Worries go down better with soup. ~Jewish Proverb
I once watched a television program about a very unhappy man named Sam who would stuff himself with junk food and then throw it all up. After doing this, he would 
go to the gym and work out for hours, only to go home and do the same thing all over again. He knew that he had a problem so he was getting counseling in a group setting with others like him, During the therapy session Sam and the others would have to discuss their eating patterns for the week, if they engaged in negative habits, they would have to admit it. The mental health practitioner was just awful and she would scream at them for doing this. Needless to say, the therapist's approach was more harmful than helpful. Sam kept binging and purging every time he was stressed out over something. Of course, this was a television show and they had to make it more juicy. In reality, during a mental health counseling session, the therapist will not embarrass you like this and if they do, it is time to find a new counselor.
go to the gym and work out for hours, only to go home and do the same thing all over again. He knew that he had a problem so he was getting counseling in a group setting with others like him, During the therapy session Sam and the others would have to discuss their eating patterns for the week, if they engaged in negative habits, they would have to admit it. The mental health practitioner was just awful and she would scream at them for doing this. Needless to say, the therapist's approach was more harmful than helpful. Sam kept binging and purging every time he was stressed out over something. Of course, this was a television show and they had to make it more juicy. In reality, during a mental health counseling session, the therapist will not embarrass you like this and if they do, it is time to find a new counselor.Bulimia Nervosa, is a serious obsessive compulsive eating disorder which is characterized by binging on food and then getting rid of it by using laxatives, diuretics, enemas, ipecac, and self imposed vomiting. In an attempt to counter-act this binge/purge cycle, a bulimic may ingest diet pills, not eat, or eat and spit out the food and exercise to the point of exhaustion. Women are more likely than men to suffer from this malady as they are more weight conscious, always watching their figures.
Like anorexics that I dealt with in my last blog, bulimics
are overly weight
conscious. They are constantly getting on a scale,
looking in a mirror, and measuring or pinching themselves to see if
there is any fat. The self worth of an individual with bulimia is
directly related to how they perceive their body shape and weight.
conscious. They are constantly getting on a scale,
looking in a mirror, and measuring or pinching themselves to see if
there is any fat. The self worth of an individual with bulimia is
directly related to how they perceive their body shape and weight.Believe it or not, binge eating is seen as a way to cope with life's stresses, disappointments and poor body image. What is ingested is usually "comfort foods" like 
carbohydrates such as sweets, fats, and anything with high caloric content. This obsessive eating pattern is of course done in privacy as they don't want others to witness this inappropriate behavior.
carbohydrates such as sweets, fats, and anything with high caloric content. This obsessive eating pattern is of course done in privacy as they don't want others to witness this inappropriate behavior. Some bulimics decide ahead of time which types of foods they will take in and psyche themselves up for it, knowing that if they are unhappy about something they will eat their cares away. The purging aspect of this condition allows the person to feel
less full because they lose the fear of weight gain. Some even enjoy the release that they get from self imposed vomiting. Unfortunately, this activity only brings comfort for a short period of time, the pain is still there. The negative behavior enhances a poor self image, feelings of being a disappointment to themselves and others, as well as being ashamed for what they have done.
Symbolically, purging can be viewed as a punishment for so called obesity or for indulgence of extreme amounts of pleasure foods. Also, the act of vomiting something meant to nourish oneself may indicate a unhealthy disgust with basic bodily functions.
As is quite evident, behavior such as this has a detrimental effect on every system of our body. It depletes us of minerals and can pose a severe threat to our heart, and nerves, as well as causing malnutrition. In addition to this, the act of vomiting creates ulcers in our mucous membranes from the mouth to the stomach and can even rupture it. If left untreated the outcome can be fatal.
As you can see, this mental health illness is a vicious cycle that can only broken through psychotherapy. Group therapy is also helpful because it gives the bulimic
and their family support and understanding from others who have similar issues. No longer are they so alone. There are hospitals and clinics with out patient programs to help those with eating disorders.
and their family support and understanding from others who have similar issues. No longer are they so alone. There are hospitals and clinics with out patient programs to help those with eating disorders.In addition to counseling, it is important to relearn and embark upon nutritious eating patterns to help the body get better. It is helpful to keep a diary of foods eaten so that the individual can monitor and practice healthy eating habits. It might, therefore, be good idea to consult with a nutritionist who can help plan meals that have enough fiber, nutrients and vitamins.
Let's take a look at some natural alternative methods that are very effective in helping those people suffering from Bulimia Nervosa
Many bulimics have irritated the lining of their esophagus and stomach from vomiting, there are herbal teas to remedy this situation.
- Chamomile or Yarrow are recommended for their recuperative powers. Put 1 tsp of chamomile or yarrow in 1 cup of boiling water, let sit for 10 minutes, strain. Swallow 1 cup 3 times a day to help you feel better.
Essential oils are a good way to put emotions back into perspective. Taking a bath with oils can help improve your mood.
- Try geranium, lemon-balm, bergamot, and rose oils to alleviate sadness and depression.
- If you are tense, anxious and easily angered, try clary-sage, lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile or sandlewood, they will help to relax and soothe you.
Medicinal Plants are a great way to ease your pain, but check with your mental health practitioner or doctor first, especially if you are taking prescription drugs.
- Kava Kava root helps to soothe away anxious feelings. Ingest 1 tsp. of a tincture, or swallow several capsules 3-4 times a day or whenever you feel that you need it. If symptoms improve, take less.
- St. John's Wort may help to alleviate depression. Put 1 cup of hot water over 1 tsp of St. John's Wort, let steep and strain. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times a day. You can also ingest St. John's Wort as capsules, whichever you prefer. 4-6 weeks may pass however, before you note any improvement when taking this herb.
Homeopathic remedies are helpful. Remember that they have no side effects. Make sure you consult with your natural health doctor for the correct amounts to take.
- Natrium chloratum is good for those of us who lose touch with our feelings.
- Calcium carbonicum is helpful if you are worried about things. It is also good for timidity and when you are cold.
- Magnesium is a good vitamin to take to prevent sweet cravings like chocolate.
- Chromium is great for balancing your sugar levels, because it alleviates the desire for sugar and carbohydrates.
- It is also important for you to take multi-vitamins and minerals to restore what was lost during vomiting.
Massage is another way help improve one's outlook on life and to put them in touch with their body in a positive and healthy way.
Finally, I would like to mention that bulimics tend to suffer more in the winter than any other season. The emotions experienced are similar to those of Seasonal Affective Disorders, therefore, exposure to light may help to alleviate some of the symptoms. Research suggests that individuals suffering from bulimia should use 10,000 lux lights each morning for one half hour.
Finally, I would like to mention that bulimics tend to suffer more in the winter than any other season. The emotions experienced are similar to those of Seasonal Affective Disorders, therefore, exposure to light may help to alleviate some of the symptoms. Research suggests that individuals suffering from bulimia should use 10,000 lux lights each morning for one half hour.
Remember to eat right so that you can nourish your body, mind and soul!
Reference
Reference
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers,
Pittsburgh, PA.
