Home Remedies and Herbs for Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is often referred to as simply Anorexia. It is an irrational fear of gaining weight and is classified by medical professionals as an eating disorder in all cases. Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition that can be difficult to pin point. Anorexia nervosa can have many different causes, symptoms and treatment options. ¹

What Causes Anorexia Nervosa?

The causes of Anorexia Nervosa are as varied as the people inflicted with the disease. Each patient is different so the triggers or causes of Anorexia Nervosa will be different as well. There are a few common causes in many patients. They include:

• Social pressures -There is often a societal pressure to be thin and attractive. Many patients with anorexia nervosa state that they feel more accepted by society when they are thin and so they developed the disease.
• Cultural pressures -Certain cultures have standards of beauty and attractiveness that play a part in the development of anorexia nervosa. The culture that the patient belongs to may not look kindly on someone who has some weight on their body. Sometimes the culture also pressures the patient to look a certain way for marriage purposes.
• A way to cope with stress -This particular cause of anorexia nervosa is common with teenagers who have the disorder. The stress of social, economical and scholastic pressures can lead to a feeling that control of their lives has been lost. In that case, anorexia nervosa is seen as a way to control something in their lives without causing overt physical harm. The problem is that eventually, it does cause the physical harm.
• Genetics -Genetics may also play a part in anorexia nervosa. It is thought in some medical circles that if a parent has battled anorexia nervosa that the child may develop the disease as well. While not commonly thought of as a mental disorder, there is a mental component to anorexia nervosa that would be taken into account during the diagnostic process.²

What are the Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa can present with a variety of signs and symptoms. Again, these will vary by patient but there are some common threads in most patients that present when anorexia nervosa becomes suspected. They are:

• Obsessive dieting despite being thin
• Food rituals
• Lying about eating or pretending to eat
• Overly critical of their appearance
• The patient is not willing to accept that they are too thin
• Purging after eating
• Using diet pill or laxatives to excess
• Exercising to an extreme degree ³

How is Anorexia Nervosa Diagnosed?

The best way to diagnose anorexia nervosa is by a qualified medical or psychological doctor. The diagnosis may start with the patient’s primary care physician and if anorexia nervosa is suspected, a consultation with a psychologist may be suggested. From there, a psychologist will usually ask some questions about the patient’s life, eating habits and other pertinent information. After doing so, a diagnosis is usually reached by both the psychologist and primary physician. ⁴

How is Anorexia Nervosa Treated?

Anorexia nervosa is usually treated with behavioral therapy and counseling. A patient with anorexia nervosa may also be prompted to keep a journal or diary for treatment purposes. This depends on the psychologist’s approach to treatment. ⁴

Natural Medicinal Options for Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a difficult condition however, it can be treated. There are also a wide variety of natural options to help the patient cope with the disorder and obtain some relief from symptoms. Some of the natural options are very easy to incorporate into a routine and include:

• Ginger -Ginger is a great option for anorexia nervosa. If eaten, it may help curb the nausea that often accompanies not eating. A small bit of fresh ginger may quiet the stomach and give relief
• Fish Oil -This option for anorexia nervosa is simple. If the patient takes the pill at least once a day by mouth, it can give some of the nutrients that they would normally get from regular food. It may also be helpful during treatment to give the patient extra help in battling the disease
• Wheat Grass -Anorexia nervosa is characterized by the patient not wanting to eat. Wheatgrass may be a great alternative to get some nutrients in as the patient can process it down, add liquid to it and drink it like a smoothie. The patient may not feel like they are eating and thus, it gives them some semblance of control

Conclusion

Anorexia nervosa is a common eating disorder. It affects millions of people a year and to a variety of degrees. The keys to successful treatment and management of anorexia nervosa are early detection, diagnosis and treatment. The patient can also include the above natural options to help manage their anorexia nervosa. With time and treatment, anorexia nervosa may be overcome and the patient can begin the road to recovery.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/home/ovc-20179508
2. http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa/anorexia-nervosa-cause
3. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa.htm#signs
4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK49301/