Healthy Eating & Eating Disorders - Anorexia, Bulimia, Binging
In this episode, I discuss what drives hunger and satiety, and the role our brain, stomach, fat and hormones play in regulating hunger and turning off the desire to eat more. I also address how protein is assimilated better early in the day than it is later in the day, and why those using intermittent fasting might want to shift their feeding window to earlier in the day.
Then I delve into the topic of disorders of eating: Anorexia Nervosa, where people starve themselves and Bulimia Nervosa where people binge and purge their food. I discuss some common myths about Anorexia such as the role of media images increasing the rates of anorexia and the myth of the "perfectionist" anorexic. I also review the symptoms, and the brain and chemical systems disrupted in this condition. I explain how anorexics become hyperaware of the fat content of foods and develop reflexive habits of fat-hyperawareness. Then I discuss the most effective treatments ranging from family-based models to those that target the habitual nature of low-fat/calorie food choices. I also discuss new more experimental clinical trials on MDMA, Psilocybin and Ibogaine for Anorexia, and both their promise and risks.
I review the latest work on binge eating disorder and brain stimulation, drug treatments and thyroid disruption in Bulimia and why the treatments for Bulimia are so similar to those for ADHD. Finally, I discuss "cheat days," body dysmorphia and the growing list of novel forms of eating disorders start to finish. As always, science and science-based tools are discussed.
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Links:
Ingesting Protein in the Morning Supports Muscle Maintenance & Growth: bit.ly/3DPlms7
Studies Using Virtual Reality to Explore Eating & Hunger & Body Image:
bit.ly/3BGaDya
bit.ly/2WWGRq8
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction: Fasting, & Defining Healthy Eating
00:08:55 Morning Protein Is Important
00:22:04 Sponsors
00:26:29 Defining & Diagnosing Eating Disorders
00:29:00 Anorexia Nervosa (Overview & Myths)
00:33:44 Bulimia (Overview & Myths)
00:37:35 Binge Eating Disorders, EDNOS, OSFEDS, Pica
00:39:44 What is Hunger? What is Satiety?
00:42:00 Neuronal & Hormonal “Accelerators & Brakes” on Eating
00:46:17 Fat, Leptin & Fertility & Metabolic Dysfunctions in Obesity
00:50:30 Why We Overeat
00:55:30 Homeostasis & Reward Systems/Decisions
00:59:58 Anorexia
01:04:28 The Cholesterol Paradox
01:06:13 Psychological vs. Biological/Genetic Factors in Anorexia
01:09:44 Chemical Imbalances, Serotonergic Treatments
01:12:56 Altered Habits & Rewards in Anorexia: Hyperacuity for Fat Content
01:18:28 Brain Areas for Reward Based Decision Making vs. Habits
01:24:06 Habit-Reward Circuits Are Flipped in Anorexics: Reward for Deprivation
01:28:30 How Do You Break a Habit?
01:33:23 Family Based Models, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
01:35:39 MDMA, Psilocybin, Clinical Trials, Ibogaine
01:40:35 Anabolic vs. Catabolic Exercise, Spontaneous Movements, NEAT
01:43:23 Distorted Self Image in Anorexia
01:47:54 Bulimia & Binge-Eating, “Cheat Days”, Thyroid Hormone
01:53:05 Inhibitory Control, Impulsivity, Adderall, Wellbutrin
01:58:00 Direct Brain Stimulation: Nucleus Accumbens
02:04:28 Anorexia/Reward. vs Bulimia/Binging
02:05:45 Healthy Eating Revisited
02:10:55 Synthesis, Body Dysmorphias
02:14:15 Support: Podcast, & Research Studies
Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - www.blabacphoto.com
To anyone who's suffered from binge eating, it's useful to avoid thinking in black and white. There's a huge difference between eating a few hundred calories too much, compared to several thousand calories too much.
Yes. Excellent point.
I think the logic is there but the habit is overruling the logical brain.
Ughhh. This is what someone that doesnt have binge eating disorder would say
@Mindset to Mastery I have suffered with binge eating disorder since the age of 16 or 17 (I'm 34 now) and I think I get what you're trying to say with this. I think it's really common for people who binge eat to think "oh I've over done it again. I might as well just really let myself go now" But yes, there's quite a difference between overeating a little and overeating a lot. We tend to catastrophize. It can be supremely difficult to turn the ship around once that kind of thinking sets it, but I have done it.
@@meganlundrigan6434 Thank you for sharing! This has been my exact experience with it.
I’d like to share some tips that helped me get my bingeing under control. 1. You don’t restrict because you binge, you binge because you restrict. Over-restriction makes some food irresistible. If you want to have something that’s off plan and you feel like it may trigger a binge, it helped me to remind myself that I can have more of that food whenever I want, but I am a person who can control myself and prioritize nutrition. So I’ll eat a small serving of that food even if it’s a bit off plan. Don’t put any food on the “no eat” zone. It’s a prerequisite for a binge, at least for me. 2. Don’t try to make up for a binge. So many times I’ve told myself that I’ll make it up by being so good and so restrictive only to binge again and the cycle continues. Just eat as you normally would so you’re not ravenously hungry which could lead to a binge. Don’t put yourself in “debt” that you have to pay off because of a binge. 3. Try to let go of the shame. Easier said than done, haha! But it’s vital. View yourself as an experiment where you simply didn’t have the strategies available to stop bingeing. You also have to believe that you’re in control in implementing new strategies to find what works for you. Expect to fail, there’s no shame in failing. It’s a normal part of the process. You can be disappointed in yourself without wallowing in extremely negative emotions and shame which may trigger restrictiveness. A lot of these I’ve learned from Kiana Docherty, especially her video on 5 steps to stop binge eating.
Very helpful tips. I also enjoy Kiana Doherty.
Tysm u have no idea how helpful this is ❤❤
I'm someone who's on a restrictive diet because of autoimmune issues and though at first I was doing okay.... I recently started binge eating all of the allowed foods to the point when it's no longer healthy for me and it created new health problems but I now can't stop and just gave up and continue self sabotaging myself. I think I'll go crazy
@@olgagerman4878at times it really does feel like it’ll send you crazy, i so get that. I tired therapy, it really helped for a few months (which is pretty good for me) I will be going back ,wonder how many goes until i crack this .. all the best on your journey ❤💫
Have managed to overcome a 20+ years eating disorder when I finally understood and put in place what you stated here. Paramount info.
In my experience, BED has a lot to do with feeling a profound loss of control over other facets of your life and then just letting go of everything, including listening to your own satiety cues. After bingeing, the resulting guilt becomes almost like justified punishment for your own incompetence (both in life and in your inability to stop bingeing). This triggers a compensatory extreme restriction - which can be a way of regaining control - which in turn creates extreme cravings that eventually trigger the whole cycle again.
Literally worded perfectly 🥰
What you're describing is the Binge-Guilt-Restrict cycle. Extremely common in people who are trying to lose weight with restrictive diets which cause a "dis-inhibition reflex" or "Fuck It Mode" which triggers binging followed by feelings of guilt that make one want to restrict even more. Thus prolonging the vicious cycle. It's hard to say what proportion of binging can necessarily be attributed to dieting habits, but we can certainly say that for these people, putting an end to the restrictive dieting and black and white mindsets around eating is key.
Shilpa Suresh I never experience any guilt.
ok, and how to fix that ?xd
Wow that is the most accurate description of the cycle I’ve ever read .
I've struggled with binge eating for almost two years now after starting intermittent fasting and getting very very lean. I used to think it was purely because of the restrictive diet, but now that I'm well into a healthy weight I'm starting to realize it is more of a coping mechanism to deal with unwanted emotions. For me, these emotions come from a lack of purpose/knowing what I want for my future. The dieting, bingeing, focusing on weight loss are just symptoms of and distractions for whatever is truly messing with your mind.
dude, i'm struggling with that right now.
@@adrord yeah it’s tough just stay positive and fill your time with productive things.
wow this is interesting and makes so much sense!
You need to learn more about yourself and find ways to spread your findings. The biggest part of how I lost my first hundred pounds was finding purpose (and no, losing weight is not a purpose on its own). I had some sort of spiritual renaissance.
@@adrordme too 😢
I lost my daughter to Anorexia - 😞thank you for this ❤️ Mother’s Against Eating Disorders
Wow I'm am so sorry for your great loss. My heart goes out to you. May you feel love wrap around you
@@memastarful thank you ❤️
So sorry for your loss!
Unimaginable - yet more common than we would ever want. I am so sorry for this insurmountable loss.
So sorry ❤️
This topic has the potential for being incredibly sensitive for a lot of people. You approached it with grace and intellect. Well done professor! I'm looking forward to the rest of this month's podcasts and seeing how you present the science.
Thank you for your feedback. Yes I think even the mention of eating disorders can trigger complicated emotions for people so my goal is to deliver the information in full without losing touch with that fact. I hope the information will guide some healing steps.
Everything is a potential trigger, it depends on the listener being available for input or not. I almost didn't listen to the episode where he talked about tinnitus because for a long time I lost my will to live due to tinnitus. But in the end everyone is responsible for how they recieve a message. A trigger is "just" a reminder of something you have a lot of heavy thinking about. Others are not responsible for keeping me away from triggers. 🌻
@@hubermanlab This was another great episode. Thank you for putting out content like this. One thing to point out is that when referring to someone it should be "person first". So instead of calling them anorexics it's better to call them people with anorexia. It may sound like splitting hairs, but it's just another level of humanization and compassion.
Hello again! :)
@@Alexandra.AI. there you are 😊 hi-ya!
I don’t know if this episode is a result of me asking you to cover Anorexia in a previous video’s comment, but it doesn’t really matter because here you did it. Regardless, thank you. Thank you. You are helping far more than you know. Andrew Huberman, you are an angel on earth 🤣. Yes, they come in many different forms.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Didn’t I go to school with you?
He’s like the John Travolta version of angels 😂 what was that movie?
@@0815236 The name of that movie is "Michael".
@@justinsingh thank you, that’s very thoughtful 🌼
Dr Huberman saving the world, never stop being you!
AMEN!! 🙏🙏🙏
Lol true!
Yes please
Thank you so much Dr. Huberman. I’m a older male who is currently battling bulimia. Yes, it does affect all genders and age groups. It is NOT due to early childhood trauma. It DOES have to do with weight. I’m very close to having it under control.
Thank you for sharing. I wish you the very best. It sounds like you’re on the right path to recovery.
@@hubermanlab I just want everyone to understand that eating disorders are not exclusive. Love your channel and again, thank you for all your doing.
@@ndi5670 i would like to confirm with you what i heard on this podcast. Medications that may be used are SSRIs, Wellbutrin, impulse control meds and ADHD meds? And if so, Which medications have been helpful to you? What about therapy? And if so, which modality? Thank you
I second this, for myself. Also- there’s so much euphoria associated for me when purging.
I struggled with anorexia and everything you’re saying is true! Actually, I didn’t even realize I had a problem before people started noticing and telling me that I was very, very skinny. I found my way back to health very slowly and this process has taught me a lot. It’s not easy but it’s possible. Thank you so much for your work!! 🙌
It would be great if you share how you overcame these "fatal" behavioural patterns because I had the exact same trajectory,I didn't even realise until everyone told me that I was too skinny and finally was diagnosed with anorexia two years back I am trying to change my habits,I've also gained weight but still these things are wired in my brain and I still get anxious around food .My sleep is also disrupted and I am also suffering from amonherrea and severe social anxiety It would be really helpful if you could tell what you changed
Dr. Huberman I love your work and thank you! I was bulimic for about 5 years in my teens and 20s. One thing you didn't talk about is the high that follows purging. I felt very calm, relaxed, and almost high after purging and I'm sure there was some endorphin release associated with it. So the reward was not only in the anticipation of the binge (I never felt excited about overeating), but perhaps more in the purge. also, thank goddess no one put me on meds when I was bulimic - That would've prevented me from seeking out other ways to regulate my nervous system. Ultimately, for me, adopting a daily yoga and meditation practice is what ended my problem. I've had a healthy relationship with food for more than 30 years
Now this message gives me hope🧡🙏🧡
I was hoping to hear about this too. I literally would pick food based on cost and "purge-ability" for planned out sessions. The impulsivity maybe came in the form of going for purging when I was in a bad state/mood, but I could go for months eating normal without binges or purges, without thinking about it. Only when I was in a bad state, I would spiral bad, purging multiple days in a row, more purges per day the longer it goes on. It was some sort of weird reset maybe, who knows. I still don't think I'm out of the woods yet, so happy to see your tips. My head's way too loud for meditation, but I think it's time I give yoga a shot! Thank you for sharing and giving me hope!
That's really interesting! I cannot relate to the "high" you're speaking of; I feel terrible after purging
@@RoseMarieMullins Yeah, definitely not feeling great either, it's like I've been bulldozed over, but it comes with certain tranquility. As in, I have a period of a lot of tension, the binge and the purge are physically exhausting, peak tension and after that I don't feel anything, not even the tension from before. That tranquil state for me is the "high", but I've noticed I don't get it if I'm binging purging for long periods of time over and over again.
This is such an important point. I do not think most people understand this. It’s a gateway to calm. I do not agree about the meds though. I wish someone would have prescribed meds to me way back then. Not everyone is able to do yoga and resolve this excruciatingly complicated issue. We need to remember that these eating disorders often accompany trauma. In my case it did. And it’s taken decades to process that trauma. I’m not even sure I’m there yet or ever will be. It’s not so easy to do yoga and get over something that complicated. I’m now on meds and I wonder how much different my life would have been if treatment and medications had come earlier.
Thank you -- this is well timed. My "complicated" relationship with food has been very much on my mind of late, especially how it becomes an unhealthy crutch in times of emotional duress -- and what to do with that. I look forward to listening to this today. I have no doubt that the lecture will be enlightening and real-life applicable, as they always seem to be.
As I can't tag you I don't know of you'll see this, but as Huberman highlights, eating disorders are habits. There is a woman specialising in very gentle redirection of such habits, as she had eating disorders herself and discovered something very deep about the human nature and how we form habits. Her name is Dr. Amy Johnson, you can find lots of videos on her KZhead. 🌻
@@laisa. Thank you for saying so. I will look her up. 💕
I have suffered with severe bulimia for over twenty years. It comes with so much shame and despair because I HATE the behavior. It’s encouraging to know that it’s about changing habits. I believe this because every time I go to treatment I do REALLY well for months after. I don’t know what happens but I always seem to fall back into old patterns eventually. Pregnancy was really good for me because the behavior completely stopped during pregnancy and nursing. But as soon as I stopped nursing and lost the baby weight, the behaviors came right back. It’s just hard to hold myself accountable when my husband is deployed a lot and it’s just me and my two toddlers.
I understand honey. I’m saved 24 years and still struggle.
Carissa, you need to recognize that YOU are worthy of getting healthy for. I know other women who have experienced a period of cessation of symptoms becasue they were pregant or nursing, likely because they fear endangering the baby. YOU are worth making changes for. YOU are valid, loved, cared for, and important in the earth. Love yourself like you loved that baby inside you. Your body is worthy of love and healing!
It is a symptom of a root cause…something unhealed in your life/heart. I was bulimic over twenty five years and I now have a healthy relationship with food.
How you did that?
Internal Family Systems Therapy can be really helpful with bulimia.
Thank you for talking about eating disorders from a neurobiological, objective point of view - as someone with life long binge eating disorder, 99.9% of information and media perpetuates the feeling of shame and self-hate and is ultimately, hopeless. Knowing there is so much more going on a scientific level actually makes me feel much more confident about the future, giving me a kind of calm, objectivity of my next steps. I definitely agree that many people don't want to talk about this topic, but I hope more people do with the same level of empathy, understanding and objectivity. I really do believe that this informational approach could change so many people's lives.
As a psychologist specializing in eating disorders and working closely with parents, the challenges with this illness are incredibly tough. In addition, I think many providers and treatment centers are relying on antiquated approaches that only have substandard results. We need to do better as a field!
I agree. My child has been in and out of “treatment “ for five years and it has done more harm than good. Most programs have a one size fits all approach.
You have truly inspired my desire to learn the human body and master the science behind it. I’m 26 year old college dropout who went into the military two years ago, I badly needed structure and now that I’ve got it, listening to your podcasts has truly inspired me to delve deeper into the medicine. Currently taking small steps to graduate as a PA. I’m so thankful for you and the knowledge you share, it has lit a match in a dark room for me Andrew.
As someone who dealt with anorexia nervosa twice in my lifetime, everything you taught makes so much sense to me, and I'm glad to learn some of the biological root causes as well as the psichological reasons, but at the same time I can take control and be responsible for myself. I consider myself fully recovered from these ailments, because of lifestyle choices and the real desire to find something that would work for me, and I did. There is hope. Thank you so much!
I’m only an hour in and already this episode has blown my mind. Truly thank you for posting this and talking about such a sensitive subject. I needed this information sooooo badly.
Andrew, the amount of research and effort you put into these podcasts blows my mind! I find myself listening two or three times just to absorb SOME of the info. I don’t know how you’ll keep this up, but I hope you do for years to come.
Till climate change and societal collapse catch up to us..
I am so impressed with the depth and clarity with which you talk, while speaking so directly. I aspire to be this good at communicating on an open plain. You're not being cagey or beating around the bush, but I can tell you are well read and careful with how you construct your points and any possible dissonance between "what you're saying" and what your mouth is actually saying. Seriously, props to you man and thank you for being my teacher! Secondly, great video, I needed this one :)
This podcast was amazing. It really helped to understand deeper my eating disorder. It is much easier to deal with it knowing it’s a reflex( habit) instead of trying to find a deeper trauma which it seems I can’t find.
Thank YOU for you for your time always and to everyone involved in making these happen !
Dr. Huberman thank you so much for covering this topic. I’ve listened to so many other videos, but this I’m listening to literally save my life.
This an honest and truthful comment, hopefully you will see this. I was listening to Godsmack during my workouts. Then I found you Dr. Huberman. And now I listen to your channel when I workout, and actually throughout my day. I have put some of the things into practice for better sleep and today was the first in a VERY LONG while that I actually felt wakeful and rested. Thank you so very much for all you are doing Dr Huberman. I am a sub. for life.
Knowing the existence of your podcast channel feels like a cheatsheet in life, I honestly badly want to recommend this channel to my friend but I'm afraid he wouldn't be interested (I recommended the podcast of you telling your very inspiring story he just snoozed on it lol). I'm so thankful for searching mental health podcast on youtube and also because of this serotonin
True that! Any other gem channel you would like to recommend?
@@thinkwhileeatingpasta5217 Peter Attia MD, Lex Fridman, Found my Fitness
Yeah same, I thought the dopamine video was so fantastic and explained the mechanism of action in a very intuitive way; I shared the vid and everyone was like ok sounds kinda cool, I’ll watch it later…
It's quite easy to get straight females to watch the podcast though 😂 Huberman is the ultimate sigma male scientist
@@dropcapapp Forgot about Dr Peter. Thanks for reminding. Cheers!
The title is a perfect description of my week. Healthy, then disordered!
SO much up-to-date science packed into 2 hours. Thanks, Dr H - fantastic, as usual. Last, but definitely not least, very impressive how tactfully you address all these highly sensitive mental health/general health topics - extra kudos for grace, kindness, and empathy.
Now that I've gone & listened to this in it's entirety I'm AMAZED & so grateful because this was done w/ such fact & grace. I learned a lot & this can help people understand what it's like for people like me that are suffering
First of all, thank you for this episode on eating disorders. As a 49 year old , I've been in recovery from bulimia since my late 20's. I'm curious, always :) ... why 70 minutes on anorexia and then only 20 mins on bulimia and binge eating disorders? This seems to be a common practice in books and other education sessions on eating disorders. I would welcome more education on bulimia if you offered it. I've come into being an athlete and dancer later in life. I have found that mountain biking, snowboarding, resistance training classes, skating, xc ski'ing, tango, african dance all have helped me continue to be healthy and in recovery. They all feed that active, moving part of myself that has always been there. The challenge and push and increase in dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline... the connection to others. I'm so curious what science has to say about about healthy activities, behavior modification and habit shifting in the recovery of bulimia. Journal writing and controlling what food I bring and do not bring into my home also have been habits that help in my continued recovery. Again, I'd love to hear more what science says (not just about medications that can help, more on modifications.) I have never taken a med but lots of therapy! You rock! I absolutely love your podcasts and have gotten a beautiful routine dialed in for sleep as a result of your suggestions. Keep on, keeping on with Huberman Lab. It's a beautiful contribution to this wild world.
Powerful and incredibly important topic! Thank you so much for gifting us with such unbiased essential insights and research, your podcast is a brilliant gift to us all.
Dr Huberman, I am incredibly thankful for all your work. You have certainly changed my thought processes and belief in myself. I have cited your work in my graduate papers. This topic in particular is near and dear to my heart, studies, and future. Thank you very much. Your efforts are more appreciated than you know. Sincerely, Curious, tired & thankful graduate student.
Yay!!! Thank you for the new video~ It’s so amazing to get this sort of content free online! 💕 I was wondering if you are planning to make a video about migraines? I would really appreciate it, especially alternative treatments as I feel as though I’m constantly taking medication just for migraines and wonder how this may be negatively affecting my body. But nevertheless~ this is my absolute favourite channel and I’m so grateful for the amazing information! 😊
Hey Andrew, please do a podcast on social anxiety, stage fright and emotional insecurities!
You are one of the best science communicators of our time. So glad you decided to be more public facing to help the layperson understand the characteristics behind many of life's common ailments. Thank you!
Thank you again Dr. Huberman for another informative podcast, just let you know that your endeavors are not being taken for granted
This podcast is so important. I had anorexia, I would say I’m recovered now, though of course I don’t think it ever goes away completely. As a male, my friends and I have talked about how prevalent in men, and not talked about. I cannot stress enough that if you’re exhibiting disordered eating patterns leading you to anorexia, get help. At 6’3 I was 117 pounds, and now I’m 200 pounds but I’m still paying off dental work. I will say the #1 thing that has helped me is learning more about nutrition. Because I now know that I need fats, and proteins, and adequate calories, I feel good about myself when I eat nutrient dense foods despite caloric density.
I very much appreciate this. I've struggled with bulimia for 20 years (been in recovery for 2 years, but have had relapses) Could you do a episode going over Bulimia a bit more. You focused on Anorexia a lot which is okay because I still learned a lot. I'd just be very greatful if you had some time to make an update on this talking about bulimia a little more. I entered recovery learning about the animal brain and the frontal cortex reading the book "Brain Over Binge"
Agreed, I was hopeful there would be a bit more content on bulimia, but if there isn't much quality research out there at the moment that's understandable. I have people in my life struggling with this but I don't think I can point them to this resource because the video only mentions medication or invasive treatments, which I don't feel comfortable even suggesting to them. Also I'd like to point out that unlike anorexia, bulimia drains your time and often resources as well. Literally using foods as drugs, even if you value the environment and hate wasting food. (ps also glad to have had some myths dispelled around anorexia.. Can't believe that people actually shamed folks struggling with bulimia as failures at practicing anorexia, clearly that's not true)
@@afallingleaf3575 The last 30 minutes he went over it much more. But Id still like a little more info. I plan on asking my doctor about the brain stimulous thing he mentioned. I havent heard of that but tried basically every medication on the planet at this point
@@DanDoesGame and what did your doctor say?????
@A falling leaf Beautifully put!!🧡
Me too! Brain over binge is where my recovery all began
dear andrew, thank you for all the knowledge that you continue to share! its incredible. its really helping me to understand myself better and im living a better life because of it.
Dear Andrew Huberman Are you planning on making an episode about ketosis? Would be nice to know most current findings about ketosis in general and impact on a brain and cognitive activities. Preventive measures. Effects on the brain especially for people with dementia. Thanks for all the information you share with the public. Very helpful!
Really looking forward to the ADHD episode. I discovered this podcast within days of realising I very likely have had ADHD most of my life. Understanding the mechanisms in the brain has been tremendously useful in recognising and contextualising symptoms. Thanks so much for broadcasting all this data is such a concise way.
That episode is coming out very soon. Best wishes, Andrew
I was so waiting for a new podcast, thank you so much for all your service to the public, I am literally hooked, there is almost nothing this guy doesn’t know
You, Andrew Huberman, are precious to so many...kind, clear, open and brilliant. I envy the friends who share your life. How fortunate they are!
Had to rewind some parts a few times to actually grasp at the words you were saying, Which is shocking. This is the most engaged I've been while hearing a podcast, maybe ever. It's a very personal topic to me, I appreciate the time and care that went into the making of this podcast. Thank you for what you do!
I understand myself better now. I plan to watch this multiple times and refer others to it (specifically people trying to understand how someone "so smart" could struggle to recover from anorexia and continue to struggle with body dysmorphia). Thank you.
As someone who just turned 30, I can 100% guarantee anorexia has nothing to do with comparison. All I've ever wanted was to take up less space. It also feels like some weird type of self punishment. All of the years of guilt can feel under control if you make yourself as small as possible.
I’m someone who still compares myself to others. Lots of “I wish” statements. I’m 36. It’s about my perfectionism, my desire for control, my level of comparisons, trauma, and many mental illnesses. 🤷♀️ everyone is different. But I’ve been to treatment 5x and every one of us did comparisons of ourselves to others and others against each other.
I think what we can take away from both comments is that eating disorders can have different origins and can look different to each person suffering. Thank you both for being open and sharing your experiences.
Mine was and is 80% of wanting to be a little girl forever.. The remaining 20% is comparison but in age comparison not weight.
@@breakfastattiffanys741 İ have always felt that way as well, to be a little girl always and be taken care of and loved and feel safe.
@angiekitson-harris4257 💜 I wouldn't wish this curse on anyone, sorry Angie x older anorexics in their 60/70s say it never leaves them and they must just carry on. It's exhausting to think about being with these thoughts and myself forever. Gosh that's depressing sorry.
Hey Dr. Huberman, I'm a Dietitian who works in ED treatment. I think you hit the nail on the head for all of this, and it aligns with the approach I typically take for clients. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed the details provided!
The man is really a building block of the best things of our times... This entire knowledge is a game changer at least for me. And it's so much information that I obviously can't digest it by just listening and I need to "study" it with notes and breaks etc. to grasp more of it. Genius.
5 minutes into this and I am already SO excited. LOVE all your podcasts, thank you so much for this and every other one you've done Andrew. Love that you also timestamp all of them.
Thank you very much for this sir. I'm struggling with food since I was 8, I'm 43 now. This podcast made me feel heard, and something inside me wondered if I, for the umpteenth time, probably should start to focus on eating healthy instead of starving myself and exercising like a mad man! I'll try today. Best wishes from the Netherlands
Andrew I’ve followed your incredible teachings and impeccably researched and thought-provoking podcasts from the beginning. I wholeheartedly applaud your selfless offerings from a non-monetary motivation; you’ve made science accessible and enlightening with a beautiful approach (accompanied by Costello, who is an absolute delight to hear in blissful slumber by your side). Every time I watch your podcast, I rehearse a response in my head, as I want to tell you how much I appreciate and honour what you share so kindly every Monday. You are inspirational and offer solidarity and education from afar. While I found this episode to be comprehensively covered from a scientific standpoint, I felt a little saddened by a lack of empathy for the trauma that leads to eating disorders. To be labelled “anorexic” or “bulimic” may be medically accurate from a diagnostic perspective, however people who suffer from such afflictions are crippled with guilt, shame, unworthiness and an omnipresent desire to turn back the clock to a time when such behaviour didn’t devour their lives. Labels can be dehumanising and reject human beings to a category of specimens to be studied and discussed as a subset of humanity who require analyses and examination in order to be accepted and loved. Blame, condemnation and disgust are harmful weapons that only serve to intensify destructive behaviours and isolation. (I’m not saying that is what your episode conveyed, as you were very respectful, however a compassionate approach from an empathic, humanitarian perspective can be a lifeline for many). Thank you for taking the time to create this informative episode, but please don’t let scientists forget that you are discussing individuals who have feelings, intelligence and a craving for connectivity that often gets subsumed by categorisation and judgment, which is often the case, even if unintended. 🙏
I feel like you've been following me around for the past four months of my life..each Monday.. I'm having a treasure hunt on whatever's wrong with my endocrine system, and I might have you to thank for tracking it down🙏
I started my journey to health after feeling like crap postpartum with my first baby. My hormones were out of wack and I felt weak and my skin and hair looked awful. I found low-carb it helped so much… until a few months in my thinking about food turned completely black and white. This turned into orthorexia and then anorexia. All foods became so bad and poisonous I felt like I could barely eat anything at all! Very short “safe foods” list. Then, when I had to admit to my husband that there was a serious problem… recovery turned into binge-eating. Spent a year recovering from that. Man oh man. Health is not totally black and white. We have to be so careful how we view food. I think I’m getting into a healthier place now.
How about going keto
I was thinking last night how I really wish you would do an episode on disordered eating…I guess my wishes are now a reality! I have had a very rough week with my diet and have been struggling w/ body image due to this. Thank you so much! You really make complex subjects fun and easy to understand!
I’ve always considered my relationship with food unhealthy because I don’t just eat when I am hungry. My dad didn’t understand why people overeat but he is the only person I know who always stopped eating when he was hungry. I love food, I enjoy cooking and eating. I sneak in a slice of butter into my mouth every time I cook with it. Thank you for making me realise I have a perfectly healthy relationships with food. We are designed to eat as much and as often as possible but need to listen to our bodies when to eat and when to stop. Thank you! I am a massive fan of yours. God bless!
Most of the podcasts I listen to, I just leave them as background noise while I'm doing something else. For yours, I pretty much stop everything else that I'm doing at the moment and pay attention for the full two or three hours. I don't remember the last time I was so eager to learn something new. Thank you for all the knowledge you share with us. I wish the feature to add subtitles in other languages was still active so I could add the spanish translation to your videos, that would allow for this amazing content to reach a lot more people. I really enjoy learning from you and sharing that knowledge with my friends and family. Keep up the good work! Thank you.
Thank you for covering this topic. I would love to see a deep dive into how ED’s affect hormones. An interview with Dr Nicola Rinaldi would be 🔥🔥🔥
My favorite time of the week: when I get the notification about a new episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast! Second favorite: listening to it on my way to work and learning super cool stuff about the human body and psychology.
Thank you Dr. Huberman and team, sponsors and supporters! ☀️ Fascinating! I just love learning the science of why and how!!!! The body is amazing! EPISODE 48 - 1 MILLION SUBSCRIBERS
Grazie, doc . Hai descritto così bene e con una tale sensibilità il mio disturbo di bulimia che mi hai fatto piangere. Finalmente qualcuno che ha capito realmente come mi sento quando ho gli attacchi di bulimia. Grazie di cuore doc.
Can you do an episode around ADHD/stimulant medications? You've touched upon it in other episodes about focus and motivation, but haven't really delved into it as its own topic yet, and it's a very complex subject that I think you'd bring interesting insight into--especially in terms of habits and supplementation to help with ADHD as well as more of a focus on the pros/cons surrounding medications like Adderall, Ritalin etc.
Long episode on that in the works; expect it very soon.
@@hubermanlab thanks so much! Can't wait!
@@hubermanlab BTW, somewhat along the lines of ADHD and dopamine overload... I just finished listening to the audiobook for "Dopamine Nation" based directly on your episode with the author -- great stuff and I related to a lot of the anecdotes she shared about her patients. Just wanted to mention it since I probably never would have found that book otherwise. Really appreciate all you're doing with this podcast.
I'd love to hear you chat with Russell Barkley 🤞🏼
Would be very interested in this as well. Especially on the what the alternatives are. I've been on medication for a few years, and it has helped me out a bunch in a lot of situations. However, I hate this feeling of being dependant on them and would really like to explore some other effective ways to tackle the problems which come with ADHD. So I'm really happy to see there's an episode in the works on this!
Already liked it and haven't got past the first minute! Thank you, Mr. Huberman.
Thank you for this podcast. I was diagnosed with a BED and worked with my psychologist and used CBT to recover etc. I've gained so much more insight around ED
Thank you Andrew for speaking so thoroughly snd eloquently on this important topic! As someone who suffered with life-threatening anorexia for most of my life, I very much appreciated this! I especially appreciated your description of how resistance training can be helpful for those with ED's in recovery. I found this to be the case with myself, as strength training gave me a new focus and zest for feeding my body and living my life. I highly recommend your consideration of having Carolyn Costin- who founded the Monte Nido treatment Center- on for a conversation on this topic. She is recovered herself, and a wealth of knowledge on this topic. Thank you again for all of your work and dedication to us on here! You are simply the BEST!
This is so timely and helpful for my family. Thank you again.
Huberman, obrigada por compartilhar a sua luz! Uma mente iluminada pelo conhecimento é sempre expandida e elevada. Abraços do Brasil 🧠🇧🇷
This was a FANTASTIC episode. I've struggled in my relationship to food and binge-eating (thought not as extreme as was talked about) my entire life and this put so much into perspective for me. I've definitely found that knowledge of knowledge helps me make better decisions more consistently, which is why I love this podcast so much. I'd love an episode that discusses the impact of legal drugs like weed on the brain, or an episode that talks about the effectiveness/impact of natural supplements (i.e. non-hallucinogenic mushrooms like chaga or reishi for immunity, or herbs like turmeric for inflammation, etc) on the brain and body as well.
Very fascinated with the British pronunciations of so many words: process, respite, immobile, etc. Love Andre Huberman and his mission to bring free science resources to the masses. I love a nerdy podcast that allows me to make actionable changes in my life for the better.
Great episode as usual. Thank you! I was waiting for the word “control” when talking about anorexia. But the whole explanation was superb!
I had anorexia, got treated a few years ago and this explains a lot Thanks dr. Huberman
Thank you for your feedback. I am happy to hear that you received treatment. Wishing you the very best.
Oh my gosh, thank you so much. I have read books that talked about experience. But I’ve never heard anything knowledge based like this. I am a binging person and have googled several times about what to do about it. It is wonderful now learning about it. I am 65 years old and have suffered with thisin my later teens. Again thank you so much.
I had anorexia at 15 and can’t believe I survived. Unfortunately, there were no eating disorder hospitals at that time and I became best friends with a bulimic in a general psychiatric unit, and just learned how to hide how ill I was. I’m now 53 and have never had a healthy relationship with food and my body. I just found your channel whilst wondering if fasting can help or make my disordered eating worse. Thank you! You have a new subscriber 🙏🏻
So poignant for me and certainly many others. Thanks you for devoting a whole podcast to this topic! As always, I so appreciate what you do.
Perfect timing! Thanks a lot, professor!
Thank you once again Dr. Huberman. These podcasts are revolutionary!
Thank you so much. I've considered myself recovered from extreme eating disorders...however this information helps me go deeper into a goal of no anxiety around food...period. I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and I'm only 63...I considered the culprit was probably that I still need to be better at handling anxiety...which is true....but your detailed information will be extremely helpful in my tool kit of recovering my bone health....which , by the way I believe is totally do-able. Thank you thank you!!!...& again....thank you!!!
I never thought I will get World's finest quality information. Thanks doctor, belated happy teachers day 🙏.
I would love to hear more on lack of prefrontal control in your future podcasts and how this translates to impulsivity and anger.
Thank you professor! I listened to every single one of your episodes since day one they started coming out.
Dr. Huberman I want to extend a special thanks for this podcast. As a woman who has struggled with BED for most of her adult life this information is encouraging and lifts much of the shame I feel around binge-eating. As a Recovery Coach in a woman's prison diversion program I coach women everyday about recovery from substance abuse. I have a very good understanding of the neuroscience of addiction. However; I did not fully understand the reward pathway in terms of eating. I am currently under the care of an obesity specialist and am finally getting the treatment I need from a professional who understands the chemical imbalance and is treating me for that and I am also going through behavioral intervention. But, having a FULL understanding of how my brain works when it comes to food is like having a light turned on in a dark room. It gives me renewed compassion for myself and a deeper understanding of how I need to move forward in managing BED. I am grateful for the education that you share freely with us. Again, thank-you.
Your work is so very helpful-thank you! I can relate to both extremes; the reward from restricting AND then, the allure of food and not having an "off button" at times. I wonder if there have been studies linking the two behaviors as they feel very related to me. Thanks again!
Bulimia started for me around 16 it was introduced by a girl at school but binging started around 12 with puberty. It escalated greatly around 18 and became out of control. Promiscuity and shopping addiction side by side with the bulimia. Dangerous sugar daddies and trips to the hospital were everyday things for me. It all came to a halt when I got pregnant by funny enough a good friend who I ended up marrying just bc I was pregnant. I was able to mostly suppress it during breastfeeding but once he weaned after two years old I relapsed majorly and my husband found out my secret when I admitted it to a nurse after an anxiety attack. I relapsed several times after but at some point the purging stopped I think it was pure survival I knew it would kill me from the hospital scares with low potassium. Anyways after a deep spiritual journey and through trauma integration work I am in a better place with food than ever before but ...I feel my metabolism is broken no matter hos I eat I stay overweight I eat better cleaner than anyone I know I intermintent fast etc and still nothing ...maybe its my hormones I've given up on Drs who just say I eat too much... Trust me I know too much better than anyone and I use cronometer for every gram of food anyways does this makes sense ...can you fix your metabolism in this case?
i cannot tell you how helpful this was for me it’s been years of confusion
Omg.....💡💡💡💡💡💡💡💡...... 'doing better over time, although difficult, eventually makes doing better reflextive' . New life goals. Dr Huberman is changing my life 1 week at a time. Thank YOU Dr Hubeman for my interest in science! 🤗🤗🤗
Since Episode number one, I have been waiting for THIS ONE! After each episode, I could not help but think that most of the information could apply to anorexia and was always surprised the word was never mentioned. I have such a strong grip on anorexia having been anorexic in my teens, it's too often different that what is said about the condition. Starting now!! 👌
Dr. Huberman, I have been waiting for a long time for this episode. I've been struggling with binge eating disorder for nearly 20 years. I have tried many things and I can't seem to shake it. So many of the tools that you have recommended in previous episodes of your podcast, while far from cures, have helped me with managing my disorder (ie recommendations for sleep and managing stress, viewing sunlight daily, etc) but it still plagues me. It was a big relief for me to hear you explain some of what's going on with these disorders, that's it's not a simple matter of self-control. I had hoped for more specific tools I could put to use right away and I was a little disappointed at the lack of them in this episode; but I can understand there is probably a specific reason you did not include them. It's exciting to hear that there is a potential effective treatment on the horizon with the deep brain stimulation. As a Canadian national I doubt I will be able to participate in that study, but I hadn't realized that there are some medication options I could look into. I am going to book an appointment with my doctor right away to discuss them. Thank you so much for everything you do. I've been tuning into your podcast from day one, never missing an episode, and I've gained an incredible amount of value from it.
Have you tried not having anything at your home that will trigger the binge eating? I have noticed that my binge eating is triggered when i mostly have junk food at home (chocolates, chips, pizza etc), I mean i wont binge eat on vegetables, salads, eggs etc
@@nakkiel7 It can help at times, but if I'm really desperate to binge I'll just drive down the road and purchase something.
@@meganlundrigan6434 yeah i know its difficult. If you ever find a solution to this please share!
I cried. Thank you so much for this topic and helping me understanding myself.
Sincerely, thank you for this information and video. I have been trying for many years to understand my past experience with anorexia nervosa - therapy can help with understanding 'why', but I always felt like an understanding of 'what' was missing. You are doing incredible work for myself and others.
Thank you so much for this amazing episode. Would love to hear even more details and approaches in regards to bulimia and binge and eating disorder. Compared to anorexia I always had a feeling that bulimia is not covered as often, as it is considered as a "shameful" disorder.
These videos are a huge relief… such good info. Thank You! 🌀❤️🌀
Thank you for being a great doctor and human being!
This is literally the most insightful words I’ve even heard about the topic. Congratulations and thank you. Many things make so much sense after this video. I have some questions: - Can multiple eating disorders co-exist with one another? Like have many behaviors from different disorders? - Is it anorexics “use” this reward system in other cases? For example, reward themselves for how many tasks they complete in the day, and not for the results they bring. - Is it possible to recover from anorexia and still apply the same reward behavior in other cases? - Does bulimia always associated with vomiting? Or any kind of purging behavior? Thank you in advance for anyone willing to answer!!!
PLEASE LIKE SO ANDREW CAN SEE. Andrew I love your content and have your podcast running 10 hours a day on average. I think there's a lot of exploration by Jason Fung which points to the fact that "calories in calories out" is incorrect. Insulin seems to be the key to the liver. The same number of calories spread out during the day, will illicit a larger insulin response than will the same calories if consumed in a single sitting. So you can gain weight by consuming much less calories if you spread it out and not allowing your body to enter lypolosis. Secondly it doesn't take into account the adjustments in metabolic rate. Would love to see you discuss this on the podcast. Please keep up the great work. Ali
Thank you so much! This is really interesting. One thing you didn’t cover is the way in which many eating disorders actually shift and change over time. For a lot of people, myself included, a bout of anorexia or intense dieting is followed by binge eating and/or bulimia. I’m thinking that perhaps that period of starvation as a teenager majorly boosted the significance of food in my brain. There was something super intense about the rediscovery of food after that time of extreme restriction, and I tend to recreate it now by delaying eating and/or purging. I do notice that my brain is malfunctioning more and more these days and I’ve become way more impulsive over time (to the point where I’ve been researching adhd).
I think there's also potential for nutrient deficits that can perpetuate the cycle via altered hormones and neurotransmitters.
@@msgirl01 A hundred percent. Sometimes now when I haven’t been eating enough, or enough nutritious food, I can get so starving and I need to have conversation with myself about how I don’t need to fix the issue in one meal (which just leads to overeating and feeling sick). But sometimes it’s impossible to be rational when your malnourished or your hormones are out of whack.
This is so accurate and his insight speaks to what seems like a real clinical involvement in speaking to and treating acute AN. Distressing to hear as a sufferer, and have sent this to those clinicians helping me. The mentions of catabolic exercise as a means of recovery is powerful and effective too, despite others saying this is counter productive. I really believe it can be the way out... To use this value of self care and developing the body as motivation and centre from which to make better food choices; in support of physical growth and strength. 💪🏋️♀️ Thank you for your content. Making notes!
Every time, when I start to think, ooh, maybe this episode is going boring ... It's turn over and became a jewel. I'm realising that is related to the level of passion that the topic generates on Andrew, ergo, adrenaline and dopamine levels. It's fantastic when he is really enjoying what is talking.
Always on time ,for my science class.
Andrew are there any ways to negate or minimize those effects of skipping breakfast when fasting? My window is 11am - 7pm, but I don’t like the idea that I’m losing muscular or cognitive benefits. Would love to know if enough exercise or some supplements later in the day helps to mitigate the lack of protein in the morning. Thank you so much for doing this podcast too, it’s genuinely one of the best channels on KZhead.
This is such an interesting topic. Love it. I love the way you explain things. Don't get bored at all. You are blessed 🙌
I just found your channel and I have not been more excited to find a podcast as now, thank you! Will definitely be listening to some more!
Dr Huberman, thank you for your recent episodes where you touched on addiction! I now feel well armed with the tools to fight it, all thanks to you (and Anna Lembke of course!) I used to be addicted to pornography, and through your content, I have found that I still am - just in a much smaller capacity than years ago. I'm now trying to reset the dopamine system (per your conversation with Anna), but it's much easier said than done! It's so easy to be caught off guard by cravings. I just wanted to share what I found to be really helpful in that regard - it seems to be much easier to avoid the craving if you notice it happening and then re-frame it as an outside event, rather than aligning it with one's Ego. I.e., it is not ">>I
Did you read Dopamine Nation? I think you’d really enjoy it .