Recognizing Restrictive Eating Disorders in Naturopathic Practice: Avoiding Common Clinical Pitfalls and Optimizing Patient Care

Restrictive eating disorders frequently present in naturopathic practice but are often not recognized when patients seek care for concerns such as gastrointestinal symptoms, amenorrhea, fatigue, hormonal changes, or suspected food sensitivities. Well-intentioned recommendations, including dietary restriction or elimination protocols, may inadvertently reinforce eating disorder behaviours when the underlying diagnosis is not recognized. Through the use of clinical cases and a review of the current evidence, this presentation will explore the recognition, medical assessment, and multidisciplinary management of restrictive eating disorders in naturopathic practice. Participants will review common medical complications, discuss clinical pitfalls that may unintentionally perpetuate illness, and examine the appropriate role of the naturopathic doctor within an evidence-informed treatment team. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to recognize restrictive eating disorders, avoid common treatment pitfalls, and support safe, evidence-informed multidisciplinary care.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize common presentations and red flags of restrictive eating disorders encountered in naturopathic practice
• Describe the medical assessment of patients with restrictive eating disorders, including key history, physical examination findings, laboratory investigations, and common medical complications
• Identify common naturopathic interventions that may inadvertently reinforce restrictive eating disorders and discuss strategies to minimize potential harm
• Apply evidence-informed principles of multidisciplinary management, including appropriate referral and the role of the naturopathic doctor in supporting effective treatment