Home Remedies and Herbs for Eating Disorder

Eating disorders are real and treatable medical illnesses. These behavior problems frequently coexist with other illnesses such as depression/anxiety disorders and are associated with a wide range of adverse psychological, physical and social consequences. ^1,2 All variants of eating disorders feature serious disturbances in eating behavior and weight regulation. This includes severe overeating or not consuming enough food to remain healthy. They also involve extreme concern about body shape and appearance. ⁵ Eating disorders affect both genders, however the ratio between males and females is severely disproportionate with seven times more females having eating disorders compared to males. This is particularly more so in teenagers and adolescents. Currently, in the United States, approximately 8 million people suffer from eating disorders. The vast majority are young women. ^1,2

There are three general recognized forms of eating disorders: ^1,2,5

• Bulimia Nervosa — Characterized by cycles of consumption and purging.
• Anorexia Nervosa — Loss of appetite and a psychological aversion to food.
• Binge Eating — Compulsive periods of overeating and absence of bulimic behavior like vomiting and laxative abuse.

Anorexic eating disorders are the most dangerous as the sufferer can actually starve themselves to death. Bulimia and Binge Eating lead to severe overweight and obesity. ⁵

What Causes Eating Disorders?

Eating disorder causes are not specifically known. Concerns and obsession about weight and appearance are the common denominator but appear to come from many factors that are biological and social. ¹

These are the likely causes of eating disorders: ^1,2,4

• Genetic Factors — Eating disorders are 8 times more likely where there is already an eating disorder in the family.
• Biologic Factors — A dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) which is the portion of the brain that controls appetite and mood.
• Cultural Pressures — The media portrays unrealistic expectations of body image and promotes cheap, high-caloric foods.
• Age — Most eating disorder sufferers are young females.
• Race — Most are Caucasian.
• Personality Disorders — Most suffer from some form of self-esteem, dependency and self-direction issues.

Eating Disorders Symptoms

Eating disorder symptoms always include some form of extreme weight control, whether being extremely thin as in anorexia or grossly obese with bulimia and binge eaters. ^1,2

• Symptoms of anorexia are an aversion to food, large weight loss, severe dieting and an intense fear of gaining weight. ¹
• Symptoms of bulimia are cycles of eating and self-induced vomiting.
• Symptoms of binge eating are periods of excessive and continuous eating. ^1,6

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Eating Disorders

• Chamomile - This is a tea that has naturally soothing and calming benefits that reduce anxiety which may be the eating disorder cause.
• St. John’s Wort - St. John’s Wort is a natural plant that increases serotonin levels and alleviates the stress associated with eating disorders.
• Ginger - A known appetite stimulant, ginger can be effective in treating anorexia. It’s best consumed with lemon juice and rock salt on an empty stomach.
• Probiotics - These are essential supplements to help improve nutritional deficiencies and are highly efficient in treating anorexia.
• Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha is a natural herb remedy taken for depression and eating disorders. It helps boost energy levels and increases appetite.
• Passion Flower - This herbal remedy is derived from a climbing vine and is used to treat personality and anxiety issues. It increases the levels of brain chemicals known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/eating-disorders
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/binge-eating-disorder/home/ovc-20182926
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/home/ovc-20179508
4. https://medlineplus.gov/eatingdisorders.html
5. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders-new-trifold/index.shtml
6. https://draxe.com/binge-eating-disorder/