What is Bulimia?

Bulimia, also known as Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge-eating and subsequent self-induced vomiting (emesis). In other words, it is a type of eating disorder defined by overeating or uncontrolled food consumption followed by induced vomiting brought on by either feelings of stomach discomfort or guilt.

What causes Bulimia?

Causes of Bulimia can be social, psychological or biological. Social causes of bulimia can be the pressure many men and women feel to be thin to fit in with the modern version of the ideal figure. Psychological causes of bulimia include issues such as low self-esteem, depression, traumatic or emotional stress and poor body image. This ultimately leads to a breakdown of the thinking process and of sensory organ function in general. The body tries to compensate for this breakdown but the mind can only work in one direction at a time. Therefore when too many thought processes are happening at once the connection between the brain and digestive system is compromised and the body’s natural reaction is to want to clear the food from the body.

Biological causes of bulimia include a depletion of electrolytes creating a desire to eat excessively and this in turn leads to a need for purging the system: a vicious cycle ensues. The sufferer only feels better when emaciated. Abnormal levels of many hormones, notably serotonin present in the brain, have also been shown to be a possible cause of eating disorders.

Symptoms of Bulimia:

Bulimia symptoms include out-of-control eating, which is often only stopped when the stomach hurts from over-extension and then followed by self-induced vomiting or other forms of purging. Side effects or effects of bulimia may also include dehydration, weakness and inflammation of the throat. Bulimia anorexia symptoms and side effects may also include tooth erosion if the bulimia is in the chronic stage.

Signs of Bulimia Nervosa:

Signs of bulimia nervosa include fixation on the number of calories consumed, constant awareness of weight, low self-esteem, depression, low blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycle, constant trips to the bathroom and frequent episodes of over eating.

Treatment of Bulimia:

In today’s world of modern medicine the aim is often to gain immediate symptomatic relief. However this does not always address the root cause of the condition. Ayurveda provides an alternative option based on ancient science providing treatment for many disorders through herbal and mineral preparations. Ayurveda works on the mind-body connection thus helping to achieve recovery from bulimia.

Bulimia nervosa treatment with Ayurveda uses not only the mind-body connection but also the restoration of doshic balance through diet, as a Vata-Pitta-Kapha imbalance will inevitably be a major factor. Detoxification through Panchakarma is also likely to be beneficial. Metabolic function should then quickly improve. Attention is also paid to balance the immune and nervous systems. Along with Ayurveda, yogic practices such as asanas, pranayama and meditation all contribute greatly in the restoration of mental balance. This multi-faceted approach to treatment is essential in treating this form of eating of eating disorder.

If you are seeking help in overcoming bulimia nervosa treatment please contact us at the YATAN Holistic Ayurvedic Centre in 1300 552 260.