Eating Disorders:

behavior. Two classic eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a voluntary restriction of food intake leading to extreme weight loss (15% or more of normal body weight). People with AN have intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat, resulting in spending inappropriately much time at the Gyms and fitness clubs.

They have body image problems, feeling fat despite their low body weights. Amenorrhea and lack of interest in sex are common symptoms.

AN is seen in females 10 times more than males and affects about 1% of women.

Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating of high calorie foods followed by self-induced vomiting or other purging behavior to avoid weight gain.

BN is seen in 1 – 3 % of women during late adolescence or early adulthood. Women are affected 10 times more than men. Other signs and symptoms of BN include poor body image, enlargement of the salivary glands, callouses and abrasions on the back of their hands from the teeth (due to use of the hands to induce gagging), tooth enamel erosion (due to gastric acid in the mouth), and menstrual irregularities.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a recently described syndrome characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, similar to those of bulimia nervosa, without self-induced vomiting or purging. It is more common than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, affecting 4% of men and women. They are overweight and have usually normal menstruations.

Potential risk factors for developing eating disorders:

1. Family history of mood disorders.
2. Sexual or physical abuse.
3. Diabetes type I.
4. Cultural factors.
5. Imbalance between ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin (appetite-controlling hormone).
6. Serotonin imbalance.
7. Nutritional factors:
   1. Dieting.
   2. Nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Refined sugars.
2. Sweets and candies.
3. Ice cream.
4. Alcohol.
5. Caffeine.
6. Caffeinated drinks.
7. Carbonated beverages.

Recommended Foods:

1. Water: at least 2 liters a day.
2. Whole grains.
3. Foods high in fiber: legumes, avocado, and artichoke.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Green leafy vegetables.
6. Foods high in Omega-3: fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.
7. Foods high in zinc: legumes and sunflower seeds.
8. Foods high in iron: red meats.
9. Lean proteins: fish, turkey, chicken, and eggs.
10. Ginger.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 – 3 grams a day.
2. Multivitamins – Multiminerals: A high potency product.
3. Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
4. Zinc (for anorexia nervosa): 50 – 100 mg a day.
5. Vitamin K2, subtype MK7 (for anorexia nervosa): 45 – 90 mcg a day.
6. 5 – Hydroxtryptophan (5 – HTP) (for bulimia nervosa): 200 – 300 mg a day. 5 – HTP regulates serotonin level and reduces depression and anxiety.CAUTION: 5 – HTP should not be taken in combination with anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications.
7. Vitamin B6 (for bulimia nervosa): 100 – 300 mg a day.
8. Vitamin D: 3000 – 5000 IU day.
9. Vitamin E: 400 – 800 IU a day.
10. Iron: 100 – 300 mg a day.
11. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
12. Grape Seed Extract: 50 -100 mg a day.
13. Spirulina: as a tablet: 2000 – 3000 mg a day, or as a powder: 2 – 3 teaspoons a day. Spirulina is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
14. Gentian Root Extract: as a capsule, 100 – 200 mg about 15 minutes before each meal, or as a tincture, 10 drops about 15 minutes before each meal. Gentian contains the glycosides gentiopicrin and amarogentin that improve appetite and aid digestion.