Symptoms of orthorexia

Orthorexia is defined as a psychological state of an individual in which a person is fixated exclusively on the intake of healthy and "clean" food. Food and diet planning become the main thing in a person’s life. If they eats something outside the menu, they tend to feel guilt and the need for self-punishment.

Introducing a diagnosis of orthorexia may seem like excessive pathologizing. What can be harmful in wanting to eat healthy?

As with anything else, the harmful part is intemperance. A healthy diet will certainly contribute to the health of your body, but very strict criteria regarding food will burden your spirit. When diet becomes very restrictive, it can also have an adverse effect on the body.

As is the case with other eating disorders, excessive attention to the topic of food is only a symptom of another type of difficulty, most often one in relation to self-esteem and emotional regulation.

The key lies in looking below the surface.