the future development of an eating disorder is early childhood eating and GI complaints
risk for anxiety and depression and perfectionism as common traits in those at risk for GI complaints and for development of an ED
how worries and anxieties can manifest as stomach pain and discomfort
compassion for parents who just want to help their kids feel relief
why finding providers who are eating disorder specialists can be helpful even if your child does not have an ED
risks of elimination diets for children and adolescents (including future GI problems and opening the door for the development of disordered eating)
other diets and buzzwords to look out for: the FODMAP diet and Specific Carbohydrate Diet
the problem with blood testing for food sensitivities
the problem with pointing to food as the culprit without tending to underlying emotional needs
asking your provider for all recommendations that don’t involve cutting out foods
the importance of eating on a consistent schedule and rhythm
the connection between the mind and gut, via the vagus nerve
developing tools and methods for managing stress
marci’s answer to the million dollar question
Registered dietitian Marci Evans draws on her expertise in both digestive health and eating disorders to talk us through helping kids struggling with tummy aches and food sensitivities. We discuss the mind-body connection, the risks of elimination diets, and her recommendations for supporting your child and working with their medical providers from a body-positive perspective.
Marci Evans, MS, CEDRD-S, LDN, cPT is a Food and Body Imager Healer®. She has dedicated her career to counseling, supervising, and teaching in the field of eating disorders and body image and has spoken nationally and internationally on these topics. In 2015 she launched an online training platform for dietitians and therapists and currently offers 3 self-study courses on the topics of body image, nutrition counseling for eating disorders, and the intersection of disordered eating and digestive health. In 2016 Simmons College recruited Marci and Lisa Pearl to develop a specialized eating disorders dietetic internship track and graduate level coursework. Additionally, she maintains a group clinical practice in Cambridge, MA and loves social media so connect with her online @marciRD.
Connect with Marci on her website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Check out Marci’s free resources.