Knowledge Base

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

by Dr Vaid Ji on Sep 27, 2023

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person has abnormally low weight, intense fear of gaining weight and a false perception of his/her body weight. It is a serious life-threatening disorder but can be treatable. In this, a person strictly controls his/her calorie intake by dieting, vomiting after eating or using laxatives. She may do strenuous physical exercise for losing weight. But then also the person has fear of gaining weight.

Anorexia nervosa is not about food intake, it’s a mental health issue and can be dealt with some counseling and oral medications. Good eating habits and regular physical exercise are some of the very beneficial ways for dealing with anorexia nervosa.

CAUSES OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder whose exact cause is not known. But according to research, there are a variety of factors which play a role in its occurrence. Following are the factors which are responsible for the occurrence of anorexia nervosa:

  • Having a genetic tendency of anorexia nervosa
  • Any physical assault in early life
  • Environmental and cultural approach
  • Peer pressure, especially in children and adolescents
  • Low self-esteem
  • Tendency of perfectionism
  • Dieting
  • Change of school, job, home or relationship breakup

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Following are the common signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa:

  • Feeling tired
  • Lack of sleep leading to insomnia
  • Fainting
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Thinning of hair
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Bluish discoloration of fingers
  • Low blood pressure
  • Yellow skin
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Intolerance to cold
  • Preoccupation with food
  • Swelling of arms or legs
  • Frequently skipping meals
  • Eating only low calorie food
  • Making excuses for not eating food
  • Frequent checking in mirror for perceived flaws
  • Social withdrawal
  • Constant complaining about being fat
  • Irritability
  • Reduced libido

POTENTIAL COMPILICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening condition but when not dealt properly, it can lead to serious health complications:

  • Anemia
  • Decrease in bone density leading to osteoporosis
  • Heart problems such as mitral valve prolapse, heart failure, etc
  • Decrease testosterone levels in blood
  • PCOD
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Kidney problems
  • Delirium
  • Death

DIAGNOSIS OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

The doctor will ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease to the patient. He will take the past medical history and will ask about the intake of food. He will do a physical examination. The doctor will suggest some of the tests to the patient to know other underlying changes:

  • Complete blood count
  • Electrolyte blood panel
  • Albumin test
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Urinalysis
  • Bone density test
  • Thyroid function test
  • Liver function test
  • Kidney function test
  • Vitamin D levels

MANAGEMENT OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA WITH THE MEDICATIONS OF CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurvedcentre which are used for the treatment of anorexia nervosa:

1. Active Plus Tablet
CAC active plus Tabletis a pure herbo-mineral formulation prepared from best quality of herbs. This tablet is best for person mental and physical health,also helps to boost up the immunity. The herbal ingredients present in these tablets are used to maintain person’s health and refreshes the mind and body.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 sachet twice a day with normal water.
 
2. Brain Relaxant Churna
This churna is pure Ayurvedic which helps to rejuvenate the brain cells, improves memory, give strength to the body, & increases the concentration by calming down the brain. It is prepared from herbs that show calming effect on brain and gives you relaxation. Brain relaxant churna shows antioxidant, Neuroprotective, carminative and anti-inflammatory properties. Ingredients present in this churna are Amla (Emblicaofficinalis), Sonth (Zingiberofficinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), Haldi (Curcuma longa), Bala (Sidacordifolia), SuddhaGandhak, LauhaBhasma. It helps to Maintain blood sugar level, Anti-depressant, Insomnia, Increase Haemoglobin levels, Cures indigestion, Helpful in Ulcerative colitis, and Nerve tonic. It helps in dealing with health conditions such as feeling delusion, hallucinations, disordered thinking, disabling, & impair daily functioning related to schizophrenia patients.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablespoon of this churna twice daily.
 
3. Trikatu Tablet
Trikatu Tablet is a hebo-mineral tablet of 650 MG and is purely Ayurvedic formulation. CAC Trikatu Tablet helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps to take out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This tablet is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiberofficinale), &Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body. The regular use of this tablet balances the thyroxine hormone and treats hyperthyroidism naturally. It is an Appetizer and it improves digestion, supports normal gastric function, and normal circulation.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

4. Liver Care Tablet
Liver Care Tablet is a herbo-mineral tablet of size 650 MG and is a purely ayurvedic formulation. CAC Liver Care tablets help in balancing Pitta dosha. These tablets stimulate the growth of new liver cells, promote functions of liver, and improve blood flow from the liver. It helps in the treatment of fatty liver, Liver cirrhosis, Hepatitis, hepatomegaly, and obstructive Jaundice. CAC Liver Care Tablets contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographispaniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhizakurroa), Bhumiamla( phyllanthusniruri), Giloy(TinoporaCordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeumvulgare), ImliKshar( Tamarindusindica), MuktaShuktapisti etc.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

5. Liver care Syrup
Liver Care syrup helps in balancing Pitta dosha. This Syrup enhances regeneration of liver cells, promote functions of liver, and improve blood flow from the liver. It helps in the treatment of fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, Hepatitis, hepatomegaly, and obstructive Jaundice. CAC Liver Care syrup contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographispaniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhizakurroa), Bhumiamla( phyllanthusniruri), Giloy(TinoporaCordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeumvulgare), ImliKshar( Tamarindusindica), MuktaShuktapisti etc. These herbs show Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Hepato-protective, properties. This syrup improves digestion, enhances appetite.
Recommended Dosage:Take 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily.