Natural herbal & homeopathic remedies for Bulimia nervosa (bingeing, purging)

Bulimia Nervosa
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION - REMEDIES - BULIMIA NERVOSA

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

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating. In some cases, the person will compensate for this overeating by forcing vomiting, misusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas, fasting, or excessive exercising. People with bulimia cannot control their eating but also have a paralyzing fear of becoming fat. Bulimia is associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders and shares symptoms with anorexia nervosa, another major eating disorder. Because many individuals with bulimia maintain a normal or above-normal body weight, they are able to keep their condition a secret for years. Bulimia, also known as bingeing and purging, is more common than anorexia, and usually affects teenage girls and women in their twenties. Like people with anorexia, they often fear gaining weight, want desperately to lose weight, and are intensely unhappy with their body size and shape. Usually, bulimic behavior is done secretly, because it is often accompanied by feelings of disgust or shame. The binging and purging cycle usually repeats several times a week. Many physical conditions result from the purging aspect of the illness, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and oral and tooth-related problems. About 50% of anorexics also purge, and both bulimia and anorexia can coexist in the same person.

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Bulimia is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms: Binge eating of high-carbohydrate foods, usually in secrecy Loss of control over eating, with guilt and shame Body weight that goes up and down Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, abdominal pain, Gastro esophageal reflux disorder Severe dehydration from purging of fluids Blood-tinged vomit Irregular menstruation or cessation of menstrual periods Worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acids Bad breath Swollen glands in the neck and below the jaw Chronically inflamed and sore throat Calluses on hands from forcing the body to vomit Stealing, especially food Depression Substance abuse, especially alcohol Kidney problems from diuretic abuse Edema- swollen feet and ankles due to poorly working kidneys

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There are several different theories about what is involved in the development of bulimia. Family environment with an overemphasis on achievement may be a contributing factor. Although the role of sexual abuse in the development of bulimia is controversial, other psychological and environmental factors may be involved, including mood disorders and substance abuse in families of people with bulimia. Individuals with bulimia may also experience depression, self-mutilation, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Genetics – Research suggests that women with a Bulimic family member are more likely to develop Bulimia than the average women. While this may suggest that there is a genetic component to the disorder, it may be due to the shared experiences and learned behaviors within the family context. It is also likely that personality traits related to Bulimia such as perfectionism, emotional sensitivity and addictive personality tendencies are inherited rather than the disorder itself. Cultural pressures too appear to contribute to the disorder, particularly among dancers and athletes.

Who's Most At Risk? People with the following conditions or characteristics are at higher risk for developing bulimia: White, middle-class women (primarily adolescents and college students) People with a family history of mood disorders and substance abuse Individuals with low self-esteem

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Medication may be prescribed to Bulimic patients to help improve related symptoms such as accompanying depression, anxiety or obsessive behavior. Commonly prescribed drugs include antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and the antipsychotic drug lithium. While these drugs may help initially, up to 80% of patients relapse after the medication is discontinued, and in many cases, the side-effects are distressing. It is strongly advised that you research any prescription medication and their side-effects before agreeing to drug therapy. Of the binge eating disorder treatment options available, natural remedies can be of great benefit in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with Bulimia without the negative side effects of prescription medications. Some herbal formulas that assist with the related symptoms of Bulimia include Passiflora Incarnata – to soothe the mind and calm the nerves. Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) has been very successful in treating the depression which often accompanies an eating disorder. Natural remedies such as MindSoothe may facilitate a reasonable attitude and lessen the burden on pressured minds. MindSoothe may also promote a well-adjusted outlook and positive temperament and support healthy sleep patterns and routine appetite.

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. Ferrum phosphoricum (Ferrum phos. D6) is a homeopathic biochemic tissue salts which supports the absorption of iron in the body. The protective myelin sheath which surrounds all nerve tissue needs iron to supply this vital nutrient to the nerve cells it encases. Iron in hemoglobin also helps to keep all body tissue, including the brain, supplied with oxygen. Regular use of Ferrum phos. can help to prevent dizziness, headaches and restlessness and is of great benefit for those who tend to feel irritable, tense and tired.   Passiflora incarnata (Passion Flower) has active ingredients which include flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and saparin. Like St John’s Wort, Passiflora has also stood up well to clinical studies which support its traditional usage as a soothing and moderating herb. Passiflora is traditionally regarded as nature's help for frazzled nerves – with the added benefit of being wholly natural! 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. 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. Magnesium phosphate (Mag. phos. D6) well-known as a homeopathic painkiller, Mag. phos. is also of great benefit to the health of the nerves. It acts as a natural anti-spasmodic and a nerve and muscle relaxant and is also frequently recommended for stress headaches.

Diet plays an important role in the management of bulimia. As the victims are trapped in a cycle of starving, bingeing and vomiting, and need to regain control of there eating habits, clinical focus is on establishing of three regular, balanced meals a day, avoiding in-between snacks and the high-fat, high sugar fast foods often eaten during binges. Bulimic individuals with low body weight, low body mass index (BMI), and low serum albumin (the main protein in blood consisting of ions including sodium and potassium) levels are at increased risk for vitamin and mineral deficiency. Low serum albumin may lead to serious dehydration and produce a potassium deficiency which can cause poor kidney function, weak muscles and irregular heartbeat. 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. 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. Some natural therapies, including dietary supplements, may help the general health and well-being of a person struggling with bulimia to become more balanced.

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms: Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco. These might potentially upset the balance or affect the sufferer’s state of mind. Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily. Use quality protein sources - such as organic meat and eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes - as part of balanced program aimed at gaining muscle mass and preventing wasting. Avoid refined sugars, such as candy and soft drinks. A daily multivitamin, 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. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources, but supplementation is recommended. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed and walnuts (which contain alpha-linolenic acid, an important omega-3 fatty acid). Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus among other strains), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. Refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a ‘friendly’ bacterium that is an integral part of the intestine and normal vaginal flora. Lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which acts like a natural antibiotic. Lactobacillus acidophilus can be taken orally in the form of acidophilus yogurt, or in capsules or powder. Although there is conflicting evidence as to whether eating yogurt with live probiotic ("friendly" bacteria) cultures every day can help prevent yeast infections, but it certainly does no harm. Potassium - Potassium is also known for its heart rate reduction action as also for its ability to reduce irritability of the muscle fibers. It is usually abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables but care should be taken in that you take less sodium (common salt) as sodium depletes potassium reserves. Diuretics and laxatives also eat up potassium level. Potassium rich sources basically include plant foods like avocados, pulses, nuts, dried fruits, tomatoes and fruits like bananas and oranges.