Natural Treatments for a Dangerous Eating Disorder

Anorexia Nervosa is a very serious eating disorder that primarily affects young people. In almost all cases professional help is needed. This eating disorder is more complex than just a loss of appetite. Anorexia indicates a strong physiological aversion towards food. This happens to people from an internal fear of becoming fat. The incidence of this disorder has become very widespread. It is believed to be because of how the media and Hollywood create an illusion of how a person should look. This results in a very warped perception of reality. The rapid weight loss caused by anorexia can be very damaging to a person's health, especially during puberty.

Natural treatments for Anorexia

It is always best to use these treatments with the help of a Naturopathic doctor. The disorder is an obsessive one which almost always requires treatment by a physiologist or therapist. A person who suffers from this disorder generally has a very hard time eating, and it can take some time to rebuild their appetite.

The home remedies for anorexia are very simple to implement. It just takes a little initiative and a change in thinking to be effective.

One way to improve appetite is by using betaine hydrochloride and pancreatic enzymes. Other herbs which stimulate appetite are sweet flag, calmus, yellow gentian, buckbean, and marsh trefoil. Be sure to take enzymes and herbs right before a meal. It is also important to reintroduce healthy foods back into the diet such as whole foods, fruits and vegetables, and grains.

Limes and oranges help to stimulate digestive juices and restore normal appetite. Lime mixed with ginger can also help. Ginger has certain elements that combat nausea and help a person to regain their appetite.

Garlic also has a direct effect on appetite and the digestive system as whole.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is essential to help rebuild a person's body from being nutritionally deficient. It can be more helpful to take a liquid whole food multi vitamin and mineral supplement rather than a supplement in pill form as that may be hard for a person with anorexia to take down.

Stress can also play a big role with this disorder, so it is essential to keep stress levels low.

STRESS TIPS

Take a hot bath with 1 cup of Epsom salts. The salts are very therapeutic and work as a natural sedative for the nervous system. It helps to bring on relaxation and promote better sleep.

Exercise Daily. When done consistently this can help to free your mind and ease tension. Even a walk for 30 min each day can prove to be very effective.

Visualization-Taking a quick mental break by picturing your favorite place in your mind whether it be the mountains, the ocean, or your home. Concentrate on smelling, seeing and hearing the things that you are thinking of.

Breathing-To help your body relax inhale slowly hold your breath and then exhale slowly. Lay down quietly on the floor with your entire body relaxed, eyes closed and exhale blowing air out of your lungs. Relax letting your abdomen return to its normal position. Continue to breathe in and out for several minutes and continue the cycle.

Stretch-Stretching helps to relieve tension and anxiety.