Herbal & homeopathic remedies useful in Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - ANOREXIA NERVOSA

· General Description · Symptoms · Causes · Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies · Helpful Dietary Habits · Dos and Don'ts

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by emaciation, a relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight, a distortion of body image and intense fear of gaining weight, a lack of menstruation among girls and women, and extremely disturbed eating behavior. Some people with anorexia lose weight by dieting and exercising excessively; others lose weight by self-induced vomiting, or misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas. Anorexia is a severe emotional disorder that is increasingly common, especially among young women in industrialized countries where cultural expectations encourage women to be thin. Fueled by popular fixations with thin and lean bodies, anorexia is also affecting a growing number of men, particularly athletes and those in the military. People with anorexia are terrified of becoming obese and refuse to maintain a normal weight, putting themselves in danger of starvation. Many people with anorexia see themselves as overweight, even when they are starved or are clearly malnourished. Eating, food and weight control become obsessions. A person with anorexia typically weighs herself, or himself, repeatedly, portions food carefully, and eats only very small quantities of only certain foods. Some who have anorexia recover with treatment after only one episode. Others get well but have relapses. Still others have a more chronic form of anorexia, in which their health deteriorates over many years as they battle the illness.

According to some studies, people with anorexia are up to ten times more likely to die as a result of their illness compared to those without the disorder. The most common complications that lead to death are cardiac arrest, and electrolyte and fluid imbalances. Suicide also can result. Anorexia rarely begins in people who are older than 40 years of age. It most commonly appears in the teenage years, affecting up to 3 in 100 adolescents. Although anorexia seldom emerges before puberty, associated mental conditions, such as depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior, are usually more severe when it does. The onset of anorexia is often preceded by a traumatic or stressful event and it is usually accompanied by other emotional difficulties.

There are two main types of anorexia nervosa: Restricting Type which is characterized by dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise Binge-Eating/Purging Type (anorexic-bulimic) is, on the other hand, characterized by self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics. Binge eating may or may not occur, and purging (vomiting) is common even after small amounts of food have been eaten. This particular type carries greater medical risk.

▲TOP

The primary sign of anorexia nervosa is severe weight loss, accompanied by any number of physical and psychological symptoms and unusual behaviors related to food, eating, or exercise. A person for whom a healthy weight would be 125 pounds, for example, may drop 20, or even as much as 60, pounds below this. At the same time, the person may insist that they are overweight.

Physical Signs Scanty or absent menstrual periods Cold or swollen hands and feet Bloated or upset stomach or severe constipation Thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis) Brittle hair and nails Dry and yellowish skin Growth of fine hair over body (e.g., lanugo) Mild anemia, and muscle weakness and loss Low blood pressure, slowed breathing and pulse Drop in internal body temperature, causing a person to feel cold all the time Lethargy

Psychological Signs Distorted perception of self (that is, a great difference between how an individual believes they look and their actual physical appearance) Memory loss Poor judgment Refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the illness Obsessive-compulsive behavior (excessive need to control personal environment) Depression (feelings of ineffectiveness, loss of interest in friends and former activities, lack of spontaneity, rigid thinking, lack of initiative, flattened emotional response, irritability, insomnia, and diminished interest in sex)

Other symptoms Unusual behaviors related to food or eating (for example, hoarding or concealing food, refusing to eat in public, eating only one type of food, ritually cutting food into tiny pieces, intense study of diets and calories, planning and preparing elaborate meals for others) Compulsive exercising Preoccupation with body size or body image Preoccupation with weight control, dieting

▲TOP

There is no specific cause of anorexia. Medical experts agree that several factors work together in a complex fashion to lead to the eating disorder. These may include: Severe trauma or emotional stress (such as the death of a loved one or sexual abuse) during puberty or pre-puberty. Abnormalities in brain chemistry. Changes in serotonin levels, a brain chemical that regulates appetite, may contribute to other symptoms of anorexia nervosa such as depression, impulsiveness, obsessive behaviors, or other mood disorders. In addition, the process of purging may deplete tryptophan, an amino acid necessary for the production of serotonin, leading to further imbalances. A cultural environment that puts a high value on thin or lean bodies. Overbearing, controlling, and critical parents who do not show emotional warmth. Genetics – Research suggests that people with an Anorexic family member are approximately 4 times more likely to develop Anorexia than the general population. About one-fifth of those with anorexia have a relative with an eating disorder. In fact, it is common to discover that someone with anorexia has a mother or sister with this eating disorder as well. If one identical twin has anorexia, the other has more than a 50% chance of also developing it. While this may suggest that there is a genetic component to the disorder, it may also be attributed to the shared experiences and learned behaviors within the family. It is also likely that the personality traits related to Anorexia such as perfectionism, emotional sensitivity and perseverance are inherited rather than the disorder itself. Infection - Some researchers report an association between beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, or Epstein Barr virus (the virus that causes mononucleosis), and development of anorexia.

Risk Factors Age and gender - anorexia is most common in teens and young adult women. Early onset of puberty Living in an industrialized country Depression - although depression is associated with the development of anorexia, it does not cause the disorder. Depression in a family member also appears to increase the likelihood of developing an eating disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other anxiety disorders - OCD is present in up to two-thirds of people with anorexia. OCD associated with an eating disorder is often accompanied by a compulsive ritual around food (such as cutting it into tiny pieces). Phobia, another type of anxiety disorder that may also be present in someone with an eating disorder, and OCD tend to emerge before the eating disorder, while panic attacks may develop after the diagnosis is made. Avoidant or narcissistic personality disorders - approximately one-third of those with the restricting type of anorexia have avoidant personalities, which is characterized by feelings of inadequacy, social inhibition, extreme sensitivity to negative comments or criticism, and avoidance of interpersonal relationships, both at work and on an intimate level. Borderline personality disorder (exceptionally unstable interpersonal relationships, extremely poor self-image, and excessively impulsive behaviors) may be a risk factor as well, but such individuals are more likely to develop bulimia. Participation in sports and professions that put emphasis on a lean body (such as dance, gymnastics, running, figure skating, horse racing, modeling, wrestling, acting) Difficulty dealing with stress (pessimism, tendency to worry, refusal to confront difficult or negative issues) History of sexual abuse or other traumatic event Dieting (Restrictive eating) – Studies have shown that dieting and restrictive eating lead to obsessions about food. This may trigger Anorexia or lead to over-eating. Peer groups can have a large influence, especially for teenage girls, as thinness is idealized and diets become fashionable. The media also encourages dieting, with the slimming industry bringing in huge amounts of revenue worldwide every year.

▲TOP

There are no drug treatments available to ‘cure’ Anorexia, although certain drugs may be prescribed to assist other accompanying disorders such as depression or anxiety.  It is strongly advised that you research any prescription medication and their side-effects before agreeing to drug therapy. Certain natural remedies may be able to assist with some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with Anorexia without the negative side effects of prescription medications, but with all the benefits. Herbal formulas that are frequently used for anorexia are Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm), Lavender and Passiflora Incarnata – to soothe the mind and calm the nerves. Some herbal remedies (e.g. Hypericum perforatum or St John’s Wort) have been very successful in balancing mood, improving self esteem and stabilizing thoughts – thereby providing a sound platform for recovery. MindSoothe supports a healthy motivated attitude, facilitates a reasonable attitude and lessens the burden on pressured minds. MindSooth also supports healthy sleep patterns and routine appetite.

Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) is prepared from the leaves of the lemon balm plant, which, when rubbed between fingers, release a tart and sweet smell, like lemons.. This herb has been studied for its ability to reduce stress and facilitate relaxation. Ferrum phosphoricum (D6) is a mineral compound of iron and phosphorus. Both elements are present in the body independently; iron aids the exchange of oxygen in the blood, and phosphorus contributes to bone and muscle health. Ferrum phosphoricum was introduced by Dr. Schussler, a German physician who believed that many ailments were caused by a deficiency of biochemic tissue salts. Ferrum phos. is considered good for patients who suffer from conditions accompanied by low energy. Lavandula augustifolia (Lavender) is another well-known herb which has made its home in countries all over the world, including Europe and Africa and is also used in Arab medicine as an expectorant. Lavender contains the active ingredients tannins, coumarins, flavinoids, triterpenoids and volatile oil. It is best known for its calming properties and as a tonic to support the nervous system – having been shown to facilitate sleep and relaxation naturally. Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower) according to folklore, was given its name because its corona resembles the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion. Traditional herbalists regard this herb as a natural calming remedy which acts as a safe, soothing and non-addictive general nerve tonic. In modern herbalism, Passiflora incarnata is known as a natural aid in reducing edginess and common stress and anxiety as well as alleviating discomfort from a nervous stomach. A recent study of 36 men and women with generalized anxiety disorder found that passion flower was effective in reducing worry and stress levels when compared to its conventional drug counterpart. Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s Wort) has been traditionally used for centuries to balance mood and safely support routine calm and mental equilibrium. In recent times, clinical studies have confirmed ancient wisdom and Hypericum is one of the most widely studied herbs. Active ingredients include glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins and resins. St. John’s Wort has also been shown to diminish normal common symptoms of PMS including the blues. Calcarea phosphorica (D6) was proved in 1937 by Dr. Constantine Herring, and later chosen as a "tissue salt" by Dr. Wilhelm Schussler later in the nineteenth century. Those that are easily fatigued, have brittle bones and teeth, and tend to become weak and tired after illness would find this ingredient supportive. Ferrum metallicum (6C) is the world’s second most common metal. In our bodies, this element is essential in the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells. This remedy was proved by Dr. Hahnemann

The most important dietary change for people with eating disorders is to eat a sufficient amount of calories without purging. To accomplish this, most will need psychological as well as nutrition counseling. Anorexics with low body weight, low BMI, and low serum albumin (the main protein in blood) levels are at increased risk for vitamin and mineral deficiency. Vitamin abnormalities may contribute to cognitive difficulties such as poor judgment or memory loss and other psychiatric conditions. These deficiencies can often be corrected with dietary interventions. There are natural therapies, mostly including dietary supplements, which may help the general health and well-being of a person struggling with anorexia to become more balanced. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using, as some supplements may interfere with conventional treatments.

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms: In case of girls, promoting a balanced diet during puberty is particularly important. The diet should supply plenty of protein, fruit and vegetables and starchy foods such as potatoes and bread. It should be low in refined starch, sugar and fats, and snacks should not replace main meals. Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco. Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily. However, do not fill up on water only. Quality protein sources, such as organic meat and eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes, should be used as part of balanced program aimed at gaining muscle mass and preventing wasting. Talk with your health care provider about the best way for you to put on weight. Try to avoid refined sugars, such as candy and soft drinks. A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil two to three times daily. Essential fatty acids play a critical role in brain function and hormone regulation, key health issues in the anorexic individual. Omega-3 is needed in smaller quantities (usually 2g is enough) and a handful of walnuts should be sufficient. It is also present in adequate percentage in rapeseed oil and herring. Basically, oily fish like herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines, all are rich in omega-3 acids. Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg one to three times daily, as an antioxidant and for immune support. Citrus fruits, blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli, potatoes), red capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit, rockmelon are good sources of vitamin C. Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results. Zinc deficiency has also been detected in people with anorexia, though not all, studies. In addition, some of the manifestations of zinc deficiency, such as reduced appetite, taste, and smell, are similar to symptoms observed in some cases of anorexia. Providing these girls with 50 mg of zinc per day in a double-blind trial helped diminish their depression and anxiety levels, but had no significant effect on weight gain. Anyone taking zinc supplements for more than a few weeks should also supplement with 1 to 3 mg per day of copper to prevent a zinc-induced copper deficiency. Remember, zinc deficiency further erodes the appetite and the sense of taste, leading to a ‘starvation spiral’. Foods rich in zinc are meat & offal, eggs, milk, oysters, lentils, wheat germ, nuts, crab, chicken.

Treating anorexia involves three components: restoring the person to a healthy weight; treating the psychological issues related to the eating disorder; and reducing or eliminating behaviors or thoughts that lead to disordered eating, and preventing relapse. Psychological counseling, for both the individual and her family, and behavior modification training are also commonly used for people with eating disorders, often as part of a team approach that also includes nutrition counseling and medical care. Moderate exercising Although regular, moderate exercise offers important health benefits, for many people excessive exercise is a common component of eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. Majority of the people with eating disorders report that participation in competitive sports and exercise performed as part of a weight loss plan contributes to their condition. For people with anorexia, it is important to establish and maintain healthy exercise habits; these individuals should consult with a healthcare professional skilled in eating disorders.

Some of the common therapies used are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy is reported to be one of the most effective therapies for anorexia. It is based on the assumption that anorexia develops in response to life stresses. Treatment is aimed at confronting the individual's fears and avoidance behaviors and cultivating new problem-solving skills. It also aims to increase awareness of negative thought processes and to change them. Cognitive techniques are used to encourage patients to evaluate and challenge their automatic thoughts, examine their underlying assumptions, and replace them with realistic beliefs and actions based on reasonable self-expectations. Family Therapy - Family therapy is recommended for both children and adults, in addition to individual therapy for the person with anorexia. Parents and other family members often have intense feelings of guilt and anxiety that they need to address. Family therapy is aimed, in part, at helping the parents or partner (in the case of an adult) understand the medical gravity of this illness and the ways in which they may be inadvertently contributing to it. Hypnosis - Hypnosis has been reported to be successful as part of an integrated treatment program for anorexia nervosa. Hypnosis reportedly strengthens both self-confidence and the ability to cope, which may result in healthier eating, improved body image, and greater self-esteem. Biofeedback - Studies suggest that biofeedback may be helpful in reducing stress in people with anorexia.