Anorexia Nervosa

Definition

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder where fat loss and starvation become an obsession. Starvation begins to have an effect on thinking patterns and personality and it distorts body image. It happens overwhelmingly amongst teenage girls and only in developed nations.

Signs

Physical signs of anorexia are typically obvious. Severe anorexics appear to be withering away with very thin physiques and little to no muscle tissue. Starvation leads to impaired sexual development and cessation of menstruation, drying and yellowing of the skin, loss of hair, sensitive skin, lowered blood pressure, anemia, and severe sleep disturbances.

Psychological signs include body distortion, which means the patient sees themselves as larger than they actually are. For instance, an anorexic may look in the mirror and see themselves as 50 lbs larger than they are because they are experiencing severe body distortion. Anorexics are obsessed with excess fat, have a preoccupation with death, are frantic about exercising and may be socially isolated

Trigger

The underlying cause of Anorexia is believed to be an obsession with physical perfection. The fear of being or becoming fat leads to starvation.

Caution: Intravenous feeding might be essential in extreme instances to replace lost calories and reverse protein deficiency. Psychological counseling by trained professionals, combined with dietary supplementation, is highly suggested.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: As antidepressants, consider infusions of bergamot, basil, chamomile, sage, lavender, neroli, or ylang.

Diet plan: Follow a mild diet with no stimulants such as coffee or tea. A well-balanced diet, high in fiber, should be followed when a normal consuming pattern resumes. Avoid sugar and white flour products.

Flower Essences: Use flower essences to address the underlying emotional and psychological states of imbalance and negativity in life., For example, fears perfectionism, manipulative behavior, depression, and anxiety may contribute to anorexia. Crab Apple is a helpful flower essence for eradicating obsessive habits relating to physique image.

Herbs: Cardamom, fennel, and fresh ginger are known to help regulate digestion and ease stomach pain. For a calming affect, use valerian, nutmeg, or sandalwood extract. To stimulate hunger and the urge to eat, consume ginger root, ginseng, gotu kola, or peppermint in any form. Gentian root has long been used to help anorexics regain their appetite.

Dietary Supplementation: A zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor in anorexia. Zinc supplementation has been proven to help anorexics regain their appetite. Anorexia sufferers should consume a zinc supplement until appetite returns. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin E are typically low in anorexics and must be supplemented to help protect the body.

Optional Treatment

If your signs persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following therapies have all proven to be helpful for treating and relieving the signs of Anorexia Nervosa: Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Mind/Body Medication, and traditional Chinese Meditation.