Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and purging, or consuming a large amount of food in a short amount of time followed by an attempt to rid oneself of the food consumed (purging), typically by vomiting, taking a laxative, diuretic, or stimulant, and/or excessive exercise, because of an extensive concern for body weight.
== Symptoms ==
== Natural Remedies ==
* [[Aloe Vera]] : One of the most vicious cycles of bulimia nervosa for those who suffer from the disorder is the self-image crisis that so often accompanies the binge eating and purging. When you treat your gastrointestinal system in this way, depleting it of crucial nutrients, you will often get bloated. This seems counterintuitive, but when this happens, it can often make bulimia nervosa sufferers even more concerned with their weight and size, which starts the entire cycle all over again. Aloe vera is very good at soothing upset stomachs and can quickly reduce bloating, eliminating that dangerous trigger from the equation of your recovery.
* Probiotics : Vomiting is one of the most violent acts that we inflict on our own body, hurling bile and stomach acid up through our respiratory system and throat. What this also does is seriously compromise the integrity of our stomach lining and eliminates a great deal of the beneficial bacteria that we need in our gut to maintain a healthy digestive system. Furthermore, vomiting eliminates food before many of the nutrients can be absorbed; when that is combined with losing digestive bacteria, it can mean a very long healing process; probiotics specifically increase and help to cultivate this helpful bacteria to begin increasing nutrient intake efficiency and returning the bulimia sufferer’s health to normal.
* Meditation: Looking inwards is always a good strategy for healing, so as with yoga, meditation has become increasingly turned to as an alternative treatment for people suffering from bulimia nervosa. By concentrating on calming the mind and focusing on oneself, many people find that their self-image can improve and their impulsive behaviors, like binge eating, can be more easily controlled. Meditation isn’t for everyone, and it also takes practice, but there’s certainly no harm in trying.
* Emotional Self-Care: Perhaps the most important natural treatment for bulimia nervosa is to begin caring for oneself again. Low self-esteem and image problems go hand-in-hand. Before developing bulimia nervosa, patients often say that there was a trigger or a period of change; reflecting on the causes of your behavior and confidently reminding yourself that you are a good, beautiful person can actually help in the treatment of mood swings and depression. Emotional self-care is a personal responsibility though, so be consistent and take care of yourself!
* [[Vitamin B2]] : According to MedlinePlus, 20 to 33 percent of people who suffer from anorexia or bulimia are deficient in vitamin B2. With the basic nutrients it provides the body, vitamin B2 can help to prevent these eating disorders, and also helps to treat the conditions themselves.* [[Zinc]] deficiencyhas also been detected in people with anorexia or bulimia in most, though not all, studies. In addition, some of the manifestations of zinc deficiency, such as reduced appetite, taste, and smell, are similar to symptoms observed in some cases of anorexia or bulimia. == Warnings ==Bulimia nervosa may not be as fatal as anorexia nervosa, but it is still extremely dangerous and destructive. These strategies outlined above should be in conjunction with seeing a medical professional who can give you a more comprehensive treatment plan. The symptoms and side effects of bulimia nervosa are complex, so do not attempt to diagnose and treat yourself; get yourself checked out by a doctor before enlisting the help of these home remedies for bulimia nervosa. == References == {{headers}}* [[EphedraCategory:Diseases]]* [[Vitamin B2Category:eating disorders]]