Bulimia is something considered as a serious eating disorder. It is characterized by binge eating which is followed by purging, usually in the form of inducing vomiting, as a result of the guilt brought about by overindulging in food. There are also bulimic individuals who take laxatives, diuretics and even stimulants. Most of the time, working out in excessive amounts is done, too, in order to prevent gaining unwanted pounds.
Experts say that bulimia is more common in women than in men — almost 1 percent of all women will have some form of the eating disorder. While it’s true that bulimia is not as life-threatening as anorexia, which is characterized by turning down food in order to lose weight, it’s important to note that it is still considered as a serious matter. That’s because it’s not unlikely for bulimia to exacerbate accompanying depression and increase the likelihood of suicide.
There are pharmacological as well as psychosocial treatments available for bulimia, and many of them are proven to be effective. However, it is possible for relapses to happen, which means that bulimia may come back once again after treatment. Numerous studies have shown that a combination of treatment approaches, including most especially natural solutions, can help in effectively managing bulimia and warding off relapses.
Below are some of the well-known home remedies for bulimia:
Aloe Vera Juice
The chain of binge eating and purging can take its toll on the GI tract, which may leave the person feeling bloated. This can make the individual with bulimia to become more concerned with weight, exacerbating the eating disorder. The intake of aloe vera juice can help in easing GI tract issues, getting rid of symptoms that can trigger the disorder.
Ginseng
Supplementing with ginseng can help ease bulimia because it is good for the brain. Ginseng is known to help stabilize the mood of the person suffering from bulimia. Because of this, depression, anxiety and even compulsive behavior can be controlled effectively, thus keeping at bay the desire to overeat and vomit afterwards.
Oily Types of Fish
The likes of salmon, haddock and sardines are good for someone who is suffering from bulimia. That’s because they are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids that help in warding off mood problems. Since they are also high in protein and low in calories and fat, consuming oily fish can help drive away fears of gaining unwanted weight.
Spinach
Folic acid is also good for the mood. By having the mood stabilized, triggers of bulimia such as depression, anxiety and stress can be prevented from striking. One good source of folic acid is spinach. Other foods that supply the body with folic acid include asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, avocados, okra, legumes, seeds and nuts.
Yogurt
Including yogurt in the everyday diet of a person with bulimia is highly recommended. Constant vomiting and the use of laxatives deplete the gut’s supply of beneficial bacteria. By eating yogurt as well as other probiotic-containing foods, a healthy gut can be maintained throughout the ordeal, which is vital for both mental and physical health.
Oranges
Consuming oranges especially before meals helps trigger a healthy appetite. Oranges are also excellent sources of vitamin C that helps strengthen the immune system, which is often compromised by bulimia. Additionally, vitamin C helps in accelerating the healing tissues of the GI tract that are damaged by the constant act of purging.
Meditation
Last but not least, it’s a fantastic idea for the individual diagnosed with bulimia to meditate often in order to ward off depression and anxiety. It also helps lower stress levels which can contribute to the urge to binge and purge. Yoga, painting, listening to music, writing and guided meditation are all effective home remedies for bulimia.
