Anorexia is also known as Anorexia Nervosa which is an eating disorder and it results when one experiences severe weight loss. Few characteristics observed include very low body weight, fear of gaining weight, etc. It is usually seen among adolescent women but is also seen among children of around 7 years and adults of around 80 years as well. The exact reason is still unknown but it involves psychological, physical and social factors. Further genes may also contribute to this. Pressure from society which expects to look thin and those with OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder also face Anorexia. To maintain their low body weight people keep eating fewer calories, eat abnormally and workout excessively. To our surprise, some also use diuretics, laxatives and forcefully vomit the food they have eaten.
Symptoms of Anorexia also include fatigue, pale skin, hair loss, constipation, irregular menstruation, no interest in social activities, insomnia, brittle nails, dry skin, depression, low blood pressure, etc.
If not treated in time it also leads to complications like abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), electrolyte imbalance, bone loss, anemia, kidney failure, etc.
The major problem of this health condition is that the patient doesn’t realize this himself/herself. It’s important to provide them psychological therapy and improve their appetite so that they can eat healthy to get normal weight.
Though we have provided home remedies, it is important to consult a doctor for treatment.
- Garlic
Garlic acts as a natural appetite stimulant and helps secrete juices to cleanse the digestive system. Take 3 to 4 finely chopped garlic cloves to a cup of water and boil it; strain the solution and mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of rock salt to this. Drink it twice a day for few weeks.
- Ginger
Ginger also stimulates appetite like garlic and calm the nerves reducing stress. Take ½ tsp of chopped ginger and a pinch of rock salt and have it 30 minutes before meal everyday for 2 weeks. You can also mix ½ tsp ginger paste, few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of asafetida with some black pepper. Have it once in a day on empty stomach for few weeks. Instead, you can also prepare and drink a cup of ginger tea everyday.
- Orange
Orange also boosts digestive system in addition to stimulating your appetite. Even orange peels can calm down your nerves fighting depression. Eat an orange or have a glass of orange juice few times daily. You can also mix some lemon juice, black pepper and some rock salt to it. You can also inhale the aroma of orange peels.
- Mint
This natural appetizer relieves heightened emotional stress. Have 2 teaspoons of mint juice every morning. Drink few cups of mint tea daily. You just need to steep dried mint leaves in some water and strain.
- Lemon Balm
It is a mild relaxant and it can reduce stress and anxiety promoting sleep. Take a teaspoon of dried lemon balm in a cup of hot water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink a cup of it twice a day for 2 weeks. However using it in excess can make you more anxious.
- Herbal Tea
A cup of herbal tea like green tea, sage tea, chamomile tea or thyme tea can fight fatigue and stress. Have a cup everyday.
- Massage
Twice a week get massage therapy as it reduces symptoms of Anorexia and lowers stress. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the body. Prefer remedial massage which is a therapeutic massage which manipulates the body’s soft tissues. If possible massage your neck, back, shoulders, bottom of your feet with some coconut oil yourself before going to bed.
- Yoga
Yoga poses like crab pose (catuspadapitham), locust pose (salabhasana), goddess pose (utkata konasana), pigeon pose (kapotasana), mountain pose (tadasana), squat pose (malasana), etc. are very effective.
- Acupressure
There are few pressure points in hands and feet which are the nerve endings of body parts. Since Anorexia is mostly related to the psychological issue, providing acupressure on these points can relieve stress and anxiety. You can learn these points and practice it everyday.
- Meditation
It is such a technique where we relax and do not think about anything else. Doing this everyday can give you peace and relieve stress, anxiety, tension, etc. It is suggested to meditate twice a day for better results.
These were few easy remedies; other than these, acupressure, almonds, warm water, pineapple, cinnamon, lime, fennel seeds, carrots, apples, lemon, parsley, etc. also are very effective.
