Anorexia, also known medically as anorexia nervosa, refers to an eating disorder that is characterized by low body weight, an intense desire to look thin, fear of weight gain, and food limitation.
Causes
Various factors stand as causes of anorexia. According to NHS UK, these factors can be classified as psychological, environmental, and biological (or genetic). As per the publication, the psychological factors include perfectionism, excessive worry and doubt, trouble in coping with stress, an inclination towards anxiety and depression, high emotional restraint, and feelings of obsession and compulsion. The environmental factors include stress and pressure at school (bullying, teasing about one’s body weight, exams), hobbies or occupations where being thin is viewed as the ideal (sports, dancing), a stressful life event (like job loss, break-up, bereavement, family problems), and physical or sexual abuse. Meanwhile, biologic factors include changes in the function of the brain, as well as hormone levels, which may involve the brain part that regulates appetite or guilt feelings when eating is involved.
Epidemiology
According to the United States Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, anorexia is relatively common among young women and although the total incidence of the eating disorder remained constant in the previous years, the high-risk group includes girls aged 15 to 19 years old. On the other hand, bulimia or binge eating is more common among males and older people, as compared to women. Above all, anorexia nervosa is still regarded as the most striking type of eating disorder.
Signs and Symptoms
Anorexia presents a number of symptoms, which can be divided into physical and psychological. According to Mayo Clinic, the physical symptoms of anorexia include very apparent weight loss, fatigue, abnormal blood counts, dizziness or fainting, insomnia, bluish discoloration of the fingers, hair thinning, constipation, absence of menses, dry or yellowish skin, arrhythmia, dehydration, osteoporosis, low blood pressure, and arm or leg swelling.
On the other hand, the behavioral symptoms of anorexia include attempts to lose weight by restricting food intake through fasting or dieting, excessive exercise, bingeing, and self-induced vomiting. Other symptoms include preoccupation with food, refusal to eat, hunger denial, fear of weight gain, lying on the amount of food eaten, flat mood, social withdrawal, irritability, decreased libido, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts.
Home Remedies
Medical management is important when it comes to anorexia, as to weight loss and fluid and electrolyte imbalance are considered as major issues. However, the impact of the condition to the overall health of the individual may be controlled with the following home remedies.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best home remedies for anorexia nervosa, according to Top 10 Home Remedies. As per the publication, the plant serves as a natural appetite stimulant; thus, it boosts the person’s interest for food and eating. To add, garlic also aids in the secretion of juices that maintain the cleanliness of the digestive system. To prepare, as per the publication, three to four finely chopped garlic cloves are added to a cup of water. Then, it is boil for a few minutes. Next, the solution is strained and two tablespoons of lemon juice and a bit of rock salt are added. The resulting solution is consumed two times a day for a few weeks.
Orange Juice and Lemon
Citrus juice like orange and lemon serve as fast and efficient remedy for anorexia. According to Organic Facts, drinking the juice cleanses the system completely. As per the publication, the person just has to drink a glass of orange juice every two hours throughout the day. For lemon, the fruit is squeezed in a glass of lukewarm water with a bit of salt. The juice is consumed in the morning. Also, ginger juice may be added to boost the remedy.
Anorexia is not as severe as tuberculosis and cancer. However, it is a disorder that affects the person’s physical and psychological well-being. Thus, it should involve medical management, which involves the person and the family.
