Anorexia

When we speak of anorexia we usually are referring to the condition ‘anorexia nervosa’, which is an eating disorder whereby the sufferer eats very little or does not eat at all, to the point of starvation in some cases. 

What is anorexia? 

Anorexia actually means ‘inability to eat’, and can also be a reaction to certain medication or as a symptom of other illnesses.

Anorexia should not be confused with bulimia, another eating disorder, where the sufferer eats only to ‘purge’ afterwards by making themselves vomit. (See also Bulimia)

Both anorexics and bulimics believe themselves to be overweight, even though anorexics are often underweight and weak as a result of not eating.

Signs and symptoms 

Fear and panic at the thought of being fat no matter how thin the sufferers manage to get, along with some or all of the other symptoms listed; refusal to eat, negative self-image, and an obsession with working out.  

Anorexics experience great feelings of shame and guilt when they do eat, and in order to counteract those feelings they are often overachievers, albeit be it very controlling and manipulative overachievers. 

Alcohol and / or drug abuse is common with many not even acknowledging that they have a substance abuse problem.

The anorexic is often malnourished and underweight, and cessation of monthly periods and disturbances to heartbeat can occur.

Many experience weakness, thyroid dysfunction, low pulse rate, low blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalance.  

The final stages are dehydration and eventually cardiac arrest. Anorexia is a serious condition and many die from it. 

Causes

The causes are not clear cut, but many believe they have a chemical imbalance similar to people who have depression. 

Research shows that many anorexics have a severe zinc deficiency, and others believe that psychological problems are the cause. 

Society adds its own pressure with the message that ‘thin’ is seen to be desirable and the mark of success, thus adding increasing pressure upon (usually) young people to conform to that image.  

A refusal to grow up and experience all the changes that occur in females when they mature into women can trigger anorexia in young girls. 

Other reasons given for the cause of this condition are sexual abuse; difficult mother-daughter relationships and an inferiority complex that makes them turn in on themselves causing untold damage as a way of sabotage or self-destruct.  

Complementary Approach

Eat a healthy, well balanced diet of fruit and vegetables. 

Avoid eating junk food and all processed food.  

Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as sugar or white flour, as this can trigger eating binges and make the sufferer feel totally out of control thus adding to the fear of getting fat.

Nutritional Supplements

There are no known studies that support the claim that the following nutrients can help in the treatment of this condition. However, healthcare practitioners often recommend the nutrients mentioned here. 

All the following nutrients will help with anorexia, but as they are poorly assimilated, the dosages stated here are quite high. 

Selenium: Take 200 mcg daily.

Vitamin A: Take 10,000 IU daily.

Zinc: Needed for increased appetite and taste. Take 80 mg daily. If you are taking other supplements, be sure to check that you do not exceed a daily dose of 100 mg. Take with 3 mg of copper.

Calcium: Take 1,500 mg daily in divided doses.

Potassium: Take 99 mg daily.

Magnesium: Take 1,000 mg daily.

Multivitamin and mineral complex with natural beta carotene: Take 25,000 IU daily.

Herbal Suggestions

The herbs mentioned here have historically been considered beneficial in the treatment of various conditions including anorexia. Therefore, practitioners often recommend them. 

Milk thistle, red clover and wild yam. These will all assist in rebuilding the liver and cleansing the bloodstream.

Gotu-kola, peppermint and ginger root all have appetite stimulating properties.

Further Information

Get specialist help and seek out those who have treated this condition before.

Make contact with an organisation called Overeaters Anonymous. Do not be put off by the name, as this self-help group comprises people with all forms of eating disorders. 

It offers a twelve-step programme of recovery for people with eating disorders, based on the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.