It is a major problem of nowadays. Everybody wants to look slim and fit. In order to fulfill this purpose, we suffer with this disorder. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and the food they eat. It can damage your health and even threaten your life. Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder with three key features :
Two types of anorexia -
Signs and symptoms
Major risk factors associated
Treatment
Psychotherapy - Individual, family or group therapy will be very beneficial in dealing with anorexia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the individual to overcome the negative ideas surrounding food and weight problems, while family therapy helps to deal with many conflicts in mind.
Drug treatment - There is no prescribed treatment available to cure anorexia. But medicines may be given to treat depression or any other underlying disorders.
Alternative medicine - Alternative medicine is quite effective in curing underlying disorders like anxiety and promote a sense of well being. Such treatments include yoga, acupuncture and meditation.
Ayurvedic treatment
Prognosis
With treatment, anorexia can take a long time (weeks or months) to improve. It may take several years for anorexic to be completely better. Unfortunately, some people with anorexia die from consequences of anorexia. Causes of death include severe infections (because immunity lowers by low nutritious diet), dehydration, chemical imbalances in blood (such as low potassium levels) and even suicide.
- Don’t want to maintain a healthy body weight
- An intense fear of gaining weight
- A distorted body image
Two types of anorexia -
- In the restricting type of anorexia, weight loss occurs by restricting calories (following strict diets, fasting and excess exercises).
- In the purging type of anorexia, weight loss occurs by vomiting or using laxatives and diuretics.
Signs and symptoms
- Being slim, following dieting
- Unnecessary reading food labels, measuring calories and weighing portions. Keeping a food diary or reading diet books.
- Pretending to eat. Not having proper diet.
- Making meal plans, cooking for others and eating less
- Never prefer to eat among others
Major risk factors associated
- Body dissatisfaction
- Strict dieting
- Perfectionism
- Low self esteem
- Troubled family relationships
- History of physical or sexual abuse
Treatment
Psychotherapy - Individual, family or group therapy will be very beneficial in dealing with anorexia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the individual to overcome the negative ideas surrounding food and weight problems, while family therapy helps to deal with many conflicts in mind.
Drug treatment - There is no prescribed treatment available to cure anorexia. But medicines may be given to treat depression or any other underlying disorders.
Alternative medicine - Alternative medicine is quite effective in curing underlying disorders like anxiety and promote a sense of well being. Such treatments include yoga, acupuncture and meditation.
Ayurvedic treatment
- Ashwagandha – It raises energy levels, boost appetite and reduce mood swings.
- Fenugreek - It is available in fresh, dried or oil forms. It helps to improve digestion and treats appetite loss effectively.
- Shatavari - It is a rejuvenating tonic and helps to induce positive feelings for emotionally unbalanced anorexics.
- Chamomile - It is used as a calming herbal tea. It significantly relaxes nerves, induces sound sleep, and promotes appetite.
- Probiotics - It helps in the treatment of anorexia nervosa by enhancing the concentration of friendly bacteria, strengthening the intestinal flora and balancing nutritional deficiencies.
Prognosis
With treatment, anorexia can take a long time (weeks or months) to improve. It may take several years for anorexic to be completely better. Unfortunately, some people with anorexia die from consequences of anorexia. Causes of death include severe infections (because immunity lowers by low nutritious diet), dehydration, chemical imbalances in blood (such as low potassium levels) and even suicide.
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