Bulimia nervosa & Depression

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Bulimia nervosa

Introduction:

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person binges and purges. The person may eat a lot of food at once and then try to get rid of the food by vomiting, using laxatives, or sometimes over-exercising. People with bulimia are preoccupied with their weight and body image. Bulimia is associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders and shares symptoms with anorexia nervosa, another major eating disorder. Because many individuals with bulimia can maintain a normal weight, they are able to keep their condition a secret for years. If not treated, bulimia can lead to nutritional deficiencies and even fatal complications.

Signs and Symptoms:

Bulimia is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

Binge eating of high-carbohydrate foods, usually in secret

Exercising for hours Eating until you are painfully full

Going to the bathroom during meals

Loss of control over eating, with guilt and shame

Body weight that goes up and down

Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, abdominal pain

Dehydration

Irregular menstruation or lack of menstrual periods

Damaged tooth enamel

Bad breath

Sore throat or mouth sores

Depression

What Causes It?

No one knows what causes bulimia, although there are several theories. Bulimia may have a genetic component, and there is some evidence that women who have a sister or mother with bulimia are at higher risk of developing the condition. Families may put an overemphasis on achievement, or may be overly critical. Psychological factors may also be involved, including having low self-esteem not being able to control impulsive behaviors, and having trouble expressing anger. Some people with bulimia may have a history of sexual abuse. People with bulimia may also experience depression, self-mutilation, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Cultural pressures to appear thin contribute to the disorder, particularly among dancers and athletes.

Who's Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at higher risk for developing bulimia:

White, middle-class women (mostly teenagers and college students)

People with a family history of mood disorders and substance abuse

People with low self-esteem

What to Expect at Your Provider's Office:

Often, people with bulimia are ashamed of their condition and do not seek help for many years. By then, their habits are deeply ingrained and harder to change. If you have symptoms of bulimia, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor should check for physical signs such as eroded tooth enamel and enlargement of the salivary glands, as well as signs of depression. Laboratory tests can reveal chemical changes caused by bingeing and purging. Your doctor or a mental health practitioner will do a psychological exam and ask about your feelings and your eating habits.

Treatment:

Treatment PlanThe most successful treatment is a combination of psychotherapy, family therapy, and medication. It is important for the person with bulimia to be actively involved in their treatment.Drug TherapiesAntidepressants are often prescribed for bulimia. The most common antidepressants prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

They include:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Important note:

Some studies indicate that the use of Prozac and other antidepressants may cause children and teenagers to have suicidal thoughts. Children who are taking these drugs must be monitored very carefully for signs of potential suicidal behavior.People with bulimia may not be getting the essential nutrients their bodies need. Your health care provider may prescribe potassium or iron supplements, or other supplements to make up for any deficiency.Complementary and Alternative TherapiesPsychotherapy is a cornerstone of bulimia treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to replace negative thoughts and behaviors with healthy ones, is often used. Other mind-body and stress-reduction techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation, may help you become more aware of your body and form a more positive body image. A 6-week clinical trial showed that guided imagery helped people with bulimia reduce bingeing and vomiting, feel more able to comfort themselves and improved feelings about their bodies and eating. More studies are needed to verify these findings and to determine if guided imagery has long-term benefits. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using.Nutrition and SupplementsPeople with bulimia are more likely to have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, which can affect their health. Vitamin deficiencies can contribute to cognitive difficulties such as poor judgment or memory loss. Getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet or through supplements can correct the problems.Some natural therapies, including dietary supplements, may help general health and well-being.

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.

Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.

Use quality protein sources -- such as organic meat and eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes -- as part of a balanced program aimed at gaining muscle mass and preventing wasting.

Avoid refined sugars, such as candy and soft drinks.

Your doctor may suggest addressing nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

A daily multivitamin, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, and selenium.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil two to three times daily, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources; eat two servings of fish per week.

Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant, immune, and muscular support. 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 50 mg two to three times daily, for mood stabilization. Talk with your health care provider if you are on prescription medications before taking 5-HTP. Do not take 5-HTP if you are taking antidepressants.

Creatine, 5 - 7 grams daily, when needed for muscle weakness and wasting.

Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus among other strains), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. Refrigerate probiotic supplements for best results.

L-glutamine, 500 - 1,000 mg three times daily, for support of gastrointestinal health and immunity.HerbsHerbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

These herbs are not used to treat bulimia specifically, but may be helpful in maintaining overall health:

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum) standardized extract, 450 mg one to two times daily, for general health benefits and stress.

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) standardized extract, 400 mg daily, for stress. You can also prepare teas from the plant.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) seed standardized extract, 80 - 160 mg two to three times daily, for liver health.

Grape seed (Vitis vinifera) standardized extract, 100 - 200 mg three times daily, for antioxidant effects, and heart and blood vessel protection.

Catnip (Nepeta spp.), as a tea two to three times per day, to calm the nerves and soothe the digestive system.HomeopathyNo scientific literature supports the use of homeopathy for bulimia. However, an experienced homeopath will consider your individual case and may recommend treatments to address both your underlying condition and any current symptoms.

Acupuncture

No scientific literature supports the use of acupuncture for bulimia. However, a trained acupuncturist may be able to recommend acupuncture treatments to support your overall health. Many inpatient treatment centers that focus on eating disorders include acupuncture in their overall treatment plan. Studies have found that acupuncture can be helpful in treating addictive behaviors and anxiety in general, which can help people with bulimia who are in recovery.MassageTherapeutic massage can be an effective part of a bulimia treatment plan. In one study, adolescent women with bulimia were randomly assigned either to receive massage therapy for 5 weeks or to participate in a control group (not receiving massage therapy).

Additional information:

Naturopathic symptoms and conditions : Medications.com
Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology by Author Michael
WebMedBooks.com: Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology
Endocrinology & Naturopathic Therapies, 6th Edition
Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology : A Complementary And
Fundamentals Of Naturopathic Endocrinology ' booksonturtles
Wilson's Temperature Syndrome Book
Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology : Complementary and
PaperBack Swap: Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology A
Friedman Michael's Fundamentals Of Naturopathic Endocrinology

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