Help with Eating Disorder Recovery

Karen Masterson Koch, President of Aloe Life • February 1, 2019

Kelly was 125 pounds overweight from a daily diet of pizza and soda. Depression and multiple chronic health challenges
kept her from being a happy, successful participant in her own life. Like 50% of the population today, she was suffering from an eating disorder (ED). With 13% of youth experiencing an ED by the age of 20, it is important to provide care in order for youth to avoid carrying the disease into adulthood. Even in adulthood, EDs can be invisible and independent of gender, socioeconomic status and age.

Focus for Eating Disorder Recovery
Professional intervention including counseling is the best plan for recovery success – seek help and stick to it! Additionally, choose a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on whole foods and aloe vera, which support renewal from damage of the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to remember that these situations will not right themselves, but there is a solution! If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, contacting the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) or a qualified professional (many of whom will accept insurance) is a great place to start. In concert with professional help, the following guidelines can help make the process a little easier.

Guidelines for Recovery, Health and Happiness
1. Practice Self-Compassion and take care of the body as if forming a new parent-child relationship with YOU. Eating
daily, healthy meals helps rebuild the mind and body.

2. Feed your soul. Love and kindness from a therapist, close friends or a church group helps to foster mindfulness.

3. Build your recovery support team. Medical and nutritional professionals can help you understand your ED and
how to reach your goals.

4. Start living your life! As you open up and reach out to family, friends and your support team, take small steps and work your way up.

5. Honesty is the best policy in recovery. Eating disorders thrive in secrecy, so be open with your family and team.

6. Lighten up! Add health coping strategies to your toolkit: yoga, exercise, dancing, art, laughing, crying, expressing feelings and more.

7. Forgive yourself. Give yourself permission to become all that you can be, one day at time!

Food, Aloe and Recovery
When it is time for a digestive makeover, aloe vera contains phytonutrients that can help bring the digestion process back into balance by speeding the healing of the gastro intestinal tract. Other liquid supplements, such as B12 and B-complex; omega-3s; vitamins A, D, C and E; minerals and proteins (as tolerated in liquids not capsules at first) are fast acting and easier on the stomach. Keep your daily diet simple with small meals of protein, fruit, vegetables, and healthy snacks every three to four hours. A food diary can help.

Kelly’s Recovery
When beginning her recovery journey, Kelly could not walk because her feet hurt so much. After a few months, her pain was subsiding and she was able to begin running without pain. Over the next 5 years she lost 100 lbs. and her gut and feet did not hurt anymore. She kept on program and lost another 25 lbs. The most important transformation came
as she transformed into a happy and healthy person who would go on to share with others that recovery is possible and aloe and food can help!

Certified nutritionist and Aloe Life President Karen Masterson Koch is a health researcher, educator, and author with over 25 years of experience counseling individuals back to health from every type of health challenge imaginable. Her book Beyond Gluten Intolerance has opened the door for many to health discoveries including weight loss, reversing failing health which often includes digestive challenges, mood disorders, allergies, and skin conditions. It also contains easy-to-prepare food suggestions.

1. 2018, Mirasol Eating Disorders Recovery Centers, Tucson,AZ. Info.520-546-3200.
2. 2017, Walden behavioral care, 7 secrets to Eating Disorders Recovery, Fiona La Rosa-Waters, B.S. in Human Services, Lesley Univ., Info. 888-520-1700.
3. 2012, Beyond Gluten Intolerance GIS, Masterson Koch, KA, 700 pages, Ref. Aloe Vera, Core Nutrition, Testimonials, P.O. Box 710759, Santee, CA. 92072, 1-800-414-2563.

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Welcome spring with this vibrant, creamy pea and potato soup—a perfect blend of fresh peas, tender potatoes, and aromatic herbs. This silky, nutrient-packed soup is light yet comforting, making it an ideal transition from cozy winter meals to bright spring flavors. Garnish with crisp broccolini, toasted almonds, and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant, nourishing dish.
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By Elizabeth Ashbrook November 1, 2024
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By Frontier Co-Op November 1, 2024
1 cup dried elderberries 3 cups water 2 Tbl grated ginger 1 Tbl powdered cinnamon 1 Tbl whole cloves 1 cup honey or agave syrup In a saucepan, combine all ingredients except honey and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and partially cover with lid. Stir occasionally and simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour through a strainer into a jar (discard solids). Add honey and mix thoroughly. Take by the spoonful or dissolve in hot water or tea. Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
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