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More Eating Disorders Treatments | FAQ's
Eating disorder is a broad term which includes a group of long-term serious conditions typically characterized by ‘extremes’. ‘Extreme’ in terms of severe disruptions in eating behaviors like –overeating or food intake reduction or the feeling of being overweight or over exercising. A person with an eating disorder is so pre-occupied with weight and food that he/she can hardly focus on other things.
Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders usually strike females, but males and children can also have eating disorders. Binge eating disorder is an exception in this case as it affects more males than females. The main types of eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. There are various sub-types of eating disorders as well which are all categorized under ‘eating disorders not otherwise specified’ (EDNOS).
Symptoms of eating disorders will largely vary according to the type of eating disorder.
Anorexia Nervosa: This condition is typically characterized by being extremely thin and being obsessed with food. A person may simply not eat enough calories or exercise excessively to burn calories. Common signs and symptoms include - thin appearance, dizziness or fatigue, abnormal blood counts, thin hair, brittle nails, amenorrhea, dry skin, dehydration, constipation, bone loss, low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, denial of hunger, refusal to eat, excessive exercise, lack of emotion or flat mood, and complaining being fat.
Bulimia Nervosa: This condition is typically characterized by special episodes of bingeing and purging. Typically a person eats a large amount of food in a short span of time and then tries to get rid of excess calories by vomiting, using laxatives or excess exercise. Common signs and symptoms include – abnormal functioning of the bowels, bloating, sores in mouth and throat, dehydration, fatigue, dry skin, damaged gums and teeth, amenorrhea, swollen salivary glands especially in the cheeks, eating until a point of pain or discomfort, use of laxatives, self induced vomiting, depression, hoarding food, visits to the washroom after or during eating, anxiety and an unhealthy focus on weight.
Binge Eating Disorder: This condition is typically characterized by bingeing even when not hungry, many a times for hours on end until a person is uncomfortably full. After a binge episode a person may diet or eat normally which can again trigger a new cycle of bingeing. Common signs and symptoms include – eating excessively to a point of pain or discomfort, eating faster during a binge episode, hoarding food, anxiety, depression, guilt after bingeing and dieting without weight loss.
Eating Disorders Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and Diet
Causes of Eating Disorders
The exact cause of eating disorders is not known yet. But as in other psychological illnesses the causes are complex and may result from a possible interaction of biological, genetic, psychological, family, emotional, social and environmental factors. Holistic treatment plan works best when it comes to treating an eating disorder. This plan includes a combination of diet and nutrition education, psychotherapy, medications, family counseling and hospitalization.
Eating Disorders home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answers
Remedies for Eating Disorders
• There are no specific medications to cure eating disorders, but medications to control an episode of binge or purge and other symptoms like depression, guilt, anxiety and excessive pre-occupations with food and diet can help.
• Resist urges to check body weight frequently as this can simply drive you back to other unhealthy eating habits.
Eating Disorders : Home Remedies suggested by users
Diet for Eating Disorders
• Nutrition education along with a proper individualized diet plan can help to regain a normal healthy weight. A specialized dietician for eating disorders can make this task simple. Diet for different eating disorders will vary according to the symptoms and severity.
• Learning how to substitute unhealthy eating habits with the healthy ones can also be of a great help. Learning to monitor mood swings, depression, anxiety and guilt will also help in the treatment plan.
Other Suggestions for Eating Disorders
• Take support from family members and friends, they want to help so don’t isolate yourself from them. If you feel that your family is unsupportive or unavailable, self help groups or support groups can be a great source of comfort and inspiration.
• Stick to the diet plans and other treatment plans. Don’t stray away from regular meals or skip therapy sessions.
• Before starting any vitamins or mineral supplements talk to health care specialists.
• Boost your self esteem and love yourself, be realistic.
• Be positive, look out for positive role models and remind yourself about healthy body weight often.
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