| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Bulimia Information
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes a sufferer to binge on large amounts of high calorie foods, then purge the body of the food just consumed by inducing vomiting or using laxatives, diuretics, enemas and/or excessive exercise. These binge/purge episodes are carried out in secret and vary in frequency, occurring anywhere from a few times a week to several times daily. Bulimia sufferers feel out of control during their bingeing episodes, then feel an overwhelming sense of guilt that can only be alleviated by getting rid of the food they just consumed. Bulimia is a very serious illness that can lead to anemia, fluid depletion, electrolyte imbalances, infertility, internal bleeding, malnutrition and many other disorders. If not treated, bulimia can lead to various cancers, kidney damage, liver damage and cardiac arrest. Bulimia is seen in both genders, but it tends to affect more women than men. The condition can affect all age groups and socioeconomic groups.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Bulimia
There is no known cause for bulimia, but experts think it is the result of a combination of psychological, biological and societal factors. The condition can also be hereditary. The disorder is often tied to low-self esteem and is often found in people who have been physically and/or sexually abused.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Bulimia
Unlike people with anorexia nervosa, whose self-starvation eventually becomes obvious to others, individuals with bulimia can hide their illness for long periods of time because their weight often remains in the high to middle ranges due to the frequent bingeing that takes place. Physical signs of induced vomiting can include swollen neck and facial glands, loss of tooth enamel, broken blood vessels in the face and eyes, chronic sore throat, inflammation of the esophagus and hiatal hernia. Signs of excess laxative use include bowel damage, rectal bleeding and chronic diarrhea. Bad dreams, bad breath, dizziness, fainting, hair loss, dry skin and premature weakness are also signs of bulimia. People who regularly disappear into the bathroom after meals, experience mood swings, make frequent visits to the dentist and are present when large quantities of food suddenly disappear could be suffering from bulimia.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Bulimia
Eat a well-balanced diet filled with high-fiber foods and complex carbohydrates. Consume no sugar, junk foods, heavy starches or white flour products. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling hungry or overly full. Chew food well and stop eating before uncomfortably full. Keep a journal to track food choices and emotions associated with eating. Work against cravings by having healthy snacks on-hand, drinking plenty of water and focusing on activities that take the mind off of food, like going for a walk or working on a project. Use stress management techniques, like exercise, meditation and yoga, instead of food to soothe stressful situations.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex combats nutrient deficiencies.
Zinc with Copper aids the sense of taste and eases depression and anxiety.
Acidophilus stabilizes intestinal bacteria and protects the liver.
Calcium and Magnesium calms the body and relaxes muscles.
Coenzyme A aids metabolism, eases depression, fights fatigue and increases energy.
Coenzyme Q10 protects the heart and aids circulation.
SAMe relieves stress, eases depression and produces antioxidant effects.
Vitamin B Complex is essential for all cellular function.
Milk Thistle and Red Clover cleanses the bloodstream and protects the liver.
St. Johns Wort is an antidepressant and reduces cravings.
Ginger Dry Extract aids digestion.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below |
