Bulimia nervosa which is typically referred to as an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging. Purging might be done in ways such as:

• Vomiting
  
  
• Taking Laxatives
  
  
• Bowel Movement
  
  
• A person with bulimia may also try to prevent weight gain by:
  
  
• Exercising Excessively
  
  
• Eating very little or Starving Themselves

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders reported an estimated 8 million people in America have an eating disorder. Bulimia affects more women then men but the number of men affected is increasing as well.

More than just a problem with food, bulimia is most times driven by the need for people to feel more in control of their lives as well as easing stress and anxiety. There is no exact cause of bulimia but many experts feel that the following are key contributors:

Biology - Current studies are observing the genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain that may have an effect on the development of, and recovery from, bulimia.

Culture - Many cultures in the U.S. associate thinness with higher social status.

Personal Feelings - A person with bulimia may have low self esteem and view the actions associated with bulimia as a remedy or answer.

Stressful Events or Life Changes - Events or changes that dramatically affect a person can lead to the onset of bulimia.

Families - The general opinion about appearance and diet within a household drastically affects children. Also, a person is more likely to develop bulimia if another relative has it.

The typical signs of bulimia are:

• Use of diet pills, or pills that initiate urination or bowel movement
  
  
• Frequent trips to the bathroom
  
  
• Excessive Exercise (almost obsessively)
  
  
• Shows signs of throwing up (swelling of the cheeks or jaw area, cuts and calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles, teeth that look clear)
  
  
• Depression

Bulimia can lead to a number of different health problems including:

• Anemia
  
  
• Depletion of Fluid Balance
  
  
• Electrolyte Imbalances
  
  
• Hypoglycemia
  
  
• Infertility
  
  
• Internal Bleeding
  
  
• Liver & Kidney Damage
  
  
• Ulcers
  
  
• Weakened Immune System
  
  
• Higher Risk of Osteoporosis

A natural approach to this disorder includes supplementing with:

A High-Potency Multivitamin & Mineral complex - Bulimia results in severe vitamin & mineral deficiencies. Many nutrients pass rapidly through the gastrointestinal system and therefore high doses are recommended. Do not use a sustained release formula. Take as recommended.

Zinc (50-100mg daily) Zinc is necessary in protein metabolism and aids in the sense of taste. It also may increase the appetite and aid in easing depression & anxiety.

Copper (3 mg daily) - Needed to balance with Zinc.

Coenzyme A (take as directed on label) - this can streamline metabolism, increase energy and ease depression & fatigue. Aside from that, it supports the adrenal glands, processes fats and is a powerful antioxidant.

Coenzyme Q10 (60-100 mg daily) - Protects the heart muscle and aids in circulation. I personally use Q-absorb by Jarrow Formulas, which I've found to be the highest quality Co-Q10 supplement on the market.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) - Extracted from the seeds of a West African shrub (Griffonia simplicifolia), 5-HTP improves low levels of serotonin commonly associated with bulimia. Take 100 mg two to three times daily.

Also remember to avoid junk foods, heavy starches and refined flour products. Stick with plenty of vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

Eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day as opposed to 3 meals. This may help control hunger pains & feelings of fullness.