Appetite Disturbances: loss of appetite or difficulty controlling it

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

Appetite Disturbances: loss of appetite or difficulty controlling it

 

Appetite Disturbances, either experiencing loss of appetite, or

having difficulty controlling it, several alternative therapies can

help. If you experience a notable change in appetite, you should

first consult a physician, to rule out any illness or nutritional

deficiencies. Whether you want to stimulate your appetite or control

it, changing the way you eat may help.

 

Appetite loss is the body's defense against ingesting anything that

could slow the healing process. Almost any infection can cause a loss

of appetite. A passing cold or flu virus could be responsible. So

could more serious things like tuberculosis, low thyroid function,

diseases of the heart or lungs or liver problems.

 

Bulimia is an illness characterized by uncontrolled episodes of

overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting. Eating binges

may occur as often as several times a day. Induced vomiting known as

purging allows the eating to continue until interrupted by sleep,

abdominal pain, or the presence of another person. The person is

usually aware that their eating pattern is abnormal and may

experience fear or guilt associated with the binge-purge episodes.

The behavior is usually secretive, although clues to this disorder

include overactivity, peculiar eating habits, eating rituals, and

frequent weighing. Body weight is usually normal or low, although the

person may perceive themselves as overweight.

 

The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but factors thought to

contribute to its development are family problems, maladaptive

behavior, self-identity conflict, and cultural overemphasis on

physical appearance. Bulimia may be associated with depression. The

disorder is usually not associated with any underlying physical

problem although the behavior may be associated with neurological or

endocrine diseases. The disorder occurs most often in females of

adolescent or young adult age. The incidence is 2 in 10,000 people.

 

Bulimia is a bit different from anorexia because the person with

bulimia doesn't avoid eating. Instead, he or she eats a large amount

of food then gets rid of it quickly by vomiting or taking laxatives.

This is commonly known as " binge and purge " behavior.

 

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder associated with a distorted

body image that may be caused by a mental disorder. Inadequate

calorie intake results in severe weight loss. The exact cause of this

disorder is not known, but social attitudes towards body appearance

and family factors play a role in its development. The condition

affects females more frequently, usually in adolescence or young

adulthood.

 

Unique features of anorexia are not only the strong desire to be very

thin, but also the altered body perception that goes with it. People

with anorexia have an intense fear of being fat. When a person has

anorexia, he or she hardly eats at all — and the small amount of food

that is eaten becomes an obsession. A person with anorexia may weigh

food before eating it or compulsively count the calories of

everything. It is not unusual for a person with anorexia to also

exercise excessively in an attempt to lose weight.

 

Statistics show the risk factors are seen most often in Caucasians,

having an upper or middle economic background, being female, and

having a goal-oriented family or personality. The incidence is 4 out

of 100,000 people.

 

Other culprits of appetite loss include anti-histamines, over the

counter drugs, pain killers and perscriptions.

 

Aging itself can take its toll on the appetite. In older people the

metabolism slows down, muscle mass decreases and physical ailments

impede activity. On top of all this, taste sensations diminish and

stomach secretions don't flow like they used to. All of these things

contribute to appetite loss.

 

Controlling your appetite, is another matter. We often eat out of

habit, not hunger. People who do try to stop an addictive behavior,

such as smoking, often find themselves overeating. One reason is

habit: They're used to doing something with their hands and mouth, so

they eat. Or they could be battling the misery of nicotine withdrawal

with the nurturing pleasure of food. Regardless of the excuse, this

lack of control often leads to many health problems. See related

topics: weight loss , aging , depression , stress , sleep

difficulties , pms , anxiety , thyroid problems , diabetes and

smoking .

 

According to the American Institute of Gastroenterology, the best

strategy to promoting good overall health is to eat a balanced,

predominantly plant-based and nutritionally dense diet. Most of your

daily calories should come from vegetables, fruits, whole grains and

beans.

 

 

Best Balancing Tips

 

1. Recognize the problem: People with an appetite disturbance often

do not recognize or admit that they have a problem. A trusted family

members or other individual you believe in can be helpful in making

sure that needed care or rehabilitation are received.

 

2. Determining your needs: Appetite disturbances, eating disorders,

depression and anxiety all require a comprehensive diagnosis, in

which, the clinician will determine whether the person is in

immediate danger and/or requires hospitalization. Nutritional

counseling, psychosocial interventions, monitoring, as well as

medical care maybe appropriate.

 

3. Talk Therapies: Individual psychotherapy (especially cognitive-

behavioral or interpersonal psychotherapy), group psychotherapy that

uses a cognitive-behavioral approach and family or marital therapy

can be very effective. Overcome low self-esteem and addressing

distorted thought patterns and behaviors are crucial. Families are

sometimes included in the therapeutic process.

 

4. Severe weight loss: requires an inpatient hospital stay, where

proper nourishment is given and the person's medical needs are met.

In some cases, intravenous feeding is appropriate.

 

5. Moderate exercise is crucial: for both successful weight loss or

for those suffering from anorexia and bulimia. Not only does it help

burn excess calories, but by increasing your physical activity you

can modify the way your brain regulates hunger, making you less

susceptible to food cravings and can increase hormones in order to

stabilize mood or anxiety disorders . If exercise is done

excessively, in the case of anorexia and bulimia, encouragement of

healthy but not excessive exercise is the specific goal in this

strategy.

 

6. The primary goal of treatment for bulimia: is to reduce or

eliminate binge eating and purging behavior.

 

7. The primary goal of treatment for anorexia: is restoring weight

lost due to severe dieting and purging.

 

8. Vitamin Therapy: is a good way to help your body regulate what you

may not be getting through your diet or what you are losing through

purging and abuse. A good daily multivitamin is the best start.

 

9. Drink Plenty of Water: Not only will you loss water as you

exercise, drinking water makes you feel full, therefore, not as much

room for food.

 

10. Control blood sugar levels: this is a good way to balance your

system by eating 5 small high protein meals a day.

 

11. Limit Animal-based Foods: such as meat and dairy products, which

are loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol. Use olive oil or

canola oil instead of butter or margarine to reduce your intake of

saturated fat and hydrogenated fat (trans fat). Moderate your

consumption of fried, salted and smoked foods.

 

12. Portion Control: Eat portions to satisfy hunger, not to clean the

plate. By dinner, if you have complex carbs (potatoes, yams, brown

rice…) with your meal; it should be no more than a cup full. Half of

your plate should be vegetable. The meat, fish, chicken portion

should be the size of your fist. Portion control is the secret to a

healthy weight! Avoid coffee, sugar, alcohol.

 

13. Believe: Your belief system has everything to do with the mental

and spiritual aspects of any eating disorder. Fight anxiety with

relaxation exercises rather than food. Utilize meditation, yoga,

stretching. By creating healthy eating habits and regular exercise,

you are sure to lose weight without depriving yourself of nourishing

food. And if you continue those good habits after you reach your

goal, you will have an excellent chance of maintaining your desired

weight and see it more as maintaining a lifestyle as opposed to a

diet.

 

11. Sleep Well: Good quality sleep is important, especially when you

are trying to loss weight or recover from anorexia or bulimia. It is

most important to go to sleep with a " Quiet Mind " . Sleep rejuvenates,

detoxes and regulates the body.

 

12. Overcome Fear: Fear can be an underlining problem in many cases.

There are many ways to quiet the mind. Doing 15 to 30 minutes of

meditation or yoga can be very helpful. You must allow yourself to be

distracted or get into your meditation or yoga and " let go " of the

days thoughts...see Meditation. Address your fears or phobias by

journaling.

 

 

Managing An Eating Disorder

 

Sleep allows our body to rejuvenate and repair!

 

Don't Smoke: Besides the fact that it can cause lung cancer and is

the second leading cause of death for both men and women, nicotine is

a stimulant and complicates weight control.

 

Life to Go: Everyone has a busy lifestyle. You plan your day's

meetings, schedule your kid's soccer game or know when to pick up the

dry cleaning. Do the same with your meals and snacks. Prepare food

ahead. Make goodie bags with cut veggies, apples, grapes, pears, and

bananas. Have some nutrition bars on hand or cook/pack your lunch the

night before. Mix a salad or make a large pot of soup or hearty

chili.

 

Shop Ahead: Go natural, go organic or simply go to your local food

store, which seems to have fresh produce. The products you choose

should be low in sodium and contain wholesome ingredients, and they

should be trans-fat free. Plan meal ideas and shop ahead for them.

This way, it gives you less of an opportunity to end up at a fast

food restaurant.

 

It is well-documented that one of the consequences of eating

disorders is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolytes are minerals that, when dissolved in the body's fluid,

become electrically charged. They are responsible for controlling

heart rate and blood pressure.

 

Potassium and sodium are the body's major electrolytes. Although

potassium deficiency is not common, rapid weight loss and dehydration

can cause potassium to plummet, leaving you at risk for serious heart

problems, including heart attack. People with eating disorders need

to have these nutrients stabilized as quickly as possible.

 

Because too much potassium can make you ill, it is best to get the

Daily Value of this mineral (3,500 milligrams) by eating fruits and

vegetables such as bananas, oranges, spinach and celery. You can get

885 milligrams just by eating half of a cantaloupe. You can also get

your daily recommended dose by eating 4 bananas.

 

Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, but eating

seafood and green leafy vegetables can help you easily get your Daily

Value of 400 milligrams or for those who are anorexic or bulimic, 500-

1000mg. People who have heart or kidney problems or diabetes should

check with their doctors before supplementing these minerals.

 

Calcium, an essential mineral in the development and maintenance of

bone health, is one of the nutrients most likely to be deficient in

people with eating disorders. Those who treat eating disorders say

the impact of severe calcium deficiency, especially when combined

with amenorrhea, can be devastating. Consider 1500 mg of calcium in

divided doses, (am/pm) with 200 mg Vitamin D and 500 - 1000 mg

magnesium).

 

Experts recommend that people with eating disorders have a physician

monitor all of their electrolytes: potassium, magnesium and sodium as

well as phosphorus and chloride, which can also become dangerously

low.

 

For Appetite Control:

 

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Alkalizes and detoxs the body. Can act as a

diuretic, balances hormones, eases inflammation, may lower

cholesterol. Must be used in fresh raw form to provide vitamins.

Contains an antifungal agent. Its high protein and vitamin content

make it a good nutritional source. Medicinal uses of alfalfa include

treatment of stomach upset, arthritis, bladder and kidney problems,

boils, appetite control and irregular menstruation.

 

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) The flowers of this plant are

therapeutically used as an antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, and

vulnerary. They are valued for the delicate sweet flavor they impart

to herbal teas; and they combine expecially well with dried rose

hips, lemon, and mint. In central Europe, clover has been used to

regulate digestive functions, to improve the appetite, and to treat

liver ailments.

 

Hawthorn Berry (Fructus Crataegus oxyacantha) is especially popular

in a number of herbal tinctures, herbal combinations and teas. The

berries' effects on the circulatory system have been researched in

Europe. Certain chemical constituents in the berries seem to enhance

enzyme metabolism, poor digestion, overweight as well as oxygen

utilization in the heart muscle. The berries should be taken over a

period of time for their full nutritional benefits to be realized.

Hawthorn Berries contain vitamins C and B complex, crataegin,

carotene, flavonoids and sugars.

 

Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva) is commonly used for colds or fevers and

to soothe an irritated digestive system. The 'Slippery' part of

Slippery Elm refers to the texture of the herb. This is because of

the large mucilage content of Slippery Elm, which is also responsible

for its wonderful healing and soothing action. In most herbal

literature this is termed a 'demulcent' or an 'emollient' agent,

which means it is a soothing substance. It not only soothes and heals

all that it comes into contact with, but is highly nutritious.

Slippery Elm is a wholesome food for the weak and convalescent, from

infants to the elderly.

 

 

For Appetite Stimulant:

 

Gota Kola (Centella asiatica) is commonly used to help protect and

repair or heal the skin, blood and nervous system. It combats stress

and improves reflexes. Antidepressant, improves memory and reduces

mental fatigue. The nuts, roots, and seeds of this herb are used in

cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, fatigue, kidney stones,

poor appetite and sleep disorders.

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale recen) is used for the prevention and

treatment of various forms of nausea. These include motion sickness,

the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), and post-

surgical nausea. Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery, do

not self-treat with ginger except under physician supervision. Ginger

has been suggested as a treatment for numerous other conditions,

including an appetite stimulant, atherosclerosis, migraine headaches,

rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, burns, ulcers, depression,

impotence, and liver toxicity. Stops cough and stops vomiting. In

traditional Chinese medicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first sign

of a cold is believed to offer the possibility of averting the

infection.

 

Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) of the family Schizandraceae, is

native to Northern China. As a traditional medicinal herb,

Schizandra, called Wu Wei Zi in China, has been used as an astringent

for a treatment for dry cough, asthma, night sweats, nocturnal

seminal emissions and chronic diarrhea. It is also used traditionally

as a tonic for the treatment of chronic fatigue. This adaptogenic

property is said to " stimulate immune defenses, balance body

function, normalize body systems, boost recovery after surgery,

protect against radiation, counteract the effects of sugar, optimize

energy in times of stress, increase stamina, protect against motion

sickness, normalize blood sugar and blood pressure, reduce high

cholesterol, shield against infection, improve the health of the

adrenals, energize RNA-DNA molecules to rebuild cells and produces

energy. Studies conducted on Schizandra's effects have noted that the

herb has a stimulating effect in low doses, but this effect

disappeared with larger doses.

 

For an extended list of nutritional advice, exercise, meditation,

aromatherapy and more for appetite disturbances, please go here:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/appetite_disturbance.htm

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

[Guest guest]

Thank you ,,,Your gonna be a blessing to me within my life,,,I

always here how fat someone is..but what about some who dont have

that issue and wants to live wwithin a healthy body life wth a

decent weight ..Being the size that I am ..has cause me worries due

to I am not the ideal weight of my desire as a healthy woman ..i

dont want excessive fat that is not within good health or appreance

for ,me ...I am 5'7 and 40 wereing a size 5/6..and I dont like being

too slinder...when younger,before marriage I used to be very active

and within sports and toned..but now ......lawwd....Please help my

way of thinking ..My eating habbits are not intentionally but they

are horrible and I am afraid I wil get fat in the wrong places and

its can be so costly and give me a bad appearence ..my mom had a big

stomach who is a dietbeitc and says that stomach is heavy on her

small framed body...if she looses that she will be about a 8/9 right

now she is bigger..and I dont want that ...nor to be sick like her.

eAnswers , " yogiguruji " <yogiguruji wrote:

>

> Good Morning!

>

> Appetite Disturbances: loss of appetite or difficulty controlling

it

>

> Appetite Disturbances, either experiencing loss of appetite, or

> having difficulty controlling it, several alternative therapies

can

> help. If you experience a notable change in appetite, you should

> first consult a physician, to rule out any illness or nutritional

> deficiencies. Whether you want to stimulate your appetite or

control

> it, changing the way you eat may help.

>

> Appetite loss is the body's defense against ingesting anything

that

> could slow the healing process. Almost any infection can cause a

loss

> of appetite. A passing cold or flu virus could be responsible. So

> could more serious things like tuberculosis, low thyroid function,

> diseases of the heart or lungs or liver problems.

>

> Bulimia is an illness characterized by uncontrolled episodes of

> overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting. Eating

binges

> may occur as often as several times a day. Induced vomiting known

as

> purging allows the eating to continue until interrupted by sleep,

> abdominal pain, or the presence of another person. The person is

> usually aware that their eating pattern is abnormal and may

> experience fear or guilt associated with the binge-purge episodes.

> The behavior is usually secretive, although clues to this disorder

> include overactivity, peculiar eating habits, eating rituals, and

> frequent weighing. Body weight is usually normal or low, although

the

> person may perceive themselves as overweight.

>

> The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but factors thought to

> contribute to its development are family problems, maladaptive

> behavior, self-identity conflict, and cultural overemphasis on

> physical appearance. Bulimia may be associated with depression.

The

> disorder is usually not associated with any underlying physical

> problem although the behavior may be associated with neurological

or

> endocrine diseases. The disorder occurs most often in females of

> adolescent or young adult age. The incidence is 2 in 10,000

people.

>

> Bulimia is a bit different from anorexia because the person with

> bulimia doesn't avoid eating. Instead, he or she eats a large

amount

> of food then gets rid of it quickly by vomiting or taking

laxatives.

> This is commonly known as " binge and purge " behavior.

>

> Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder associated with a distorted

> body image that may be caused by a mental disorder. Inadequate

> calorie intake results in severe weight loss. The exact cause of

this

> disorder is not known, but social attitudes towards body

appearance

> and family factors play a role in its development. The condition

> affects females more frequently, usually in adolescence or young

> adulthood.

>

> Unique features of anorexia are not only the strong desire to be

very

> thin, but also the altered body perception that goes with it.

People

> with anorexia have an intense fear of being fat. When a person has

> anorexia, he or she hardly eats at all — and the small amount of

food

> that is eaten becomes an obsession. A person with anorexia may

weigh

> food before eating it or compulsively count the calories of

> everything. It is not unusual for a person with anorexia to also

> exercise excessively in an attempt to lose weight.

>

> Statistics show the risk factors are seen most often in

Caucasians,

> having an upper or middle economic background, being female, and

> having a goal-oriented family or personality. The incidence is 4

out

> of 100,000 people.

>

> Other culprits of appetite loss include anti-histamines, over the

> counter drugs, pain killers and perscriptions.

>

> Aging itself can take its toll on the appetite. In older people

the

> metabolism slows down, muscle mass decreases and physical ailments

> impede activity. On top of all this, taste sensations diminish and

> stomach secretions don't flow like they used to. All of these

things

> contribute to appetite loss.

>

> Controlling your appetite, is another matter. We often eat out of

> habit, not hunger. People who do try to stop an addictive

behavior,

> such as smoking, often find themselves overeating. One reason is

> habit: They're used to doing something with their hands and mouth,

so

> they eat. Or they could be battling the misery of nicotine

withdrawal

> with the nurturing pleasure of food. Regardless of the excuse,

this

> lack of control often leads to many health problems. See related

> topics: weight loss , aging , depression , stress , sleep

> difficulties , pms , anxiety , thyroid problems , diabetes and

> smoking .

>

> According to the American Institute of Gastroenterology, the best

> strategy to promoting good overall health is to eat a balanced,

> predominantly plant-based and nutritionally dense diet. Most of

your

> daily calories should come from vegetables, fruits, whole grains

and

> beans.

>

>

> Best Balancing Tips

>

> 1. Recognize the problem: People with an appetite disturbance

often

> do not recognize or admit that they have a problem. A trusted

family

> members or other individual you believe in can be helpful in

making

> sure that needed care or rehabilitation are received.

>

> 2. Determining your needs: Appetite disturbances, eating

disorders,

> depression and anxiety all require a comprehensive diagnosis, in

> which, the clinician will determine whether the person is in

> immediate danger and/or requires hospitalization. Nutritional

> counseling, psychosocial interventions, monitoring, as well as

> medical care maybe appropriate.

>

> 3. Talk Therapies: Individual psychotherapy (especially cognitive-

> behavioral or interpersonal psychotherapy), group psychotherapy

that

> uses a cognitive-behavioral approach and family or marital therapy

> can be very effective. Overcome low self-esteem and addressing

> distorted thought patterns and behaviors are crucial. Families are

> sometimes included in the therapeutic process.

>

> 4. Severe weight loss: requires an inpatient hospital stay, where

> proper nourishment is given and the person's medical needs are

met.

> In some cases, intravenous feeding is appropriate.

>

> 5. Moderate exercise is crucial: for both successful weight loss

or

> for those suffering from anorexia and bulimia. Not only does it

help

> burn excess calories, but by increasing your physical activity you

> can modify the way your brain regulates hunger, making you less

> susceptible to food cravings and can increase hormones in order to

> stabilize mood or anxiety disorders . If exercise is done

> excessively, in the case of anorexia and bulimia, encouragement of

> healthy but not excessive exercise is the specific goal in this

> strategy.

>

> 6. The primary goal of treatment for bulimia: is to reduce or

> eliminate binge eating and purging behavior.

>

> 7. The primary goal of treatment for anorexia: is restoring weight

> lost due to severe dieting and purging.

>

> 8. Vitamin Therapy: is a good way to help your body regulate what

you

> may not be getting through your diet or what you are losing

through

> purging and abuse. A good daily multivitamin is the best start.

>

> 9. Drink Plenty of Water: Not only will you loss water as you

> exercise, drinking water makes you feel full, therefore, not as

much

> room for food.

>

> 10. Control blood sugar levels: this is a good way to balance your

> system by eating 5 small high protein meals a day.

>

> 11. Limit Animal-based Foods: such as meat and dairy products,

which

> are loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol. Use olive oil or

> canola oil instead of butter or margarine to reduce your intake of

> saturated fat and hydrogenated fat (trans fat). Moderate your

> consumption of fried, salted and smoked foods.

>

> 12. Portion Control: Eat portions to satisfy hunger, not to clean

the

> plate. By dinner, if you have complex carbs (potatoes, yams, brown

> rice…) with your meal; it should be no more than a cup full. Half

of

> your plate should be vegetable. The meat, fish, chicken portion

> should be the size of your fist. Portion control is the secret to

a

> healthy weight! Avoid coffee, sugar, alcohol.

>

> 13. Believe: Your belief system has everything to do with the

mental

> and spiritual aspects of any eating disorder. Fight anxiety with

> relaxation exercises rather than food. Utilize meditation, yoga,

> stretching. By creating healthy eating habits and regular

exercise,

> you are sure to lose weight without depriving yourself of

nourishing

> food. And if you continue those good habits after you reach your

> goal, you will have an excellent chance of maintaining your

desired

> weight and see it more as maintaining a lifestyle as opposed to a

> diet.

>

> 11. Sleep Well: Good quality sleep is important, especially when

you

> are trying to loss weight or recover from anorexia or bulimia. It

is

> most important to go to sleep with a " Quiet Mind " . Sleep

rejuvenates,

> detoxes and regulates the body.

>

> 12. Overcome Fear: Fear can be an underlining problem in many

cases.

> There are many ways to quiet the mind. Doing 15 to 30 minutes of

> meditation or yoga can be very helpful. You must allow yourself to

be

> distracted or get into your meditation or yoga and " let go " of the

> days thoughts...see Meditation. Address your fears or phobias by

> journaling.

>

>

> Managing An Eating Disorder

>

> Sleep allows our body to rejuvenate and repair!

>

> Don't Smoke: Besides the fact that it can cause lung cancer and is

> the second leading cause of death for both men and women, nicotine

is

> a stimulant and complicates weight control.

>

> Life to Go: Everyone has a busy lifestyle. You plan your day's

> meetings, schedule your kid's soccer game or know when to pick up

the

> dry cleaning. Do the same with your meals and snacks. Prepare food

> ahead. Make goodie bags with cut veggies, apples, grapes, pears,

and

> bananas. Have some nutrition bars on hand or cook/pack your lunch

the

> night before. Mix a salad or make a large pot of soup or hearty

> chili.

>

> Shop Ahead: Go natural, go organic or simply go to your local food

> store, which seems to have fresh produce. The products you choose

> should be low in sodium and contain wholesome ingredients, and

they

> should be trans-fat free. Plan meal ideas and shop ahead for them.

> This way, it gives you less of an opportunity to end up at a fast

> food restaurant.

>

> It is well-documented that one of the consequences of eating

> disorders is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance.

> Electrolytes are minerals that, when dissolved in the body's

fluid,

> become electrically charged. They are responsible for controlling

> heart rate and blood pressure.

>

> Potassium and sodium are the body's major electrolytes. Although

> potassium deficiency is not common, rapid weight loss and

dehydration

> can cause potassium to plummet, leaving you at risk for serious

heart

> problems, including heart attack. People with eating disorders

need

> to have these nutrients stabilized as quickly as possible.

>

> Because too much potassium can make you ill, it is best to get the

> Daily Value of this mineral (3,500 milligrams) by eating fruits

and

> vegetables such as bananas, oranges, spinach and celery. You can

get

> 885 milligrams just by eating half of a cantaloupe. You can also

get

> your daily recommended dose by eating 4 bananas.

>

> Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, but eating

> seafood and green leafy vegetables can help you easily get your

Daily

> Value of 400 milligrams or for those who are anorexic or bulimic,

500-

> 1000mg. People who have heart or kidney problems or diabetes

should

> check with their doctors before supplementing these minerals.

>

> Calcium, an essential mineral in the development and maintenance

of

> bone health, is one of the nutrients most likely to be deficient

in

> people with eating disorders. Those who treat eating disorders say

> the impact of severe calcium deficiency, especially when combined

> with amenorrhea, can be devastating. Consider 1500 mg of calcium

in

> divided doses, (am/pm) with 200 mg Vitamin D and 500 - 1000 mg

> magnesium).

>

> Experts recommend that people with eating disorders have a

physician

> monitor all of their electrolytes: potassium, magnesium and sodium

as

> well as phosphorus and chloride, which can also become dangerously

> low.

>

> For Appetite Control:

>

> Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Alkalizes and detoxs the body. Can act

as a

> diuretic, balances hormones, eases inflammation, may lower

> cholesterol. Must be used in fresh raw form to provide vitamins.

> Contains an antifungal agent. Its high protein and vitamin content

> make it a good nutritional source. Medicinal uses of alfalfa

include

> treatment of stomach upset, arthritis, bladder and kidney

problems,

> boils, appetite control and irregular menstruation.

>

> Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) The flowers of this plant are

> therapeutically used as an antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative,

and

> vulnerary. They are valued for the delicate sweet flavor they

impart

> to herbal teas; and they combine expecially well with dried rose

> hips, lemon, and mint. In central Europe, clover has been used to

> regulate digestive functions, to improve the appetite, and to

treat

> liver ailments.

>

> Hawthorn Berry (Fructus Crataegus oxyacantha) is especially

popular

> in a number of herbal tinctures, herbal combinations and teas. The

> berries' effects on the circulatory system have been researched in

> Europe. Certain chemical constituents in the berries seem to

enhance

> enzyme metabolism, poor digestion, overweight as well as oxygen

> utilization in the heart muscle. The berries should be taken over

a

> period of time for their full nutritional benefits to be realized.

> Hawthorn Berries contain vitamins C and B complex, crataegin,

> carotene, flavonoids and sugars.

>

> Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva) is commonly used for colds or fevers

and

> to soothe an irritated digestive system. The 'Slippery' part of

> Slippery Elm refers to the texture of the herb. This is because of

> the large mucilage content of Slippery Elm, which is also

responsible

> for its wonderful healing and soothing action. In most herbal

> literature this is termed a 'demulcent' or an 'emollient' agent,

> which means it is a soothing substance. It not only soothes and

heals

> all that it comes into contact with, but is highly nutritious.

> Slippery Elm is a wholesome food for the weak and convalescent,

from

> infants to the elderly.

>

>

> For Appetite Stimulant:

>

> Gota Kola (Centella asiatica) is commonly used to help protect and

> repair or heal the skin, blood and nervous system. It combats

stress

> and improves reflexes. Antidepressant, improves memory and reduces

> mental fatigue. The nuts, roots, and seeds of this herb are used

in

> cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, fatigue, kidney stones,

> poor appetite and sleep disorders.

>

> Ginger (Zingiber officinale recen) is used for the prevention and

> treatment of various forms of nausea. These include motion

sickness,

> the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), and post-

> surgical nausea. Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery,

do

> not self-treat with ginger except under physician supervision.

Ginger

> has been suggested as a treatment for numerous other conditions,

> including an appetite stimulant, atherosclerosis, migraine

headaches,

> rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, burns, ulcers, depression,

> impotence, and liver toxicity. Stops cough and stops vomiting. In

> traditional Chinese medicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first

sign

> of a cold is believed to offer the possibility of averting the

> infection.

>

> Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) of the family Schizandraceae, is

> native to Northern China. As a traditional medicinal herb,

> Schizandra, called Wu Wei Zi in China, has been used as an

astringent

> for a treatment for dry cough, asthma, night sweats, nocturnal

> seminal emissions and chronic diarrhea. It is also used

traditionally

> as a tonic for the treatment of chronic fatigue. This adaptogenic

> property is said to " stimulate immune defenses, balance body

> function, normalize body systems, boost recovery after surgery,

> protect against radiation, counteract the effects of sugar,

optimize

> energy in times of stress, increase stamina, protect against

motion

> sickness, normalize blood sugar and blood pressure, reduce high

> cholesterol, shield against infection, improve the health of the

> adrenals, energize RNA-DNA molecules to rebuild cells and produces

> energy. Studies conducted on Schizandra's effects have noted that

the

> herb has a stimulating effect in low doses, but this effect

> disappeared with larger doses.

>

> For an extended list of nutritional advice, exercise, meditation,

> aromatherapy and more for appetite disturbances, please go here:

>

> http://www.peacefulmind.com/appetite_disturbance.htm

>

>

> Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

> Peacefulmind.com

> Therapies for healing

> mind, body, spirit

>