What is Anorexia? And What is Bulimia?

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are psychological disorders which causes eating in a complex, compulsive way that disturbs the physical, mental, and psychological health of the individual.

A person suffering from anorexia harbors an obsessive, irrational fear of gaining weight, and will utilize extreme measures such as starvation or vomiting to maintain thinness. A bulimic individual consumes excessive quantities of food, feels guilty afterwards, then relieves the guilt by taking extreme measures to purge themselves of the food consumed.

Both disorders are typically observed among prepubescent and teenage girls. Men also suffer from eating disorders, but not at the same frequency as do women.

What are the causes?

A combination of social, psychological and biological factors.

Modern Western culture portrays the thin body structure as the ideal female form. A prevailing condescending attitude towards overweight individuals, and positive attention awarded to thin individuals make staying thin a priority to many young people. Sometimes the desire to be thin can lead to the development of an eating disorder.

A person suffering from either anorexia or bulimia usually holds a distorted image of his or her body. Certain traits such as obsessive behavior, perfectionism, and pessimism may also contribute to the development of eating disorders, as can traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse, bullying, or the death of a loved one.

Genetics may also play a small role in determining an individual's susceptibility to anorexia and bulimia.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are generally both physical and behavioral.

Physical symptoms include:

• Unusual and dramatic weight loss.

• Stunted growth

• Irregular or inconsistent menstrual periods in women

• Sunken eyes or dark circles around the eyes

• Pale complexion

• Excessively dry or chapped lips and skin

• Creaking joints and bones

• Anemia

• Headaches

• Fainting spells

• Constipation and diarrhea

• Oral hygiene problems such as discolored teeth, sensitive, swollen and bleeding cheeks and gums.

Behavioral symptoms include:

• Extreme exercising

• Social withdrawal

• Self-destructive behavior including substance abuse

• Refusal to eat in public

• Secretive behavior, especially when it comes to eating habits

• Moodiness

How is it treated?

Both anorexia and bulimia are most successfully treated with a combination of psychological and behavioral therapies and consistent emotional support from friends and family. But some natural remedies can also be helpful as well.

HERBAL TEAS created with calming herbs such as chamomile, comfrey, valerian root or mint (and sweetened with honey if so desired) have been proven effective in balancing emotions and reducing stress that may lead to eating disorders.

ZINC improves appetite. The consumption of 50 milligrams of zinc each day (thru diet and supplements) along with one to three milligrams of copper can increase the desire to consume food.