Hospital Care for Anorexia Nervosa

December 30th, 2010
Groshan Fabiola asked:




Family and caretakers of patients with Nervous Anorexia must always consider hospitalization as the most benefic way to save them from starving themselves. Although the patients will try to avoid hospitalization and look for other treatment options, we must not forget these options have frequently been tried before without any success.

As a patient in a psychiatric unit for persons with nervous eating problems, they will have an exact meal schedule and a certain weight target they must reach. For all progresses such as eating regulate meals without purging afterwards the patients will be rewarded. After completing the rehabilitation as an inpatient, Anorexia sufferers will be taught how to continue the treatment at home, also sustained by group therapy or even a support group. Without a proper care inside the hospital and then at home, the patient’s progress tends to be much slower as these types of persons seem to have neither personal will nor strength to fight their disorder.

Patients will need to be supervised a few hours after every meal in order to prevent them from throwing up. The daily weight must be carefully monitored as well as the intake of fluids. The daily calorie value in the beginning of the cure must vary around about 1500-2000 and will increase progressively when the patient begins to eat and act properly. The daily number of meals for anorexics should be about six; regular meals can be substituted by intra venous nutrition or liquid food in case of patients with severe anorexia symptoms.

In hospital care, the doctors and caretakers must be careful not to overly insist on the importance of gaining weight, as the weight problem is only a physical symptom of the more complex eating disorder. Correcting the poor image of themselves and the low self-esteem are the primer major steps in confronting the nervous eating difficulties. Weight gain must be used only as a real objective in the main target which is correcting the psychological problem.

There are some additional therapy methods like certain medication that can be extremely helpful in decreasing the disease’s symptoms. The intake of the medication in patients at the begin of the therapy must be carefully monitored as the vomiting may interfere and diminish the effect of the chemo. To avoid such problems, a relation of reciprocal trust must be established between patient and physician; the absence of honesty and trust will negatively influence the final results.

Obsessions, anxiety and agitation can all be managed and controlled by the intake of chlorpromazine. Also the recovery process will be fastened by antidepressants. Support groups are always necessary to sustain the will of the patient of getting better and prevent reoccurrence. Although very important, this therapy method is often overlooked by physicians.

Create a video blog

Anorexia – My Recovery in Pictures

December 29th, 2010
LiveFree2525 asked:


Subscribe for updates, I plan on doing a blog here soon…. My recovery video as a follow up to the previous one. I’ve almost relapsed a few times but am not giving up my battle to a full and strong recovery. Thanks so much to everyone for your support, bless all of you and stay strong! -Melissa

anorexia

Eating Disorders and the Narcissist

December 27th, 2010
Sam Vaknin asked:




Patients suffering from eating disorders binge on food and sometimes are both anorectic and bulimic. This is an impulsive behaviour as defined by the DSM (particularly in the case of BPD and to a lesser extent of Cluster B disorders in general). Some patients develop these disorders as a way to self-mutilate. It is a convergence of two pathological behaviours: self-mutilation and an impulsive (rather, compulsive or ritualistic) behaviour.

The key to improving the mental state of patients with dual diagnosis (a personality disorder plus an eating disorder) lies in concentrating upon their eating and sleeping disorders.

By controlling their eating disorders, patients assert control over their lives. This is bound to reduce their depression (even eliminate it altogether as a constant feature of their mental life). This is likely to ameliorate other facets of their personality disorders. Here is the chain: controlling one’s eating disorders controlling one’s life enhanced sense of self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem a challenge, an interest, an enemy to subjugate a feeling of strength socialising feeling better.

When a patient has a personality disorder and an eating disorder, the therapist should concentrate on the eating disorder. Personality disorders are intricate and intractable. They are rarely curable (though certain aspects, like OCD, or depression can be ameliorated with medication). Their treatment calls for the enormous, persistent and continuous investment of resources of every kind by everyone involved. From the patient’s point of view, the treatment of her personality disorder is not an efficient allocation of scarce mental resources. Also personality disorders are not the real threat. If a patient with a personality disorder is cured of it but her eating disorders are aggravated, she might die (though mentally healthy)…

An eating disorder is both a signal of distress (“I wish to die, I feel so bad, somebody help me”) and a message: “I think I lost control. I am very afraid of losing control. I will control my food intake and discharge. This way I control at least ONE aspect of my life.”

This is where we can and should begin to help the patient. Help him to regain control. The family or other supporting figures must think what they can do to make the patient feel that he is in control, that he manages things his own way, that he is contributing, has his own schedules, his own agenda, matter.

Eating disorders indicate the strong combined activity of an underlying sense of lack of personal autonomy and an underlying sense of lack of self-control. The patient feels inordinately, paralysingly helpless and ineffective. His eating disorders are an effort to exert and reassert mastery over his own life. At this stage, he is unable to differentiate his own feelings and needs from those of others. His cognitive and perceptual distortions (for instance, regarding body image – somatoform disorders) only increase his feeling of personal ineffectiveness and his need to exercise even more self-control (on his diet, the only thing left).

The patient does not trust himself in the slightest. He is his worst enemy, a mortal enemy, and he knows it. Therefore, any efforts to collaborate with HIM against his disorder – are perceived as collaboration with his worst enemy against his only mode of controlling his life to some extent.

The patient views the world in terms of black and white, of absolutes. So, he cannot let go even to a very small degree. He is HORRIFIED – constantly. This is why he finds it impossible to form relationships: he mistrusts (himself and by extension others), he does not want to become an adult, he does not enjoy *** or love (which both entail a modicum of loss of control). All this leads to a chronic absence of self-esteem. These patients like their disorder. Their eating disorder is their only achievement. Otherwise they are ashamed of themselves and disgusted by their shortcomings (expressed through shame and disgust directed at their bodies).

There is a chance to cure the patient of his eating disorders (though the dual diagnosis of eating disorder and personality disorder has a poor prognosis). This – and ONLY this – must be done at the first stage. The patient’s family should consider therapy AND support groups (Overeaters Anonymous). Recovery prognosis is good after 2 years of treatment and support. The family must be heavily involved in the therapeutic process. Family dynamics usually contribute to the development of such disorders.

Medication, cognitive or behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy and family therapy ought to do it.

The change in the patient IF the treatment of his eating disorders is successful is VERY MARKED. His major depression disappears together with his sleeping disorders. He becomes socially active again and gets a life. His personality disorder might make it difficult for him – but, in isolation, without the exacerbating circumstances of his other disorders, he finds it much easier to cope with.

Patients with eating disorders may be in mortal danger. Their behaviour is ruining their bodies relentlessly and inexorably. They might attempt *******. They might do drugs. It is only a question of time. Our goal is to buy them time. The older they get, the more experienced they become, the more their body chemistry changes with age – the better their prognosis.

Create a video blog

Protein is Important!

December 27th, 2010
Clint Phillips asked:




Proteins are important for muscles, organs, hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Your body needs protein all day and all night. The body is in a constant state of remodeling – structures are continually being torn down and rebuilt. For this, you need protein. If you haven’t eaten any protein in the past few hours, then there won’t be any circulating in the bloodstream. In this case, the body cannibalizes its own muscle tissue to get the necessary protein. To keep this from happening, it is important to eat a good lean source of protein every 3-4 hours.

How much protein should be eaten each time depends on how big you are. A small person (120 pounds) should get about 15-20 grams each time. A larger person (200 pounds) needs 25-30 grams each time.

As with carbs and fats, not all proteins are the same. In fact some proteins can’t be used by the human body at all. Let’s go over some protein basics.

Proteins are made of smaller molecules called amino acids. Your body needs these amino acids in certain proportions. Let me make an analogy. Suppose you are trying to build a house. For this house, you need 10,000 bricks, 400 pounds of mortar, and 250 sheets of drywall. But instead, you have only three bricks, 200,000 pounds or mortar, and 12 sheets of drywall. You wouldn’t get very far building the house, would you? What good is 200,000 pounds of mortar if you only have three bricks? It’s the same way when you’re trying to build a body out of protein. If your protein source has too much of one amino acid, and not enough of another, that protein can’t be used very well by the body.

So which proteins are the best? Scientists have created a scale called “Biological Value” for rating the quality of proteins. Unfortunately, if you look at three different biological value charts, you’ll probably see the same food listed with three different biological values. I’ve compiled below the best information I can find on this subject:

Whey and egg proteins are the best, biological value around 100
Milk usually rates in the 90’s
Most lean meats rate in the 80’s
Casein (derived from milk) rates about 80
Soy protein usually rates in the 70’s
Beans and nuts rate anywhere from 40-60

You can see the problem vegetarians have. If you get your protein from beans and nuts, you’re not getting a very high quality protein (not a complete protein that your body can absorb very well). I usually recommend that vegetarians take a protein supplement once or twice per day.

There’s one more thing to keep in mind. High biological value proteins are absorbed very quickly. That means that they don’t stay in the bloodstream for as long. So whey and egg protein might be best after a workout, when your body needs a lot of protein NOW. On the other hand, a low biological value source like casein is better for taking right before you go to bed. It is absorbed slower, so it will last longer into the night, keeping the body from cannibalizing muscle tissue as you sleep. It’s true, the beans and nuts are absorbed even more slowly, but they are so slow that they start to pass through the digestive system before they are absorbed. Even if they were absorbed completely, they’d still be missing a lot of the amino acid “bricks” that you need. So if I were looking for a slow acting protein to take at night, casein would be it.

Some bodybuilders even set their alarm clocks so they can get up once or twice per night to take some more protein. I don’t recommend getting that fanatical about it. But if I wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, I’ll usually stumble over to the refrigerator and drink a protein shake before going back to bed.

Chicago Personal Trainer Clint Phillips is one of the world’s leading personal trainers.

Website content

3 Protein Supplements Explained

December 24th, 2010
Thomas Parker asked:




In my previous articles I discussed the various protein sources available. Many food groups can provide you with a rich and tasty source of protein. However, protein supplements are a quick and convenient way to effectively supplement your diet with additional protein. In this article I discuss in greater detail the various types of protein products available and how to effectively complement your diet with them.

Now as I mentioned above, there are multiple food groups which can provide you with adequate levels of protein. So the first question you are probably asking is why should you use these protein products if you can get sufficient protein from your diet? Well to be perfectly honest, they are not for everyone. For many people dietary sources of protein are perfectly adequate.

Protein supplements are very useful for individuals who are participating in a muscle building program. This is because weight training places an additional burden on your muscles so they require extra protein to repair and grow back stronger. Studies have also suggested that protein can help boost your metabolism and suppress your appetite making protein a good supplement for weight loss too. It is possible to consume this extra protein in your diet but protein products are often a quicker, more convenient source.

Now that you understand the usefulness of protein supplements you are probably wondering what types are available? Well they come in a number of different forms which include bars, powders, drinks, shakes and more. There are also multiple different types of protein which appear in each product and I have outlined the major types below:

1) WHEY PROTEIN:- This is the most popular type of protein supplement because it can be absorbed very quickly after working out. It is also considered to be the most efficient because it has the highest biological value of all proteins and therefore promotes the greatest lean muscle gains. The main drawback with whey protein is that it is only active for a short time after consumption.

2) MISCELLAR CASEIN:- This protein is comparatively rich compared with whey and it takes your body a lot longer to absorb. It is useful to consume casein just before you go to bed or on days where you are not doing any weight training because it is a slow release protein and so provides your muscles with an extended protein supply.

3) EGG AND SOY PROTEIN:- As the name suggests, these protein products consist mostly of natural ingredients. They are not as rich as casein supplements but they are easier to digest. Egg and soy protein also have a number of unique benefits compared with whey protein and soy protein in particular is one of the most important aspects of a vegetarian’s diet.

I hope this article has opened your eyes to the various protein supplements available. Whilst not necessary for everyone, they can be a quick, useful and convenient source of rapid or slow release protein (depending upon the type) which fulfill a number of goals including muscle gain, muscle toning and weight loss. If you are currently taking part in any kind of physical fitness training I highly recommend you read this article again and think about whether you should consider supplementing your diet with additional protein.

Caffeinated Content

What is the difference between binge/purge type anorexia, and bulimia?

December 23rd, 2010
dollfayse asked:


I am doing a research paper on eating disorders and I know there is two types of anorexia nervosa. Restrictive type & Binge/Purge type. But how does binge/purge type anorexia differ from bulimia?
Can someone explain?

Website content

Anorexia Nervosa

December 17th, 2010
ByEsperanca asked:


Anorexia is more than being thin!

Caffeinated Content

Protein Diets and Weight Loss – Should You Be on Them?

December 14th, 2010
Sammy Mishriki asked:




The Truth About Protein

There have always been fad diets for as long as health has been a hot topic. In the 80s Carbs were all the hype: Pasta & potatoes were the foods of choice for fitness buffs across the globe. The 90s saw the rise & fall of fats: there were the good (unsaturated), the bad (saturated) and the down right ugly (Trans-fatty acids).

More recently the 20th century has given birth to the infamous ‘protein diet’ which has been promoted for anything from weight loss to body building.

So with every man (or woman) and their dog trying to make a quick buck these days, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? The good from the bad? Or even the metaphorical bull from the crap? Well read on my fitness child for all your questions shall be answered.

First of all let me start by saying that protein is essential for a healthy body & mind. They are involved in critical processes like helping your body repair, making hormones, transmitting nerve impulses, building DNA, in-fact it’s safe to say there is not a single process in the body that can take place without somehow relying on proteins.

So now that you know how important they are there are probably a million questions racing through your head, is it actually possible to eat too much protein? Does replacing your diet with a high protein version actually help you lose weight? Why are those Fitness Evolved crew so dam awesome? Well, I am about to tell you the answers to all of those questions.

High protein diets for weight-loss:

So how do they work? There are lots of proposed theories but the only thing they have in common is that none have been proven: One theory is that you lose less muscle on a high protein diet (and therefore increase your metabolism) because your body wont need to break down as much protein to burn as energy. But when this was tested, the results showed the opposite. The theory of weight loss by ketosis when eating only fats and proteins has also come from questionable amounts of evidence.

More then likely the initial weight loss experienced by people on high protein diets comes from a rapid loss of fluids that is needed to remove all that extra protein from the body & that is why people on these diets stop losing weight after a period of time (there’s only so much water you can lose).

Ok so know that we know they do not do much good, but do they actually do any harm? The answer is a definite YES! High protein diets have been associated with:

- Formation of kidney stones (due to dehydration)
- Increased risk of osteoporosis due to an increased amount of calcium loss (however this can be stopped by taking 1000mg calcium supplements/day)
- High cholesterol & increased cancer risk: both of which are due to increased meat consumption.
- Vitamin deficiencies (due to only eating a limited type of food)

So how much is too much?

The recommended dietary intake for protein is 1 gram/kg body weight. If you are highly active or are body building this can be increased to 1.5-2 grams/kg body weight but it is important to remember to drink plenty of fluids and that this extra protein should not be eaten at the expense of other food groups. Any more then this has not been shown to have any additional benefit.

What’s the moral of the story? Your body needs all types of food to lose weight in a consistent, maintainable way. Eating just protein throws it into an unhealthy balance and wouldn’t you rather lose the weight & reap the health benefits that you’ve earned?

As always the best way to shed some pounds is to eat a healthy, nutritionally complete balanced diet and exercise regularly. You will feel great about yourself and what you’ve achieved.

Happy training.

Create a video blog

Protein For All

December 13th, 2010
Rayna Roy asked:




Milkshakes are good, but protein shakes are actually better. That’s because they are much healthier, while still being every bit as delicious as the standard ice cream based version is. The best examples are made from whey protein isolate, because that means that they contain all the same proteins as a standard milkshake, but without all the lactose and milkfat that the later contains.

Everyone knows that whey is part of milk, and most of us know that it is the stuff leftover when milk is separated to make cheese. With these facts in mind, it is easy to conclude that whey protein isolate is the protein from whey, isolated from the fats and carbohydrates involved. That explanation may sound pretentious to some, but there are plenty of people who don’t look past the fact that the term sounds complicated.

In any case, a shake built on whey protein isolate is an excellent supplement option, because it is an easy substitute for a meal or even dessert. The isolate itself comes in a dry, powdery form that is readily mixed with water or milk to individual taste. This means that it can literally be carried anywhere, and so used anytime.

Of course, that will not lead to a frozen treat like one gets with a milkshake. However, all that is needed to bridge that gap is to put the whey protein isolate shake into the freezer for a while, so that it becomes cold. That will complete the circle, and a perfect protein shake will be in hand to replace more fatty treats.

Website content

Do You Have an Eating Disorder?

December 4th, 2010
Scott Mogul asked:




It is estimated that eight million Americans have an eating disorder. There are three basic types of eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. These types of eating disorders can be very serious; untreated, they can be life-threatening.

Anorexia

Anorexia is an eating disorder in which one does not eat enough food. This is one of the more common types of eating disorders. In addition to not eating enough food, anorexics may exercise too much. They burn far more calories than they take in. A normal person requires about 1200 calories a day just for their body to perform basic functions, for the kidneys and heart and lungs to work, and so on. People with anorexia don’t take in enough calories to support normal body functioning. About ten percent of the people diagnosed with anorexia actually die from the condition.

People with anorexia tend to have a distorted body image. They view themselves as fat even though they are truly very much underweight. That is not always the case, however. There are other reasons people may become anorexic. Studies suggest many people with an eating disorder have a history of child abuse and that this is a contributing factor to their illness. They may have a history of other self-destructive behaviors as well, such as self-mutilation or ******* attempts.

Anorexia damages the bones and causes osteoporosis. It causes damage to the heart, muscles, and kidneys. It weakens the immune system. There are changes in brain function and even in brain structure. They may suffer dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in their blood. They lose the ability to recognize when they are hungry. People with anorexia often withdraw from social situations due to weakness, fatigue, and self-consciousness about their appearance and eating habits.

Bulimia

Bulimia is another of the common types of eating disorders. It is an eating disorder in which one eats but then purges by vomiting up the food. People with bulimia may also abuse laxatives so that food moves through their digestive systems faster, therefore not being absorbed fully by their system. They may or may not binge by eating an excessive amount of food before purging.

Bulimics may maintain normal weight by vomiting only after binging, or they may restrict food intake at times or vomit more frequently, and therefore be underweight. Sometimes instead of vomiting, they may exercise excessively or fast for a period of time to counteract the amount of food they eat.

Bulimics suffer many of the same health risks of anorexics. They also suffer damage to their teeth and their esophagus due to the acidic content of vomit, and may also develop ulcers. They may have constipation or diarrhea. Like people with other eating disorders, they may withdraw from social situations and isolate themselves from others.

Compulsive overeating

Compulsive overeating is an eating disorder at the other end of the spectrum. It is one the lesser understood types of eating disorders. Compulsive overeaters have an overwhelming compulsion to eat, even when they are not hungry or after they are full. They often overeat for emotional reasons. They may eat when they are sad, anxious, lonely, or experiencing other uncomfortable emotions.

Compulsive overeating is a serious eating disorder. The risks of obesity are well known. Compulsive overeaters may suffer from heart problems, breathing problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, and diabetes. They also experience feelings of embarrassment and shame in social situations.

All eating disorders carry serious health risks and require medical treatment. Psychological treatment is usually required as well. If you think you or someone you know has an eating disorder, you should see a doctor for an assessment and treatment as soon as possible. Eating disorders can be fatal if not treated.

Caffeinated Content