HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia  nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body weight. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with activities in their lives.

To prevent weight gain or to continue losing weight, people with anorexia usually severely restrict the amount of food they eat. They may control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics or enemas. They may also try to lose weight by exercising excessively.

Some people with anorexia binge and purge, similar to individuals with bulimia nervosa. However, people with anorexia generally struggle with an abnormally low body weight, while individuals with bulimia typically are normal to above normal weight. No matter how weight loss is achieved, the person with anorexia has an intense fear of gaining weight.

Anorexia isn't really about food. It's an unhealthy way to try to cope with emotional problems. When you have anorexia, you often equate thinness with self-worth.

Anorexia can be very difficult to overcome. But with treatment, you can gain a better sense of who you are, return to healthier eating habits and reverse some of anorexia's serious complications

Cause--The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown. As with many diseases, it's probably a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

·         Biological. Although it's not yet clear which genes are involved, there may be genetic changes that make some people more vulnerable to developing anorexia. Some people may have a genetic tendency toward perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance — all traits associated with anorexia.

·         Psychological. Some emotional characteristics may contribute to anorexia. Young women may have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easier to stick to strict diets and forgo food despite being hungry. They may have an extreme drive for perfectionism, which causes them to think they're never thin enough. And they may have high levels of anxiety and engage in restrictive eating to reduce it.

·         Environmental. Modern Western culture emphasizes thinness. Success and worth are often equated with being thin. Peer pressure may help fuel the desire to be thin, particularly among young girl

Symptoms--Physical symptoms

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia may include:

Extreme weight loss,Thin appearance, Abnormal blood counts, Fatigue, Insomnia, Dizziness or fainting,Bluish discoloration of the fingers, Hair that thins, breaks or falls out, Soft, downy hair covering the body, Absence of menstruation, ConstipationDry or yellowish skin,Intolerance of cold,Irregular heart rhythms,Low blood pressure,Dehydration,Osteoporosis, Swelling of arms or legs

Emotional and behavioral symptoms

Behavioral symptoms of anorexia may include attempts to lose weight by either:

Severely restricting food intake through dieting or fasting and may include excessive exercise

Bingeing and self-induced vomiting to get rid of the food and may include use of laxatives, enemas, diet aids or herbal products

Other emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms related to anorexia may include:

Preoccupation with food, Refusal to eat,Denial of hunger,Fear of gaining weight,Lying about how much food has been eaten, Flat mood (lack of emotion), Social withdrawal, Irritability,Reduced interest in sex, Depressed mood, Thoughts of suicide

 HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

CARBO VEGETABILIS 3X—Appetite lost. Digestion slow. Abdomen greatly distended with gas

IPECAC 200—Complete loathing of food. Persistent nausea and vomiting

Self induced vomiting. Clean tongue

ALFALFA  Q—A specific remedy