As of 2010, eating disorders have caused around 7000 deaths annually. Bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder, can be one of the causes of these deaths. However, the actual prevalence of this condition is not easy to determine because people suffering from this eating disorder tend to hide the following symptoms:
- craving for food and binging, purging, depression, suicidal tendencies, irritability, and obsession with exercise
- physical problems such as dizziness, fatigue, amenorrhea in women, gastric problems, cold intolerance, swollen face and neck and other problems related to frequent vomiting
- depression, suicidal tendencies, failure to cope with stress
These behaviors and symptoms as well as possible complications (such as food allergies, amino acid imbalance, and nutritional deficiencies) can significantly impact the quality of life of people suffering from bulimia nervosa. For this reason, seeking the help of a health care professional is very important as well as knowing the range of treatment options available.
Bulimia nervosa is thought to be caused by excessive concern for body fat and weight and obsession with perfection which can motivate people suffering from it to purge after consuming a large amount of food. Recently, there are also studies which suggest that zinc deficiency could be responsible for this disorder.
Alternative Approaches to Bulimia Treatment
The following treatment strategies, in addition to or other than medication and psychotherapy, have been used with persons suffering from bulimia:
- nutritional therapy involving intake of zinc sulfate heptahydrate as dietary supplement
- diet management such as avoidance of food allergens, and refined sugars and carbohydrates, and more intake of protein-rich and whole foods following a regular eating pattern
- homeopathy
- constitutional hydrotherapy
- biofeedback training
- hypnotherapy
- light therapy
- qigong
- traditional Chinese medicine
Relieve Symptoms of Bulimia with Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is another approach to care and treatment of bulimia. The objective of doctors of chiropractic (DC) or chiropractors is to restore the proper functioning of the nervous system, especially the spinal column, to maintain or restore the healthy balance in the body. By finding out and addressing possible problems in the vertebra such as spinal misalignment or subluxation, chiropractors can hasten the recovery of bulimia patients especially in the areas of hormone level balance and immunity. Even symptoms like allergies, depression, suicidal ideation, and gastrointestinal problems can be improved effectively through some of the chiropractic strategies such as muscle and deep tissues manipulation as well as spinal manipulation.
Accessing relevant information on the range of treatment options for bulimia is important for people suffering from this eating disorder. Chiropractors are able to provide professional advice on effective chiropractic care for bulimia. They can also refer a patient to another health care professional if a more appropriate treatment is necessary for the best interest and well being of the patient. A visit to ChiroCarolina®, one of the top chiropractors in Charlotte NC, could be the help that a person suffering from bulimia is looking for.
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