Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating (in other words, ‘binges’), compensatory methods of weight control, and a fear of becoming fat. 

The term bulimia refers only to the episodes of uncontrollable excessive eating, and may also be present in other forms of eating disorder.

Moreover, Unlike anorexia nervosa, for which there are historical accounts dating back to medieval times, bulimia nervosa was first described as a distinct clinical entity in 1979.

Gerald Russell, a British psychiatrist, published a case series of 30 patients with bulimia nervosa also used them to describe the defining features of the condition.

Since Russell’s initial work, it has been realized that bulimia nervosa is a common condition, additionally, effective treatments have since been developed to treat it. 

Biological i.e.:

  • Female sex Age (15–40 years)
  • Family history of:
    1. Mood disorders
    2. Substance abuse
    3. Eating disorder

    4. Obesity

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Early menarche

Psychological i.e.:

  • Critical comments in early life about eating, either shape, or weight
  • Family environment with a focus on shape also dieting
  • either Sexual or physical abuse in childhood
  • Low self-esteem
  • Perfectionism

Social i.e.:

  • Living in a developed country
  • Cultures that encourage dieting and value thinness
  • Occupation (e.g. ballet dancer) 
  • Social isolation
  • Change in mood or personality
  • Refusing to eat in front of people
  • Constantly talking about weight or food
  • Impulsive behaviors
  • Excessive or new substance or alcohol use
  • Striving for perfectionism
  • Intense fear of weight gain
  • Obsession with body image
  • Compulsive behaviors such as counting calories and tracking weight
  • Distorted body image
  • Participating in ritualistic behaviors while eating a meal
  • Frequently weighing oneself
  • Isolating oneself from the outside world
  • Refusing to wear revealing or bright colored clothing
  • Food hiding or hoarding
  • Obsession with neutral and baggy clothing 
  • Bulimia is related to deep psychological issues and feelings of lack of control.
  • Sufferers often use the destructive eating pattern to feel in control over their lives.
  • They may hide or hoard food and overeat when stressed or upset.
  • They may feel a loss of control during a binge, and consume great quantities of food.
  • There are higher rates of eating disorders in groups involved in activities that emphasize thinness and body type such as gymnastics, dance and cheerleading, figure skating.
  • Bulimia is more prevalent among Caucasians but is increasing among African Americans and Hispanics.
  • In one study, diagnosis of bulimia was correlated with high testosterone and low oestrogen levels, and normalizing these levels with combined oral contraceptive pills reduced craving for fat and sugar. 

Bulimia of purging type

  • This type is characterised by the use of self-induced vomiting or excessive usage of laxatives to purge food in order to prevent weight gain. Some patients may use diuretics.

    2. Bulimia of non-purging type

  • This type is characterised by using means, other than the self-induced methods, to avoid weight gain, like extreme degrees of fasting or excessive exercising that are both inappropriate. 

It is characterized by recurrent also frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food also feeling a lack of control over these episodes.

This binge-eating is followed by behavior that compensates for the overeating for instance; forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, excessive exercise, or a combination of these behaviors. 

There is an intense fear of becoming higher-weight person . There may be an earlier history of anorexia nervosa.
It is usually body-image disturbance and the person is unable to perceive own body size accurately. 

There is a persistent preoccupation with eating, also an irresistible craving for food. Besides this, There are episodes of overeating in which large amounts of food are consumed within short periods of time (eating binges). 

Fascinated by food they sometimes buy magazines also cookbooks to read recipes, and enjoy discussing dieting issues

Weight control e.g.:

  • Strict dieting interspersed with episodes of indulging eating
  • Compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain
  • Self-induced vomiting
  • either Laxatives or diuretics
  • Excessive exercise
  • Diet pills

Psychopathology e.g.:

  • Excessive concern about shape and weight
  • Distorted body image
  • Low self-esteem also perfectionism

Physical consequences of weight control behaviours i.e.:

  • Normal body weight
  • Hypokalaemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia
  • Menstrual abnormalities
  • Swollen parotid glands
  • Erosion of dental enamel
  • Calluses of the dorsal aspect of the fingers (in other words, Russell’s sign)
  • Peripheral oedemic
  • Increased plasma amylase

Other comorbid psychiatric conditions e.g.:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety
  • Deliberate self-harm
  • Misuse of either alcohol or drugs
  • Borderline personality disorder 
  • serum electrolytes
  • serum creatinine
  • serum magnesium
  • urine pregnancy test
  • ECG
  • serum ferritin
  • serum B12
  • serum red blood cell folate 

The formal diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa are i.e.:

  1. Recurrent episodes of indulging eating, characterized by eating a large amount of food and by a sense of lack of control over eating
  2. Recurrent inappropriate behavior to prevent weight gain
  3. Evaluation of self-worth primarily based on weight also shape
  4. Symptoms do not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa.

The last point means that a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa effectively ‘trumps’ bulimia nervosa; additionally, if the patient has a BMI of less than 17.5, the diagnosis is always anorexia nervosa. 

1.Anorexia nervosa:

It can be differentiated from bulimia nervosa principally by a low body weight (BMI <17.5). Binges may occur in anorexia nervosa, but must be present for a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa.

2. EDNOS:

It describes those patients with disordered eating which is clinically significant, but which does not fit criteria for a specific eating disorder; for example, a patient with all the features of bulimia nervosa, except for the use of compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain.

3. Klein–Levin syndrome:

In brief, This is a sleep disorder seen in adolescent males, characterized by recurrent episodes of indulging eating also hypersomnia.

4. Mood disorder such as:

Core features include low mood, fatigue, also anhedonia. Weight gain and indulging eating may occur, but the patient will not show the specific psychopathology and other weight control behaviours seen in bulimia nervosa.

5. Iatrogenic drugs such as:

Many drugs may cause weight gain, either through increased appetite or a direct effect on metabolism; for example, antipsychotics, lithium, steroids.

6. Organic disorders:

These can usually be identified by a clear history and lack of associated core psychopathology, but specific investigations may need to be done; for example, upper GI disorders with associated vomiting, brain tumours. 

  • Education about and awareness of the disorder and associated risk factors
  • Early intervention if risk factors are identified
  • Knowledge and maintenance of healthy eating habits
  • Cultivation of a positive self-image of the body
  • Maintenance of good mental health
  • Counseling as needed to identify and resolve areas of conflict and stress
  • Balancing school, work, social life, rest, and exercise 

At Spiritual Homeopathy, where we offer holistic solutions for overcoming bulimia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa, characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, can have serious physical and emotional consequences. While conventional treatments exist, our approach integrates the wisdom of homeopathy, providing personalized care to promote healing and restore well-being.

Understanding Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a complex eating disorder that involves recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise. Individuals with bulimia often experience a sense of loss of control during binge episodes and feelings of guilt or shame afterward. Bulimia nervosa can lead to serious medical complications, including electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, and mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.

At Spiritual Homeopathy, we offer an alternative approach to managing bulimia nervosa. Homeopathy is based on the principle of “like cures like,” using highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s innate healing abilities. Our experienced homeopaths carefully select remedies based on individual symptoms, addressing not only the physical manifestations of bulimia but also the emotional and mental aspects of the disorder.

Homeopathic Remedies for Bulimia Nervosa

Ignatia: Ignatia is often recommended for individuals with bulimia nervosa who experience emotional ups and downs, mood swings, and feelings of grief or disappointment. It may help promote emotional stability and resilience.

Natrum Muriaticum: Natrum Muriaticum is indicated for individuals who suppress their emotions and have difficulty expressing their feelings, leading to binge eating as a form of emotional release. It may help address underlying emotional issues and promote self-awareness.

Nux Vomica: Nux Vomica is beneficial for individuals who experience digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation as a result of binge eating and purging behaviors. It may help regulate digestion and alleviate discomfort.

Pulsatilla: Pulsatilla is recommended for individuals who crave attention and reassurance from others, leading to binge eating as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness or abandonment. It may help foster a sense of inner security and self-worth.

Lycopodium: Lycopodium is useful for individuals with bulimia nervosa who experience intense cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, leading to binge eating episodes. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.

Our homeopathic remedies are safe, gentle, and free from side effects, making them suitable for individuals of all ages, including children and pregnant women.

Online Consultations with Spiritual Homeopathy

Navigating bulimia nervosa can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Spiritual Homeopathy, we offer online consultations to provide personalized guidance and support from the comfort of your own home. Our dedicated team of homeopaths will take the time to understand your symptoms, triggers, and emotional state, developing a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

During your online consultation, we’ll address your concerns, answer your questions, and recommend the most appropriate homeopathic remedies to promote healing and restore balance. We’ll also provide lifestyle recommendations and self-care strategies to support your overall well-being and enhance the effectiveness of your treatment.

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Eat stable nutritious diet.

  • Take enough sleep.
  • Don’t think too much about weight.
  • Avoid over exercising.
  • Stay away from cigarette & alcohol.

  1.  Psychiatry, Fourth Edition- Oxford Medical Publications – SRG- by Geddes, Jonathan Price, Rebecca McKnight / Ch 27.
  2. A Short Textbook of PSYCHIATRY 7th edition by Niraj Ahuja / ch 12.
  3. Homeopathy in treatment of Psychological Disorders by Shilpa Harwani / ch 15.
  4. https://www.medainc.org/causes-and-risk-factors-for-bulimia-nervosa-2/

  5. https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Bulimia_nervosa_pathophysiology

  6. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/441
  7. https://bulimiaguide.org/prevention-cure-triggers/
  8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bulimia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353621

What is Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating (‘binges’), compensatory methods of weight control, and a fear of becoming fat.

Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Bulimia Nervosa

  • Argentum nit
  • Carcinosin
  • Ignatia
  • Medorrhinum
  • Natrum mur
  • Pulsatilla
  • Staphysagria

What are the causes of Bulimia Nervosa

  • Female sex Age (15–40 years)
  • Family history
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Early menarche
  • Family environment with a focus on shape and dieting
  • Sexual or physical abuse in childhood
  • Low self-esteem
  • Perfectionism

What are the symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

  • Strict dieting interspersed with episodes of indulging eating
  • Compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain
  • Self-induced vomiting
  • Laxatives or diuretics
  • Excessive exercise, Diet pills
  • Excessive concern about shape and weight
  • Distorted body image
  • Menstrual abnormalities
  • Depression, Anxiety

  • Deliberate self-harm

bulimia nervosa