"Anorexia Nervosa - Supplements That Can Help"

Anorexia nervosa is one type of eating disorder. It is thought to be psychologically motivated, as the individual goes through out-of-control dieting.

An individual with this condition becomes overwhelmed with a desire to become thin, disregarding what kind of negative impact starvation has on their bodies.

It is a serious condition, possibly requiring hospitalization, but there are supplements your physician may recommend you take to help with your condition.

Anorexia nervosa can have serious psychological effects on all aspects of an individual's life. In addition to an extremely thin appearance, here are some additional symptoms to look out for if you suspect someone might have this condition:

• The individual may become depressed and socially withdrawn at times.
• They may have trouble sleeping, and are often fatigued at various times throughout the day.
• Their attention and concentration levels can decrease.
• They often complain of feeling cold. This is because their body temperature drops.
• They may exhibit odd eating habits, such as cutting their food into very tiny pieces, or refusing to eat while others are present.
• An absence of their monthly menstrual cycle.
• They often refuse to eat, frequently skipping meals.
• They are prone to exercise excessively.
• They will repeatedly weigh themselves.
• They are frequently looking in the mirror, checking for flaws in their appearance.
• They often complain about their weight.

Currently there is no definite cause for anorexia nervosa.

It may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

However, researchers within the medical profession are continuing to explore possible causes.

One possible cause could be societal pressure.

Many times those with anorexia nervosa have a poor self-image and feel pressured to become thin and attractive.

They may be constantly striving for perfection, meaning they never think they are slender enough.

• A. Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected).
• B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
• C. Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.
• D. In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea, i.e., the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles.

Approximately 95% of those with this condition are female adolescents. However, it can develop at any time during a woman’s life.

In the United States and other developed countries it is thought that one out of every 100 females has this condition.

It appears to be more prevalent in Caucasians than in other races, and is more prevalent in middle and upper socioeconomic groups.

Sometimes anorexia can be treated in an outpatient setting.

However, cases that are more serious may require hospitalization, requiring frequent monitoring of their vital signs, hydration levels and electrolytes that are present.

For those individuals that have substantial weight loss and whose internal organs are not functioning correctly, feeding intravenously may be required.

Their physician may recommend they gain between one and 3 pounds a week as they recover.

Individuals may also need psychological counseling.

Therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy, group therapy and family therapy have been successful in treating anorexia nervosa.

A dietitian may provide guidance on what foods they should eat. They may provide specific meal plans and caloric requirements to help them meet their weight goals.

While there is no medication that can help prevent individuals from starving themselves, several antidepressant medications, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs have shown to be useful in maintaining weight after the weight has been gained.

They may also prove useful in maintaining the proper mood with minimal anxiety.

Your doctor may address nutritional deficiencies by recommending some of the following supplements:

Acidophilus - or some kind of probiotic supplement containing 5-10 billion colony forming units (CFUs) a day to help maintain the gastrointestinal and immune systems.

A multivitamin, which contains the antioxidant vitamins A, the B Vitamins, vitamins C and E, and trace minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium and then zinc.

Ashwagandha - 450 mg, one or two times daily for its overall health benefits and to help relieve stress.

Catnip - take it as a tea 2-3 times daily, to help calm the nerves and calm down the digestive system.

Cayenne pepper - 400 mg three times a day as a digestive aid.

Coenzyme Q10 - 100-200 mg taken at bedtime as an antioxidant and immune system booster.

Creatine - 5-7 g a day to help prevent muscle weakness and atrophy.

Fenugreek - 250-500 mg two or three times a day as an appetite stimulant.

L-glutamine - 500 or 1000 mg taken three times daily to help support the gastrointestinal and immune systems.

Milk thistle - 80-160 mg 2-3 times a day, for healthy liver.

Omega 3 fatty acids - 1-2 capsules daily, to help decrease inflammation levels and enhance immunity.

5-HTP - 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 50 mg taken 2-3 times a day, to stabilize the mood.

In conclusion, anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that could be life threatening. Individuals with this condition are in denial that they have any problem, and can have a distorted view of their body image. They become obsessed with their appearance.

If you suspect that you have this condition, you should seek medical help immediately. With the proper medical intervention, which may include some of the supplements mentioned above, you should see improvements.