Bulimia - Control Is Within Reach

By Michael Russell

Did people of the past have any of the disorders that exist in the present? It seems like every activity comes with a disclaimer. Even food has a negative side. For some people food isn't a joy, but a disaster. Some people have had their lives taken over by eating disorders and one of those disorders is known as bulimia. Bulimia occurs when people go through periods of overeating, which are then followed by periods of self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives and diuretics and excessive exercising. Bulimia may start because other attempts at dieting have failed.

People who are bulimics are also susceptible to other types of compulsions and addictions. Bulimics may have major fluctuations in their weight. They are ashamed of their behavior, so they usually carry out their actions in private. Overeating is not caused by hunger, but by feelings of depression and stress. Bulimics actually get a sense of happiness from overeating, but that feeling doesn't last very long. Bulimics don't just purge their bodies as a way to control weight, purging is also a way for them to regain control of their overeating.

There is no concrete evidence, that points to what causes bulimia. It appears to be more of a mental state than a physical one. Bulimics may actually be underweight, but they see themselves as being overweight or fat. It's their distorted images of themselves that drives them to extremes. Because bulimics may not show obvious signs, they could be impossible to identify. It may take a medical condition to appear which is related to bulimia, before a proper diagnosis can be made.

The actions associated with purging can lead to serious health problems. Repeated vomiting can cause ulcers, ruptures or narrowing of the esophagus. Acid that flows back into the esophagus, is also a major concern. Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands is also a result of repeated vomiting. The misuse of diuretics may produce an abnormal fluid buildup. The continued misuse of laxatives and diuretics combined, could cause an electrolyte imbalance, which could have life threatening consequences.

Because the major factors in bulimia take place in the mind, most treatments are geared toward helping bulimics come to terms with their thought processes. Bulimics can be treated by physicians or psychiatrists. There are also anti-depressant medications that have been useful in treating bulimics. Depending on their physical conditions, some bulimics may need hospitalization, while others may only require counseling and monitoring.

Eating disorders seem complex and mysterious. Maybe the reason no one has found the causes of these disorders is because one doesn't exist. A lot of people experience the same types of feelings that bulimics endure, but they don't use food as a way to express their emotions. Bulimics use food in the same way some people use shopping and makeovers; it's just a temporary diversion. Whatever problems bulimics have before they overeat and purge will still be there when they're through. Hopefully bulimics can find a way to cut through the smoke and take a real look into their mirror.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Eating Disorders

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

How To Prevent A Bulimia Eating Disorder Relapse

By Sandra Kim Leong

Bulimia is an eating disorder that is increasingly common. There are many causes of bulimia. One of which is the vast influence of the media. The media has been blamed for its constant portrayal of body images that are unrealistic and difficult to attain. Its definition of what is beautiful has a significant impact on the imagery formed in the minds of young teenagers and even adults.

If you have a bulimia eating disorder, you suffer both in the mind and the body. You have a poor self image, and feel depressed. You may also feel isolated as you seek to keep your condition a secret from your friends and loved ones. Physically, a bulimia eating disorder can cause much harm to your body and including, death.

As a bulimic, you have two options in terms of dealing with your condition. You can either seek help or allowing the disorder to waste your body away. You may like to know that the statistical chance of success when you seek for help appears good with counseling and therapy. Studies show that eighty percent of all sufferers get successfully treated for their disorder. Unfortunately, many relapse, and hence, it is important that you learn about how to prevent a bulimia relapse.

Firstly, you should avoid the situation of becoming too hungry. While you should not be eating all the time, if you restrict yourself heavily, you may be all the more likely to binge eat. Studies have shown that when someone is undergoing a serious diet, they are much more likely to binge eat.

Next, binge eating on certain foods such as high cholesterol foods, can be extremely harmful. So you should refrain from eating them as much. Also, it is best not to make these foods as taboo. When you do so, you may find more and more drawn to it. And when you cannot resist the temptation anymore, you binge eat on it. Instead, you should try to cut down the portion size of the food that you are lusting for as a first step.

It is obvious that you should avoid going to places where you tend to eat by the mouthful. These may include buffets or fast food restaurants where you have a habit of upsizing your meals. Being in this environment can easily make you want to pig out.

If you find the urge to binge and purge overwhelming, try restraining yourself for thirty minutes. Then, during this time, use some positive visualization techniques. You can imagine how and what you would feel if you overcome bingeing. Imagine the happiness and the health that you will enjoy when you no longer have a bulimia eating disorder. Associate yourself with the feelings and emotions of joy so much so that when your mind gets back to your current situation, you would have lost interest in your meal.

Finally, have fun. Try to do at least one thing per day that lifts your mood. It cannot be denied that a bulimia eating disorder is a difficult problem to overcome. The mental strain that it places upon you can be difficult to deal with. Should you find it hard to overcome bulimia on your own and you suspect that a relapse is imminent, speak to a physician or a counselor immediately. Getting the support that you need can make all the difference between healthy habits and relapsing into a bulimia eating disorder once again.

Sandra Kim Leong writes about bulimia eating disorder and other types of disordered eating. For free tips, please visit http://www.eating-disorder-research.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Kim_Leong

Can you fight Bulimia and Other Food Addictions with Herbal Medicine?

By Irina Webster

Bulimics and other food addicts eat compulsively. They can’t stop their compulsive behavior once they have started their binge eating and tend to disregard the consequences of their behaviors.

These people are persistently preoccupied with buying, preparing, cooking and eating food. They also can sneak or steal food, hide the food in their bags, cupboards, drawers and other places. When the food supply is cut off, withdrawal symptoms can occur, including chills, dizziness, headaches, poor concentration, nausea and lethargy.

A food-related addiction can also be accompanied by co addictions. Many bulimics may also binge on alcohol or get addicted to prescription drugs or even over-the-counter medications like diuretics and laxatives. Bulimics may be addicted to cigarettes to help moderate their food cravings.

The treatment for food addicts and bulimics is complex. Behavioral therapy, family therapy, nutritional therapy and even hospitalization can be used to treat sufferers. But the most difficult thing in the treatment process still remains their coping with cravings to binge or binge and purge during the recovery process.

If only you can stop these cravings to overeat things would be different! Some sufferers even describe it as little voices in their head that force them to binge. If only you can stop the little voices or at least make them not as strong people maybe able to cope better.

Many methods have been tried to kick a food addiction. The most beneficial methods are probably the ones which involved changing a person’s way of thinking and dealing with emotions. But I also found that some herbal therapy can help you to fight your food addiction also. These herbs seem to be useful for kicking food addictions:

Gymnema blocks the taste and metabolism of sugar if consumed before eating. It can quickly help your body stop sugar dependency.

Amla is rich in nutrients, especially vitamin C. Ayurvedic medicine uses it a lot to help people feel lighter and happier. It is also a mild laxative.

Alfalfa is also rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. But the main benefit is that it contains enzymes that helps digest the food (for bulimics it is necessary because bulimics have slow digestive processes).

Ginger stimulates circulation to all parts of the body. Also it improves digestion and gives body more energy.

Burdock improves fat metabolism and eliminates extra water from the body. It is very beneficial for kidney, liver and bowel function.

Nettle is a traditional remedy for cellulite. Also eliminates extra water from the body and stimulates blood circulation.

Dandelion Root improves liver function and metabolism of fat. The leaf is a natural diuretic and is rich in trace minerals, especially potassium.

Fennel Seed is a natural appetite suppressant and helps to control your cravings for specific foods.

Cola Nut is a stimulant. It contains caffeine and theobromine. It can be used to suppress hunger and mental exhaustion.

Cinnamon is naturally sweet. It can lower the desire for other sugars. It also improves circulation.

St. John’s Wort is a natural antidepressant and anxiety reliever. It can help to stop emotional eating.

Valerian Root is a natural sedative. It also can be used to stop emotional eating.

Yerba Mate works as an appetite suppressant, an antidepressant and a mild stimulant. It can stop a binging cycle. It is also rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

Flaxseed oil can help to stop cravings for fatty food. Take a one tablespoon of this oil daily to stop fat cravings.

This is only a few of many other herbs that can help to fight food addictions and bulimia. For more information go to www.mom-please-help.com

Dr Irina Webster is the Director of Women Health Issues Program which covers different areas of Women Health.

Dr Irina Webster has a wholistic approach to medicine and her favorite area is to discover natural treatments for Women health problems and share these treatments and methods with other people.

Dr Irina Webster believes that the majority of women health problems can be treated naturally without drugs or surgical treatment.

At present she does Eating Disorder natural treatment research. http://www.mom-please-help.com

Dr Irina's web-site: http://www.womenhealthsite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irina_Webster

Eating Disorder - Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating

By Michael Russell

An eating disorder is characterized by a strange eating behavior and unhealthy beliefs about eating and weight. It is most commonly found in a young female during her adolescence. It can go undetected for years. You must recognize an eating disorder before the treatment process can begin. There are 3 main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by restricted eating or self-starvation. They have a fear of food because they are afraid of becoming overweight. A person with anorexia nervosa refuses to maintain a safe body weight. They try to reach a dangerously low weight by going on extreme diets, fasting and compulsively exercising. Some people even refuse to eat and put themselves in danger of starving to death. They view themselves as being fat even if they are actually emaciated or dangerously thin. They set unreasonably high standards for how their body should look. A person with anorexia nervosa will usually undergo bouts of depression and anxiety. They may also abuse illegal drugs or go through mood swings. Some women may go through three or more consecutive months without a menstrual period. A case of anorexia nervosa usually begins while you are dieting and after a stressful event has occurred. About 1 percent of the American population has anorexia nervosa. About 90 percent of these cases happen to females. Most of these people are Caucasians who come from middle-class and upper-class backgrounds. About 5 to 10 percent of the people who suffer from anorexia nervosa die because of starvation, cardiac arrest, or suicide.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that consists of repeated bouts of binge eating. A person who is a binge eater has an uncontrollable urge to eat excessive amounts of food. This person will believe that he or she is overweight even when they are not. Some of these people induce vomiting, also known as purging, or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of all of the food that was eaten during binging. Other people might fast and/or exercise excessively instead. People with bulimia nervosa might also abuse illegal drugs, feel depressed, or feel uneasy or fearful for no reason. The medical complications that accompany bulimia nervosa are not as dangerous as those that accompany anorexia nervosa. All of the binging and purging or fasting might result in dental and periodontal problems, heart problems, bleeding in the esophagus and ruptures in the lining of the stomach. About 2 percent of the American population suffers from bulimia nervosa. About 90 percent of these people are female. Most of these people are Caucasians from middle-class and upper-class backgrounds. However, it is getting more common among non-Caucasian groups. Bulimia nervosa occurs mainly to vulnerable people who have already suffered through a traumatizing event.

No one had heard of binge eating disorder until the term was first introduced to the public in 1992. Binge eating disorder consists of repeated bouts of overeating. A person with this disorder has an irresistible need to eat. Eating is usually done in private. After the eating is done, this person usually feels very guilty or remorseful. However, unlike bulimia nervosa, there is no purging, fasting, excessive exercising, or use of laxatives or diuretics. About 3 percent of Americans suffer from the binge eating disorder. Most people with this disorder are adults. It may surprise some people to know that just as many females as males are afflicted with it and it is also prevalent across all ethnic groups. You do not have to be overweight to be diagnosed with this disorder. In spite of this, studies indicate that 40 percent of obese people have the binge eating disorder. These people are at a higher risk for medical complications because of further weight gain. Binge eaters who are also obese might also abuse illegal drugs, suffer from depression, lack self-confidence, or feel that his or her body does not measure up to the standards of modern society. Medical researchers have yet to determine the cause of this eating disorder.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Eating Disorders Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Do I Really Have Bulimia?

By Heather Colman

Bulimia is term used commonly for an eating disorder called Bulimia nervosa. It is a psychological condition in which a person engages in recurrent binge eating followed by intentionally doing one or more of the following in order to compensate for the intake of the food and prevent weight gain:

• vomiting
• inappropriate use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics or other medication
• excessive exercising
• fasting

The following six criteria should be met for a person to be diagnosed with bulimia.

1. The person feels incapable of controlling the urge to binge, even during the binge itself, and consumes a larger amount of food than a person would normally consume at one sitting.
2. The person purges him or herself of the recent intake, resorting to vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, exercising, etc.
3. The person engages in such behavior at least twice per week for three months.
4. The person is focused upon body image and desperate desire to appear thin.
5. The person does not meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa. Some anorectics may demonstrate bulimic behaviors in their illness: binge-eating and purging themselves of food on a regular or infrequent basis at certain times during the course of their disease. Alternatively, some individuals might switch from having anorexia to having bulimia. The mortality rate for anorectics who practice bulimic behaviors is twice that of anorectics who do not.)
6. The person is of normal weight or overweight.

Bulimia is often less about food, and more to do with deep psychological issues and profound feelings of lack of control. Binge/purge episodes can be severe, sometimes involving rapid and out of control feeding that can stop when the sufferers are interrupted by another person or when their stomach hurts from over-extension. This cycle sometimes repeated several times a week or, in serious cases, several times a day. Sufferers often use the destructive eating pattern to gain control over their lives.

Disclaimer: This article is presented for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please seek the advice of qualified professional if you or someone you know suffers from bulimia.

[Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather's articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Colman

In Bulimia Recovery? Do You Want To Beat Bulimia?

By Vathani Navasothy

Are you ready to stop binging & purging and experience bulimia recovery? About half of us give up on our goals during the first week; so if you set a goal to beat bulimia, leave binging and purging in the past and experience bulimia recovery just read on to learn how to stay motivated.

Let's say, "stop binge eating" is your desired goal. However, if this is how you describe your goal, then you will find it hard to achieve because it does not focus on the positive or anything tangible. Focusing on the positive is the way to bulimia recovery.

Reframe your goal by answering these questions:
- What would you like to accomplish today?
- Who can assist you in dealing with this difficulty?
- If a miracle happened tonight, and tomorrow you didn't have this problem, how would you know?
- What would let you know?

Now develop your goal using the steps below. This will help you stay on the path to bulimia recovery.

MAKE YOUR GOAL SMART!

Step 1 - "S" is for Specific.

Notice what you are thinking and feeling just before a binging episode.

Are you always hungry just before a binge takes place? If so decide to embrace a goal like "eat 3 healthy meals a day at 3 to 4 hour intervals."

What does this really mean? It means to insure you obtain the recommended daily amount of nutrients, which are essential for a healthy functioning body: eat three meals per day - leaving 3 to 4 hours between each main meal. This is the way to frame a Specific goal that will lead you to stop binging and start your bulimia recovery.

Step 2 - "M" is for Measurable

Keep track of your progress. To do this; make your goal Measurable. Your goal "eat 3 healthy meals at 3 hour intervals" can be measured very easily.

Step 3 - "A" is for Achievable.

When you break your goal down into small tasks your goal becomes more Achievable!

The way to do this is to create sub-goals - you know... bite-size pieces. For example, take one day at a time. Today plan what you are going to eat tomorrow. The sub-goal could be: go shopping for the ingredients. You are on your way to bulimia recovery!

Step 4 - "R" is for Relevant

Make your goal Relevant to you. Don't do it for others, if you do, you are unlikely to stay with it... do it for YOU. You can beat bulimia and enjoy the fruits of being in bulimia recovery. Binging will be a thing of the past.

Step 5 - "T" is for Timely.

Allow yourself enough Time to achieve your goal. Set a realistic time frame - changing your eating patterns will take 21 days or longer.

For example,

Week 1 - eat three balanced meals a day. If a small healthy snack is necessary between meals... then have one!

Week 2 - focus on success

Week 3 - if you are feeling confident choose to experiment with foods you consider risky or conducive to binging.

Everyone learned to walk before they ran. Make time every day to review your goal to see how you have progressed. It reinforces your motivation.

Start a bulimia recovery treatment program to guide you along the path to success.

Most importantly, recognize your achievements along the way and reward yourself! You deserve the reward of bulimia recovery for your efforts.

Vathani Navasothy - Eating Disorder Counselor and registered expert with National Center for Eating Disorders; shows you how to take the pain out of beating bulimia. To take the ultimate bulimia quiz visit http://www.bulimiahope.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vathani_Navasothy

Mom, Please Help - a True Anorexia - Bulimia Story

By Irina Webster

Well, I guess it was 11 years ago I started to notice something was not right with Amy. She had just turned 13 when I caught her always looking at herself in the mirror. She would ask me if I thought she put on weight. I told her of course not, she always looked just right for her age.

You know, I never even thought anything was wrong I took it as just being a teenage thing and really thought no more about it. I remember myself in those teenage years worrying about my looks and going on diets and silly stuff like that, it was what a lot of my friends did too.

I didn’t even pickup on the fact that Amy would just play with her food at the dinner table and just shift it around her plate, eating very little. Of course I would say to her about not eating her food, but she would say she had a lot to eat at school, or at a friends place or some other excuse and I would fall for it.

Now in hindsight I feel really guilty as a mom for not being more aware of things at that time and I go through the “if only I had noticed back then I maybe could have done something”, but I didn’t and the 10 years of living hell was about to begin.

Amy had always been a beautiful intelligent girl, always thinking of other people, always nice and kind. When she was 8 she would always do things for her grandmother (who had come to live with us) she always asked if she needed help cleaning or if she could do anything for her. She always volunteered to take Grans’ dinner to her and bring back the dirty dishes; nothing was too much for her.

Amy was 12 when her grandmother passed away. We thought she would be really upset but she seemed to handle it probably better that any one, even her younger brother Ben seemed more upset. We put it down to the fact that Gran had been sick for over 6 months and we had explained to her that we thought Gran would not live that much longer. Even at the funeral Amy did not cry but seemed to be in full control, but again I was too upset at losing my Mom, that I did not really pay attention.

My God! What an idiot I was back then how could I miss all the little signals that Amy was sending me? Why didn’t I see the warning signs, how could I have been so stupid? They were all there to be seen but I didn’t notice a thing.

I think what really sent Amy on the trip that nearly cost her life was what to her, became a major disappointment when she was 13. Amy just loved to dance and she was good at it and she had a real passion for dancing. She always said the she wanted to be a dancer when she grew up and if any dancing came on TV she would not miss it. Even if there was a family outing or a birthday party, if dancing was on TV she would refuse to go, until the show had ended.

I have to tell you at this point that Amy was not a typical little 13 years old. She was quite developed for her age with breasts and more of a mature shapes to her body, more like a 16 year old that a 13 year old. Most of her friends were still waiting to develop breasts and were still the thin little girls with no shape. I didn’t know it then but Amy was teased about her body by some of the girls at school, who would call her fat and tell her she had a big bottom. Of course this was not true, Amy was just more developed but to her she was starting to think she was really fat.

It was the 18 November 1996 that I believe was the catalyst for the 10 years of hell we were about to face. Amy had been practicing for months to get into the school dance troop. It was the auditions for the Christmas extravaganza and Amy wanted so badly to get the lead dance role. Two days before the auditions she got ill and by the time her dance trials came she was not in good health. She failed to get the lead role; in fact she danced so badly she did not even make the team. When she was leaving the stage I heard one of the girls who was successful say, I told you you’re too fat.

Amy was inconsolable she screamed and yelled and cried and cried. I tried to consol her by saying there is always next year, it was not your fault you were sick, but nothing could make her stop being upset. All she kept saying was she had tried so hard why was I not picked. Mom I wanted to be in the show why did I not get in, I am too fat, they didn’t pick me because I am too fat.

Amy just sobbed and sobbed all night in her room there was nothing I could do, absolutely nothing. I remember saying to my husband John that she will cry herself out and in a couple of days she would be that lovable girl we knew: how wrong this statement turned out to be.

I have heard Anorexia described by another sufferer as being like getting on an escalator that you can’t get off. It just keeps going and you don’t even know how you got on in the first place, all you know is the floor has changed. You think you are in control at first but then it takes control of you and there is nothing you can do about it. This is basically what happened to Amy, I believe she got on the escalator the night of the auditions looking for something she could control, but only found the devil.

Over the next 12 months Amy seemed to be doing well, at school her grades were up and she was near the top of her class. But she had completely given up her dancing, saying to us that she wanted to concentrate on her school work. Amy had always liked going to school even when she was little, in fact she couldn’t wait to get back to school during the term breaks, looking forward to the new school year. So when she told us she wanted to do better at school we simply believed her, after all her grades reflected all the effort she was putting in. We didn’t realize that what was really happening was she was withdrawing further and further into herself.

She wasn’t eating much and soon started to look thin and scrawny. I never noticed her weight loss as it was winter and she wore bulky clothing that covered her up. It was only well into spring when she started to wear thinner clothes that I really saw the extent of the problem.

I started to worry about this but when I would approach her she would tell me she was just on a diet and don’t bother her. It was at this time the alarm bells started to go off in my head; she was starting to look really emancipated. To me she looked like one of those photos you see of people in the concentration camps, all skin and bone, her hair was lank without luster or life. My God I started to think what is going on here.

It was time for us to confront Amy to see what in the world was happening. We decided to wait until Ben, her brother, was not home as we wanted to have a good talk to Amy and thought it would be a more relaxed atmosphere if he was not there: what transpired was anything but relaxed.

Amy just did not want to talk she exploded, swearing and cursing me telling us that it is her life and if she wanted to diet she would. I said to her that she had no fat to lose she was just skin and bone. She pointed to her shoulders telling me am I blind, look at all the fat on her shoulder. I tried to point out that is the bone in your arm it is not fat. She yelled and screamed calling me an idiot and just wanted to leave her alone, slamming the door in my face.

I was in absolute shock. Tears were streaming down my face. What had just happened, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. John tried to open the door but it was locked he yelled for Amy to open the door and he wanted answers right now. All we got back was a tirade of abuse, he banged on the door but Amy just got worse and worse yelling and screaming, we could hear things being thrown, things smashing and Amy telling us to go away and let her be.

I called my doctor to talk to him; I needed answers to what was going on. He suggested that I come and see him and bring Amy if it was possible, so I made an appointment for the next day. When Amy claimed down I asked her if she wanted to go with me. She refused; saying why would she want to go to see a doctor, there is nothing wrong with her. I wanted to say something but the events of that morning stopped me; I did not want a repeat performance until I at least knew what it is I was dealing with.

I attended the appointment with Dr Thomson explaining what had happened. He asked me a number of questions about Amy and then told me he was sure that she had an Eating Disorder and it was probably Anorexia.

Well! I nearly fell of my chair; I just could not understand how in the world this had happened to Amy. I knew absolutely nothing about anorexia, except what a had read about movie stars who supposedly had all these kinds of problems through the stress of keeping thin for their careers, but Amy was only a little girl. She didn’t have these kind of pressures how could she have anorexia?

Dr Thomson told me what he could and recommended we try and get Amy to see a councilor as soon as we could. He told me people die because of anorexia, it is a psychological problem not an eating one. That the eating is a symptom of a bigger problem and we have to get to the bottom of the problem to fix it. There is nothing he could prescribe only getting her to a councilor was her only chance, or she probably would die.

I sat there completely dumb founded, my little girl could die. I didn’t know what to say my heart was in my mouth, tears were flowing down my face, I was shaking and all colour had drained out of my face. I could see the concern on the doctors’ eyes and he told me just to relax for a moment. She was only 14 how could she die? I went to see the doctor thinking he would tell me it was just a normal teenage thing and not to worry as she would grow out of it: not to be told my baby could die.

We did get Amy to see a councilor a very good one for this kind of problem. For the next 2 years we battled Amy’s devils and we thought we were starting to get on top of things. It was during these sessions that we found out that Amy had taken the death of her grandmother extremely badly and had bottled up all the emotions. Also that missing out on the dance performance coming on top of all the bad emotions was a major turning point in Amy’s life. To us it was a mole hill; to Amy it was Mt Everest.

During the next 2 years I read and studied everything I could find on anorexia and it was during this time I started to think about the secret I was to put into action a little bit later, which was to change everything.

Amy seemed to be hanging in there with the problem and although she did not start to have significant weight gain she did improve, or seem to improve may be a better way of saying things. After about 15 months Amy all of a sudden started to eat more, we were overjoyed. She would even eat more than her brother sometimes and he was a big eater. We thought at last we were getting on top of this thing and even though she did not put on weight we were not that concerned. We simply thought that after nearly 4 years of virtual starvation it would take the body a little while to revert to normal metabolism.

We never even noticed that Amy had started to binge eat and then purge herself, not only after dinner but after every meal. I was well aware that this could happen and I did keep an eye out but Amy was very cunning and sneaky, going to the bathroom down stairs in the pool area where she knew no one would go. Of course we didn’t find out until it was too late.

It was August 24th 1999 we had to go away for 3 weeks on business. We received a phone call from my sister Betty who was staying looking after the house and kids. She said that Amy had collapsed at home and was in hospital and we better get back as things are not looking good. Well! I totally panicked, I had promised myself that no way was I going to let Amy die and now there was a strong possibility that it just may happen. The recriminations started to come thick and fast in my head, why did I go away, why didn’t I see what was happening, it is all my fault, what a bad mother I am, I was worried sick.

We got to the hospital 12 hours later catching the first plane out we could get. Amy was on a drip and looked very ill, my heart fell, I was so worried this was the worst I have ever seen Amy looked and I feared of going to lose her. Amy was in and out of conciseness, I just sat there and prayed to God that he let her live.

The doctors told me her potassium level was 1.9 very low: low enough in fact that her heart could stop beating. This was the worst time in my life, to sit there and think you are about to lose a child is the most emotional traumatic thing you can go through, and my heart goes out to all those who have sat in my position.

Amy pulled through I believe with the help of God. Later I found out that Amy was vomiting up to 15 times a day over the 3 weeks while we were gone and her system just reacted to the abuse and she collapsed.

Although this was a very traumatic time for me and all the family, it did have one very positive outcome. I formulated the secret that was about to change everything for us and more importantly Amy. It is not a quick fix but with dedication, love and hope, I believe, it will work for everyone.

More about Amy on http://www.mom-please-help.com

Dr Irina Webster is the Director of Women Health Issues Program which covers different areas of Women Health.

Dr Irina Webster has a wholistic approach to medicine and her favorite area is to discover natural treatments for Women health problems and share these treatments and methods with other people.

Dr Irina Webster believes that the majority of women health problems can be treated naturally without drugs or surgical treatment.

Dr Irina Webster started her medical career in 1987 after graduating from high school with distinctions. She then enrolled in the Medical University of Archangelsk situated in North Russia, graduating in 1993. Irina then started her internship at The Komi Republic Children’s Hospital 1993 to 1994 where she studied to become a Pediatrician. Then she did a lot of courses to specialise in Women Health. In year 2001 Irina migrated to Australia. There she has been working as a medical doctor in women health area for 3.5 years. At present she does Eating Disorder natural treatment research.

Dr Irina's web-site: http://www.womenhealthsite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irina_Webster

In Bulimia Recovery? Do You Want To Beat Bulimia?

By Vathani Navasothy

Are you ready to stop binging & purging and experience bulimia recovery? About half of us give up on our goals during the first week; so if you set a goal to beat bulimia, leave binging and purging in the past and experience bulimia recovery just read on to learn how to stay motivated.

Let's say, "stop binge eating" is your desired goal. However, if this is how you describe your goal, then you will find it hard to achieve because it does not focus on the positive or anything tangible. Focusing on the positive is the way to bulimia recovery.

Reframe your goal by answering these questions:
- What would you like to accomplish today?
- Who can assist you in dealing with this difficulty?
- If a miracle happened tonight, and tomorrow you didn't have this problem, how would you know?
- What would let you know?

Now develop your goal using the steps below. This will help you stay on the path to bulimia recovery.

MAKE YOUR GOAL SMART!

Step 1 - "S" is for Specific.

Notice what you are thinking and feeling just before a binging episode.

Are you always hungry just before a binge takes place? If so decide to embrace a goal like "eat 3 healthy meals a day at 3 to 4 hour intervals."

What does this really mean? It means to insure you obtain the recommended daily amount of nutrients, which are essential for a healthy functioning body: eat three meals per day - leaving 3 to 4 hours between each main meal. This is the way to frame a Specific goal that will lead you to stop binging and start your bulimia recovery.

Step 2 - "M" is for Measurable

Keep track of your progress. To do this; make your goal Measurable. Your goal "eat 3 healthy meals at 3 hour intervals" can be measured very easily.

Step 3 - "A" is for Achievable.

When you break your goal down into small tasks your goal becomes more Achievable!

The way to do this is to create sub-goals - you know... bite-size pieces. For example, take one day at a time. Today plan what you are going to eat tomorrow. The sub-goal could be: go shopping for the ingredients. You are on your way to bulimia recovery!

Step 4 - "R" is for Relevant

Make your goal Relevant to you. Don't do it for others, if you do, you are unlikely to stay with it... do it for YOU. You can beat bulimia and enjoy the fruits of being in bulimia recovery. Binging will be a thing of the past.

Step 5 - "T" is for Timely.

Allow yourself enough Time to achieve your goal. Set a realistic time frame - changing your eating patterns will take 21 days or longer.

For example,

Week 1 - eat three balanced meals a day. If a small healthy snack is necessary between meals... then have one!

Week 2 - focus on success

Week 3 - if you are feeling confident choose to experiment with foods you consider risky or conducive to binging.

Everyone learned to walk before they ran. Make time every day to review your goal to see how you have progressed. It reinforces your motivation.

Start a bulimia recovery treatment program to guide you along the path to success.

Most importantly, recognize your achievements along the way and reward yourself! You deserve the reward of bulimia recovery for your efforts.

Vathani Navasothy - Eating Disorder Counselor and registered expert with National Center for Eating Disorders; shows you how to take the pain out of beating bulimia. To take the ultimate bulimia quiz visit http://www.bulimiahope.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vathani_Navasothy

Financial Bulimia and the Mind

By Dawn Cadwell

What is Bulimia?
Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging).
A binge is an episode where an individual eats a much larger amount of food than most people would in a similar situation. Binge eating is not a response to intense hunger. It is usually a response to depression, stress, or self esteem issues. During the binge episode, the individual experiences a loss of control. However, the sense of a loss of control is also followed by a short-lived calmness. The calmness is often followed by self-loathing. The cycle of overeating and purging usually becomes an obsession and is repeated often.
People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight.

What is Financial Bulimia?
Episodes of binge–spending followed by inappropriate methods of financial control (purging - living without basic necessities)
A Binge is an episode where an individual spends a much larger amount of money than their means will allow. It isn’t always in response to a need but rather to depression, stress, or self- esteem issue. During a Binge-spending episode, the individual may feel a false sense of control and power. This false sense of control or power is followed by a short state of euphoria. And the euphoria is followed by regret, self-loathing and guilt. The spending and purging usually becomes a cycle that repeats and leads to more depression as the financial outlook takes on a bleaker look unless the cycle is stopped.
Most people with financial bulimia look perfectly normal; most of them look like your neighbors on your street or at your job.

A possible scenario may go like this - bills come in on purchases, min. payment is made and in order to have money left over for food or gas the individual may eat one meal a day, rarely use utilities in extreme weather or sell off items in their house that they normally wouldn’t part with. When the paycheck comes in they may see a flood of money and start buying more items or applying for more credit cards and spend money to alleviate their feelings of inadequecy. This sends them in a vicious cycle of spending, ‘starving’ and spending some more, digging themselves deeper into debt and more anxiety.

A change in habit will take time, and the greatest kick in the pants to change will come from our own head and heart, the willingness to change and courage to stand back up even when struck in the face with the reality of the financial dilemna.

There are some ways to ‘detox’ your way out.
Just as fasting and drinking only water has a detoxification on your system. A non-spending day may also. But plan these; more often in one a week doesn’t make you more virtuous. Keep it in moderation, pick a day ahead of time and stick to it, for instance, every Saturday for the month. This allows you to take control of your will-power slowly instead of being lead by the nose.

Talking finances with others isn’t a great taboo, but you never know who is going through the same thing you are, so find a buddy to help you out, to talk to when you want to go shopping, to bring you down to earth when you feel the extremes are taking control of you; If you don’t have someone to talk to, write in a journal, whether with pen and paper or online as an anonymous person. Talk about why you want to buy, what were you going through at the time that made you want to give in to one of the extremes.

Instead of the extremes of eating once a day or never using the heat in the winter, try some moderation over the long haul of eating smaller meals when times are good or keeping the house at the same semi-low temperature even when you know you will have the money to pay the bills.

Most importantly learn to say “no” to yourself and to others. Start with small things, let no excuse get by. Walk away from the situation, change the topic, or distract yourself with something else. Ultimately saying no to some things will allow you to say yes to those things that are important to you, such as holidays and birthdays.

Dawn Cadwell continues to live a frugal, simple life as much as possible, learning as she goes. Frugalforlife is a free resource to those in need,curious or just looking for a few tips. Thank you for your time. Copyright © – Dawn Cadwell. All rights reserved. E-mail notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required: Frugalforlife(at)Gmail(dot)com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Cadwell

Fashion Threats - Is Anorexia and Bulimia Fashionable

By Kacy Carr

Fashion should be referred to like that of a magnetic force because of its power of attraction. People of all ages are drawn to the latest trend in designs that hang on boutique clothes rails like magnets. Regardless of shape and size there will always be a new designer creation to suit you. What you need to remember is - an outfit should be tailor made around your size - and not your size around the outfit you tend on wearing.

Dieting is all well and good in a bid to shed those excess pounds should you be on the pleasantly plump side, but, sadly, there are women who feel the need to follow suit of others i.e. models that grace the catwalk. Images of bony skeletal frames are not a pretty sight, so why would you want to change from what is, naturally you, to what naturally belongs to someone else (Their identity). Clothes to compliment your shape and size are ten a penny due to massive quantities of new designs shipped from different countries from all around the world.

If by chance you find the latest of trendy gear is not to your liking then alter the whole entity of the outfit by adding accessories or get a needle and cotton and make it that perfect dress or frock ideally suited to you`re your own personal taste. You must never abstain from eating food to reduce your dress size all because you long to model designer gear.

What does one see when in the audience of fashion show? Is it the designer dress, is it the smile on the models face, I don`t think so, What you see is an unbalanced walk similar to that of a drunk who has downed ten pints of beer while at the same watching the body of the individual struggle to keep up with the legs (Gestapo step). The dangers of dieting prevail if you choose to ignore what is, or is not healthy for your body when slimming down. You should always consult your doctor or a dietician before reducing any intake of daily edibles.

Are you aware that a ban has been enforced on overly thin models in Madrid (Spain) due to many hopeful wannabes - developing an eating disorder. (Anorexia and bulimia) Both conditions can prove to be fatal if they escalate out of control. Sad as it may seem - death in some cases was somewhat unavoidable because the patient - then became a victim of their own possessive thoughts i.e. urging them to meet with criteria which was expected of a young model when joining the catwalk trail.

Modelling is recognized as a glamorised career, but there are many people who fight the cause, just like Madrid and begged to differ in opinion on the matter.

That new dress you have your eye on in the boutique will never look as good hanging on the rail until you are wearing it. For any fashionable piece of clothing to look its best - you have to feel your best. If you want to follow suit of trend setters - then think Hollywood. Think about it, how many wafer thin model types have you seen acting alongside Brad Pitt. If you really must base yourself on a thing of beauty, then the hour glass figure of Marilyn Monroe is worth considering.

Why diet when you can eat sensibly and look just as beautiful. Consider taking on the feel good factor, how you ask? Well you let your inner beauty out and once this is done - then who needs fashion.

All About Women http://www.spotthepimple.com Female Health http://www.ultraherbaladvantage.com Wrinkle Remedy http://www.remedy4wrinkles.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kacy_Carr

Factors Affecting Development of Bulimia

By Michael Russell

Aside from the primary factors which cause the onset of bulimia (heredity or genetics, inherent personality traits, socio-cultural influences), there are still a number of secondary factors which may help trigger and aggravate the condition. Among these are the following:

. Dieting. Since the society values thinness immensely, people who lose weight are often highly praised for the change in their appearance. And since we put too much value on being accepted, these positive feedbacks set the stage for a more intensive and probably, a more stringent dieting. Unfortunately, this leads to bingeing and then purging and then some more dieting - and ultimately a vicious cycle is born.

. Adolescence. Adolescence or puberty is one of the most stressful periods in any person's life. It is a period of constant changes and never-ending adjustments. It is a point in time that can be very confusing to anyone who is shedding off his or her childhood persona and eventually transforming into a more mature individual.

Teenagers do crave to fit in and would try their best to conform to the standards set by society. As such, they may strive hard to achieve the "ideal figure" set by modern society - the one which calls for extreme thinness as exemplified by models, actors and actresses which unfortunately, are the role models of the youth. Impressionable as they are, teens would try everything just to look like their idols. For them, thinness would be just as well the way to happiness and success.

. Life changing events. Any change which brings about life changing consequences can trigger off an eating disorder. Events such as relocating, heading off to college and problems with personal relationships, among others, can cause emotional distress. Some people under these stressful situations may feel so lost that they eventually latch on to something, which they can control, in this case food and their eating behaviors. They may feel that by latching on to food, they at least have some areas in their lives where they are totally in control.

. Artistic activities, sports and work-related factors. There are some artistic and sports activities where a leaner body is considered a fundamental requirement. Examples of these are ballet dancers, gymnasts, wrestlers and marathon athletes. They need to have leaner bodies to increase their agility necessary for their chosen fields. Models, actors, actresses and other television personalities also need to be thin to compete effectively in their chosen professions. Even those in the business and professional arenas feel that they need to have the "ideal figure" to be taken seriously by their colleagues.

. Society. The media is often depicted as one of the primary culprits in the proliferation of eating disorders. Just take a look at all the skinny beauties endorsing even the most common of household essentials and you will see what I mean. Whether the media is simply reflecting the social values prevalent in our times or it is manipulating and influencing the society to glorify thinness cannot be established. In this case, it can be a case of "which comes first - the chicken or the egg?"

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Eating Disorders Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Is Barbie-Doll-Like Look the Ideal Look? Root Cause of Bulimia

By Ksana Vera

Bulimia, or bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder characterized by bouts of compulsive eating followed by efforts to undo the effects of the same by using improper means like induced vomiting, bouts of fasting, purging with laxatives/enema/diuretics, and compulsive exercising.

According to popular belief, the main cause for bulimia is the sociocultural pressures that impose on young women vulnerable minds that a Barbie-doll-like look is the ideal look. Not being able to emulate this ideal leads to a poor body image, the psychological trauma of which in turn leads to bulimia. Some psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc., are also known to contribute to bulimia.

What is not commonly known is that bulimia is not simply a psychological disorder; there is a biological and physiological factor too playing a role. Some people may be more genetically predisposed to bulimia than others, probably due to an imbalance in the brain chemicals that regulate hunger and food intake. It is the interplay among biological, psychological, genetic, familial and social factors that actually gives rise to bulimia.

Strong evidence exists that low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain, can contribute to bulimia. When the brain serotonin level is low, the body seeks it from an outside source (the food, especially rich carbohydrates and sugars). The body converts these sugars into tryptophan, which is the precursor of serotonin. This explains the uncontrolled craving for food and binge eating in bulimics.

The secret to fighting bulimia, therefore, lies in slowly triggering your body to produce higher levels of serotonin in situ. Some doctors try to treat bulimia with antidepressant drugs too, because low levels of serotonin have also been linked to depression. But drugs do not offer a permanent and completely safe solution to bulimia.

The best way to fight bulimia is to balance the brain chemicals through natural sources for example, by using the right kind of foods as medicine in order to invoke the amazing self-healing power of the body, without drugs and without doctors. It is, for example, found that bulimics suffer from nutritional deficiency of zinc, vitamin B complex and calcium. A serotonin-friendly diet plan should therefore incorporate foods that supply these nutrients in plenty.

Such a serotonin-friendly diet based on natural ingredients will go a long way in helping you fight bulimia on your own in a completely safe and natural way, without resorting to drugs and without the help of a doctor. Do not delay! Get rid of bulimia through the self-healing powers of your body, mind and spirit.

Ksana Vera is recovered bulimic, author of complete self recovery program (two books "10 Days of the new life" and "The truth will set you free"). Ksana Vera is commited to helping others through their recovery from bulimia. Read more about the program at http://www.cureforbulimia.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ksana_Vera

A Parallel Between Bulimia And Anorexia

By Groshan Fabiola

The most bewildering symptom of eating disorders is the distorted body image. People usually associate distorted body image with severe anorexia. It is indicated that this distortion may be more prevalent in people with bulimia. There is also disparity between anorexia which tends to have an accurate perception of the upper body and bulimia.

People with bulimia were more likely than those with anorexia. The anorexia overestimates its size: abdominal and pelvic area. The bulimia is generally practiced in secret. The symptoms may be the following: evidence of discarded packaging for laxatives, diet pills, emetics (drugs that induce vomiting) or diuretics (medications that reduce fluids), eating large amounts of food or buying large quantities that disappear right away, compulsive exercising, broken blood vessels in the eyes, swollen salivary glands, dry mouth; teeth develop cavities, diseased gums and irreversible erosion from excessive acid.

Other symptoms which may appear are: rashes and pimples, small cuts and calluses across the tops of finger joints. The symptoms specific to anorexia are: weight loss provided excessive and continuous dieting, menstruation may be infrequent or absent, orthopedic problems particularly in dancers and athletes, refusal to eat in front of others, hypersensitivity to cold, yellowish skin especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, hair may be thin and after eating the stomach can be distressed and bloated. A poor memory and lack judgment can be present to an anorexic patient who can be confused or slowed.

People should be afraid about bulimia and anorexia effects and they must regularly consult the doctor.

For more resources about anorexia and bulimia please review this page http://www.anorexia-center.com/anorexia-tips.htm, or even http://www.anorexia-center.com/pro-anorexia.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Groshan_Fabiola

Anorexia and Bulimia: What Puts The "Die" in Dieting

By Michael Russell

The media has a powerful influence on trends -- be it fashion, music, or the arts. Media has a huge effect on health trends too - even the ones that aren't healthy at all. Stick - thin models with impossible waistlines grace the pages of glossy magazines, or are seen gloriously sashaying down runways. It's no wonder that impressionable young girls get distorted ideas of what their bodies should look like. Coupled with peer pressure and the desire to feel beautiful, they become driven to copy the images they see on print and on T.V. - even if this means starving themselves to death, literally. Anorexia and Bulimia are the most common eating disorders among young women today. It is especially difficult to treat these disorders since the causes are emotionally and psychologically rooted. If you have friends or family members who you suspect are anorexic or bulimic, the first step in reaching out to them is to understand the nature of these disorders. Read on for more information.

. Anorexia Nervosa - persons suffering from this disorder usually have an abnormal fear of being perceived as fat or getting fat. People who have low self - esteem and have a history of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse are especially vulnerable. Psychologists believe that anorexia has a lot to do with needing to gain control over emotions and surroundings. Stress, unhappiness, or sometimes - a feeling that one does not deserve to get pleasure out of life, thus depriving themselves of pleasurable activities - eating being one of them, may trigger it. Anorexics have a distorted body image and may think that they are too fat; when in reality they are already dangerously underweight. Anorexic behavior includes restriction of food or starvation, obsessive exercise, using laxatives or diet pills to control weight and bulimic-like episodes of self - induced vomiting.

. Bulimia Nervosa - this disorder has several similarities with Anorexia, one of them being a presence of low self - esteem among sufferers. Anorexics may also experience bulimic episodes along with other Anorexia symptoms. Bulimia is characterized by "binge and purge" sessions - when the individual eats excessive amounts of food in a relatively short period of time - then purges themselves through self - induced vomiting or taking laxatives to cope with their guilt. Most bulimics are aware that they have a disorder - but hang on to their binging and purging habits because of deeper emotional issues - it could be a means of letting out feelings of depression, anger, or stress. Self - induced vomiting and the misuse of laxatives are not the only means that bulimics use to punish themselves. They may try to compensate instead with fasting and excessive exercise.

These eating disorders can lead to severe health deterioration and eventual death if not given proper attention. If you think you have any of these disorders, or if you know anyone who seems to be showing symptoms, seek professional help immediately. Anorexia and Bulimia are conditions that worsen with time; necessary actions for the treatment of these disorders should be taken as early as possible.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Eating Disorders Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Factors Affecting Development of Bulimia

By Michael Russell

Aside from the primary factors which cause the onset of bulimia (heredity or genetics, inherent personality traits, socio-cultural influences), there are still a number of secondary factors which may help trigger and aggravate the condition. Among these are the following:

. Dieting. Since the society values thinness immensely, people who lose weight are often highly praised for the change in their appearance. And since we put too much value on being accepted, these positive feedbacks set the stage for a more intensive and probably, a more stringent dieting. Unfortunately, this leads to bingeing and then purging and then some more dieting - and ultimately a vicious cycle is born.

. Adolescence. Adolescence or puberty is one of the most stressful periods in any person's life. It is a period of constant changes and never-ending adjustments. It is a point in time that can be very confusing to anyone who is shedding off his or her childhood persona and eventually transforming into a more mature individual.

Teenagers do crave to fit in and would try their best to conform to the standards set by society. As such, they may strive hard to achieve the "ideal figure" set by modern society - the one which calls for extreme thinness as exemplified by models, actors and actresses which unfortunately, are the role models of the youth. Impressionable as they are, teens would try everything just to look like their idols. For them, thinness would be just as well the way to happiness and success.

. Life changing events. Any change which brings about life changing consequences can trigger off an eating disorder. Events such as relocating, heading off to college and problems with personal relationships, among others, can cause emotional distress. Some people under these stressful situations may feel so lost that they eventually latch on to something, which they can control, in this case food and their eating behaviors. They may feel that by latching on to food, they at least have some areas in their lives where they are totally in control.

. Artistic activities, sports and work-related factors. There are some artistic and sports activities where a leaner body is considered a fundamental requirement. Examples of these are ballet dancers, gymnasts, wrestlers and marathon athletes. They need to have leaner bodies to increase their agility necessary for their chosen fields. Models, actors, actresses and other television personalities also need to be thin to compete effectively in their chosen professions. Even those in the business and professional arenas feel that they need to have the "ideal figure" to be taken seriously by their colleagues.

. Society. The media is often depicted as one of the primary culprits in the proliferation of eating disorders. Just take a look at all the skinny beauties endorsing even the most common of household essentials and you will see what I mean. Whether the media is simply reflecting the social values prevalent in our times or it is manipulating and influencing the society to glorify thinness cannot be established. In this case, it can be a case of "which comes first - the chicken or the egg?"

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Eating Disorders Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell