Anorexia, medically called anorexia nervosa, refers to an eating disorder marked by a low weight, a strong desire to be thin, fear of gaining weight, and food restriction. Most people with this disorder view themselves as fat or overweight, but in fact, they are thin and underweight. While a low weight is evident, anorexic people deny it and they push themselves to eating small amounts of certain foods, in addition to frequently weighing themselves. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for anorexia.
Causes
The exact reasons behind being anorexic are still unknown. According to Web MD, the disorder is common in families who have a member with an eating disorder. As per the publication, environmental, psychological, and social factors also play a role in the development of anorexia. People with the disorder tend to be overachievers and perfectionists and they believe that they would be better if they were thinner. Although bulimia, binge-eating disorder, is associated with sexual abuse, anorexia is not caused by the said abuse.
Signs and Symptoms
A person with anorexia nervosa may exhibit physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, the physical symptoms include thin appearance, extreme weight loss, abnormal blood counts, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, bluish discoloration of the fingers, soft downy hair, hair thinning, constipation, absence of menses, yellowish skin, irregular heart rhythms, cold intolerance, low blood pressure, osteoporosis, dehydration and arm or leg swelling. Then, the emotional and behavioral symptoms include food intake restriction through fasting, dieting, and excessive exercise, as well as bingeing or self-induced vomiting.
Home Remedies
While counseling and weight management are parts of the management of anorexia, the following home remedies may also help manage the condition.
Garlic
One remedy for anorexia is garlic. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, garlic serves as a natural appetite stimulant and it helps in the release of gastric juices that cleans the gastrointestinal tract. As per the publication, the person adds three to four finely chopped garlic cloves to a cup of water. Then, it is boiled for a few minutes, before it is strained. Next, two tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of rock salt are added. Finally, the solution is consumed everyday for a few weeks.
Orange and Lemon
Both citrus fruits, oranges and lemons also serve as anorexia remedies. According to Organic Facts, both also cleanse the system, bringing back the body’s optimum condition. As per the publication, the person drinks a glass of orange juice every two hours throughout the day for two to three days. Meanwhile, lemon can also be squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water, along with a pinch of salt. As an option, ginger juice can be added to boost the effects of the citrus fruit/s.
Ginger
Ginger is another remedy people know today. As per Home Remedy Hacks, it reverses anorexia by stimulating the person’s appetite and reducing his anxiety and stress. To prepare, as per the publication, a pinch of salt is added to a half teaspoon of finely chopped ginger. It is eaten before 30 minutes of every meal for a number of weeks. As an option, half teaspoon of ginger paste can be mixed with black pepper and asafetida, along with a few drops of lemon juice. The preparation is consumed daily on an empty stomach.
Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by being thin and the will to look thin. Since nutrition is altered (less than body requirements), the person is prone to developing a weak immune system and other disease. Thus, it is vital to seek medical consult and counseling for further assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
