I recommend this article as a must read for everyone, and my reason is very simple. This is becuase Anorexia can creep upon anyone just like depression and no one, not even the individual will notice before it's too late. So as you read, think about that friend or family member you know that expresses some of the signs that will be written about in this article. I will also be giving a few therapeutic tips which i have used in successfully managing a few cases of Anorexia Nervosa.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Simply put in my own words, prolonged loss of interest in eating food or keeping it in the belly. Anorexia Nervosa usually begins as a behavioural disease, with the intention to lose body weight. After a reasonable period of time, it develops into a habit where the victim rejects food. In some other cases, it could be as a result of emotional or psychological disorder, and sometimes it could be caused by severe or chronic disease. This condition results in exccessive weight loss, and the victim severly underweight with little or no excitement towards food. Anorexia also sometimes perfectly go hand in hand with depression. The biggest problem in the treatment and management of this disease is that it is ofen treated as a symptom rather than a disease in itself.
In Nigeria, Anorexia is hardly recognized or diagnised as a disease. This is simply because loss of appetite usually associated as a symptom of many diseases endemic to Nigeria. Moreover, when people complains of lack of interest in food, any available appetite stimulant is often prescribed or given. Howeverm in cases of chronic anorexia, the stimulant would iinduce hunger, yet the patient simply lacks the motivation to eat, thereby complicating the condition of the patient. Hence, cases of Anorexia Nervosa is not commonly reported in clinical diagnosis in Nigeria.
Furthermore, physical symptoms doesn't always appear in Anorexic patients. As a matter of fact, those suffering from the disease don't even know they have it, let alone acknowledge they do suffer from it. It's symptoms can be neglidgible in milder situations, and severe in chronic situations. Some of these symptoms include:
1. Fatigue
2. Low blood pressure
3. Water-Electrolyte imbalance
4. Low body temperature
5. Binge eating
6. Social isolation
7. Extreme weight loss
8. Delayed puberty or slow growth
9. Always wanting to cook for others to eat, but themselves wont eat
10. Inability to keep food in the belly.
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDTION AND MANAGEMENT
The Anorexic patient easily gets intimidated with food, I personally strongly recommend they should not be presented with food in large quantities but this guideliine has been effective for those i have consulted for .
1. Food given should be very rich in basic nutrients, and should be served in small portions multiple times througout the day.
2. They should not be served on a wide plate, but in a bowl: A bowl is deeper and makes the food portion look smaller, so they don't get intimidated with the quantity or size of food.
3. I strongly recommend they don't eat alone. They should eat with a loved one.
4. Colour matter: The colour of the food should be attractive, the colour of the plate should be RED or YELLOW. Not white, blue, or black.
4. They should stay hydrated with enough water sometimes mixed with glucose, or furit juices and smoothies.
Pay close attention to your loved ones eating habits, because Anorexia creeps up on people like depression (except when associated with a disease or treatment). Anorexia can easily be managed and corrected when discovered in the early stages. And if you have an Anorexic patient, do well to brighten up their mood and give them support.
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