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title: Symptoms
description: Internationally acclaimed recovery site focused on eating disorders, moving from fragility to power, developing confidence at work and in relationships, and narcissistic abuse recovery. Created by Joanna Poppink, MFT
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[![flower Image Blüten](https://eatingdisorderrecovery.net/images/flower_Image_Bl%C3%BCten.jpg)](https://eatingdisorderrecovery.net/images/flower_Image_Blüten.jpg)*Quality nourishment makes flowers, and you bloom.*

Part of the reason an eating disorder holds a tenacious grip on a person, particularly someone with anorexia, is that the brain is not able to think clearly or realistically. The brain is malnourished and struggling to keep brain cells alive.

When the brain is starving, either from no food or low-quality food or too many toxins, a person can get caught in eating disorder thinking. Then she sees anything that seems to threaten the eating disorder way of life as an enemy.

Poor logic, dangerous reasoning, distorted perceptions and obsessive commitment to unhealthy practices prevail. The person needs to nourish her brain well so she can align herself with the healthy and normal principles that support her recovery.

Following the basics of the Mediterranean Diet is a fine way to nourish the brain and restore mental clarity. Since "diet" can be a triggering word for people with eating disorders, a better description might be the Mediterranean style of eating.

**Learn more about the Mediterranean style of eating by following the links below.**

- [Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801) details as described by the Mayo Clinic
- [Mediterranean Eating Habits Prove Good for the Brain](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mediterranean-eating-habits-prove-good-for-the-brain/) in Scientific American
- [Mediterranean Diet Can Protect Your Brain Power](https://moniqueryan.com/2015/05/mediterranean-diet-can-protect-your-brain-power/) in the Wellness Blog
 
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**Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.**

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***Written by Joanna Poppink, MFT.** Joanna is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in eating disorder recovery, stress, PTSD, and adult development.*

*She is licensed in CA, AZ, OR, and FL. Author of the Book: [Healing Your Hungry Heart: Recovering from Your Eating Disorder](https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Your-Hungry-Heart-Recovering/dp/1573244708/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344473529&sr=1-1&keywords=healing+your+hungry+heart)*

*Appointments are virtual.*

*For a free telephone consultation, e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.*