Dr. Carolyn Ross, MD, is an eating disorder and addiction specialist. Her approach is unique—trauma, she claims, is the root cause of adult behavioral disorders such as addiction and eating disorders. Two-thirds of Americans experience at least one childhood trauma, and that can manifest itself later in life as binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, and/or drug and alcohol addiction. For Dr. Ross, it’s not about the food at all—it’s about the trauma and how to heal from it. This conversation breaks the accepted conventions of food addiction and recovery—what Dr. Ross has to say is different than any other eating disorder guest we’ve had on the show. Whether you’re struggling with one of these disorders or know someone going through it, you’re sure to glean some enlightenment from this deep discussion.

What we discuss in this episode:

 

- What qualifies as trauma?

 

- How family dynamics play into a person’s reaction to trauma’

 

- Defining intergenerational trauma and genetic expression of trauma

 

- Prevalence of eating disorders among ethnicities 

 

- The psychology behind anorexia and bulimia

 

- Removing the stigma of behavioral health disorders

 

- Taking action to change behavior 

 

- Binge eating in men and women

 

- Advice for people who know someone who’s struggling with disordered eating

 

- Trigger foods, “permission to eat,” “food addiction,” and restricting

 

- Dr. Ross’ The Anchor Program

 

- The Food Addiction Recovery Workbook here

 

- Use code SWITCH at maxinesheavenly.com/switch for 25% off your cookie order!

 

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