Alternative and conventional medical professionals have long debated about the use of detoxification diets. Conventional medicine has contested that the body possesses an excellent elimination system and does not require outside intervention for detoxifying itself. However, alternative medicine and some nutritionists contend that this system may have been adequate in the past but with today’s unhealthy habits and less than perfect environment, relying solely on the body’s elimination system may not be enough.

Both parties have a point. It’s true that the body possesses a powerful elimination system. The respiratory system serves to filter the air we breathe removing impurities in the air and supplying oxygen to the body. It is also able to expel minerals and impurities from the body thru the urinary and excretory system. The intestines for example contain colonies of bacteria that neutralize harmful toxins. The body could also expel toxins by simply sweating them out.

Bifidobacterium is just one strain of bacteria found in our intestines which help us with bowel health.

The human body however can only take so much and with todays barrage of toxins and pollution it is better to take precautions rather than pay the price of expensive medical treatments. People often consult with their doctors when toxicity levels have reached their maximum and have already shown signs of illnesses. Dialysis machines are used to replace failing kidneys and chelation therapies to remove toxins in the blood. Alternative and holistic medicine professionals support detoxification diets as a method of supporting the body’s natural elimination system. Definitely, the human body has been designed to handle toxins and eliminate them naturally from our systems. However, the major concern is that are they able to handle the ever growing amount of toxins that enter our bodies every day. Detoxification programs were developed to complement the body’s elimination system and not take over their functions.

Some of the most popular methods of detoxification could only be described as extreme. Detox programs often go overboard instructing people to avoid food for days making them ineffective but more importantly counterproductive in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Doing a moderate detoxification program is still the best way to proceed. Moderate detox programs involves taking in whole based food with natural supplements making them safe and less likely to negatively affect normal metabolism.

Not as quick as some of the more popular detox programs these usually take weeks or months but offer users a more long lasting improvement in terms of their health and vitality. Moderate programs also help people develop a healthier eating habit which gives them a sustainable weight loss solution.

The promise of a better looking body in just a couple of days has made quick-fix detox programs more alluring and exciting to many people. Most of this has just been a mere marketing ploy tricking people into shelling their hard earned money on such gimmickry. Some of these methods even border on the silly to the bizarre. Spas and health salons offer their customers foot baths which they say siphon off the toxins in the body. The general rule is that if it’s too good to be true then more likely than not it’s just a plain advertising strategy.

written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2010 H.I.C.

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder brought about by society’s huge pressure on people to look good. What society has failed to do is explain that looking good could also be done by living a healthy lifestyle. This has affected some people psychologically that more often than not, they undergo shortcuts just to maintain a slim-body figure.

People who suffer from bulimia spend most of their time thinking about how to keep an ideal body image and weight. Symptoms of bulimia are similar to those suffering from anorexia nervosa. However, it is harder to detect people who suffer from bulimia because they show no outward symptoms like thin figures. People who suffer from bulimia, in fact, have a good physique and show no obvious eating or health disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia

One of the major signs that a person might be suffering from bulimia are episodes of binge eating. This, however, is not easily visible and as most patients binge in secret. Changes in eating habits are mainly due to a person’s psychological condition. Feelings of guilt, shame, depression or self-contempt characterize the emotional state of the patient. This in turn forces a person to indulge in episodes of binge eating followed by vomiting in an ever-unconscious effort to maintain that ideal appearance. Here are some indications of bulimia nervosa:

• Going to the bathroom during meals.
• Preoccupation with body image and weight.
• Weight usually is within the normal range, but there are some who could be overweight or underweight.  However, the weight is not constant.
• Self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications, and over-exercising as a compensatory behavior.
• Depressed or anxious.
• Foul-smelling breath.
• Using substances such as alcohol or stimulants.
• Dental cavities, and ragged or chipped teeth because the enamel of the tooth is destroyed due to the recurrent vomiting.
• Irregular menstruation.
• Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain.

Factors that cause Bulimia

There are no definite reasons or factors which cause bulimia. Some studies suggest that this medical condition maybe genetic because incidents of bulimia increase with patients whose family members also suffer from this medical condition. Pressure from society and the huge value it places in outward appearance is believed to be the main cause for people suffering from bulimia.

This pressure affects the patient’s psychology that looking good is confused with feeling good. Depression, substance abuse, self-mutilation, and obsessive-compulsive behavior are also factors which may cause bulimia.  Athletes and those in the Entertainment Community also have a greater risk of acquiring this eating disorder.

Management and Treatment

People suffering from bulimia may suffer for years from this eating disorder before being detected. This has been a part of their lives for so long that they find themselves in denial that they are suffering from this medical condition. Like any type of psychological condition the first step of treatment is to help the patient realize that he is suffering from an eating disorder. Psychotherapy and consultation with a dietitian are the next steps in medical treatment.

Winning the patients trust is the first step for the treatment of Bulimia

Psychotherapy, family therapy and medications are the major types of treatments open for people suffering from bulimia nervosa. The most effective treatments are often those involving a combination of psychotherapy and medications. Winning the patients trust is, however, the first step in any type of treatment.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe antidepressants; symptoms of bulimia are similar to anorexic patients where depression is one of the main symptoms of the eating disorder. Medications, however, must be closely supervised as they could lead to addiction or even suicides.

Psychotherapy

This type of treatment involves behavior conditioning and replacing unhealthy habits.  This helps the patient gain a more positive outlook and improves self-esteem.

Dietitians

Doctors, psychologists and dietitians often work with each other in restoring the patient into full health. The major complication of bulimia are poor nourishment because of a poor diet. Patients are likely to have vitamin and mineral deficiencies which result in poor judgment or memory gaps.

Patients suffering from bulimia require continuous care because relapses of the eating disorder may cause major complications which pose a serious threat to the individual. Medications are often prescribed for treatment, but continuous monitoring is required as these medications have serious side effects. For patients who have a long history, scheduled visits and follow ups with their local physician are needed to monitor the patients progress.

Written by Ronald Uy RN

Sources:

Bulimia Nervosa. Retrieved November 9, 2009 from Bupa: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk

Bulimia Nervosa. Retrieved November 9, 2009 from HELPGUIDE.org: http://helpguide.org

© H.I.C 2009

In our world today where everyone wants to be a celebrity, an athlete or a model, it is always a requirement to look good in public.  Unfortunately, most people equate looking good to being thin.  This has brought a major impact in the mindset of people with all the media hype of skinny females as being models of good health.  Some people become so obsessed in becoming thin that they sometimes starve themselves to death. Unknowingly, these people might already be suffering from a disorder called anorexia nervosa.

What is anorexia nervosa?

Commonly known as anorexia, anorexia nervosa is a type of psychological eating disorder.  An anorexic person will go far beyond the dieting process, which at first will lead to weight loss, before they will discover that they have lost more than their ideal body weight.  They have the drive to be thinner, and they have this irrational fear of gaining even just a little amount of weight.  Other than consistent withholding of food intake to almost starvation with excessive exercising, they will also have the tendency to use diuretics, laxatives, enemas just to lower their weight.  This is their means of having a sense of control over their body, and it becomes an obsession or more like an addiction to weight loss.

Are you at risk for anorexia?

More often than not, those people who suffer this type of eating disorder belong to the female gender, but this does not mean that males are exempted.  Years ago, it was common during the adolescent years but as of today, even younger children and adults are at risk.  While it can affect other races, most of those who are at risk are Caucasians.  Middle and upper socioeconomic groups are also prone to suffering from this disorder. Other risk factors are those who work as models, athletes, actors, and dancers.

What are the causes of anorexia?

There is no definite cause of anorexia nervosa.  Most often, it is the pressure and influence of the media that being thin is attractive.  This means that it may be because of the lack of self-confidence that leads to poor self-image. Some experts, however, claim that this could be a genetic problem. It is believed that the part of the brain that controls metabolism, which is the hypothalamus is affected in an anorexic person.  Other research suggests that it is due to chemical imbalances of the brain’s neurotransmitter.

How will doctors diagnose anorexia?

Because this is more of a psychological disorder, it can be very difficult to diagnose.  Most patients will deny that they are anorexic and will not seek medical attention.  When complications have developed, this is the only time that the actual diagnosis is made.  In this case, the doctor will have to obtain information from the parents of the patient and friends to identify the extent of weight loss.

There are four criteria set under the American Psychiatric Association to diagnose anorexia.  First, the client will refuse to maintain the expected normal weight for age and height.  Second, they have an irrational fear of gaining weight, and they think they are becoming fat, even if they are below the normal body weight.  Third, they have distorted self-perception.  And lastly, they have amenorrhea (they have missed their menstrual cycle for consecutive three times).

In addition, anorexics binge and purge.  They will induce vomiting or use laxatives and diuretics.  While some will almost starve themselves without  binging or purging.

Signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa?

Clients with anorexia have severe weight loss leading to depression and self-isolation.  Since their psychological aspect is affected, they become irritable and get upset easily.  They tend to withdraw from social interactions.  Anorexics have sleep disturbances, so they feel fatigued during the day.  Less food intake can lead to decreased concentration and attention.

Anorexics are obsessed with food often collecting recipes and hoarding food. In addition, they tend to be perfectionists. They try to please everybody, going beyond what is expected.  When their family pressures them to look good, they may over-exercise.

On the physical aspect, complications due to starvation could lead to the following problems:

• Slow heart rate, irregular heart rhythm and low blood pressure.
• Abdominal pain and constipation.
• Irregular menstrual cycle with absence of menstrual periods.
• Low blood potassium; increased or decreased urination.
• Increased risk for fracture because of the thinning of bones.
• Loss of essential amounts of electrolytes due to self-induced vomiting.
• Anemia or decreased red blood cells.
• Dry and flaky skin
• Fine hairs seen on the face, back, arms, and legs.
• Hair loss.
• Brittle nails.
• Frequent sore throat, tainted teeth and eroded dental enamel due to frequent vomiting.

Is there hope for anorexics?

Definitely, in fact it can be treated without having to admit the person to the hospital, unless there are  medical complications.  The malnutrition may have to be treated in severe cases through intravenous feeding or a tube.  The patient should gain at least 1-3 pounds per week.  A team composed of a nutritionist, mental-health-care provider, and a medical-health-care provider is needed to provide care for the patient.

Counseling is also available for anorexics.  Some need group and family therapy which has proven effective in treating anorexia nervosa.  They are taught to understand more about self-control and self-perception.  Either way, the main focus of therapy is to attain a healthy life in both physical and psychological aspects. In terms of medications, some will have to be treated for their compulsions.  Anti-depressant drugs have shown remarkable success in helping control mood and anxiety symptoms.

Anorexia nervosa when left untreated can lead to suicide. Other dangers posed by anorexia are death due to medical complications.  Early detection and treatment can avoid such problems.  While some may have relapses, it is important also that individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa have support from their families and friends to ensure successful treatment.

IF YOU WANT TO START ON YOUR JOURNEY TO RECOVERY A GOOD PLACE TO GET INFORMATION IS HERE

Written by Ronald Uy, RN

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

Sources:

Anorexia. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Mama’sHealth.com: http://www.mamashealth.com

Eating Disorders. Retrieved October 17, 2009 from Something Fishy: http://www.something-fishy.org

Anorexia Nervosa. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from FamilyDoctor.org: http://familydoctor.org

Whoever said that you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Having a proper diet doesn’t mean starving yourself, but instead, it means eating the right types of food. The body needs its daily supply of nutrients, and going without proper nourishment can only make matters worse. A healthy lifestyle does not only consist of a healthy diet, but also keeping an active lifestyle. Exercise and brisk walks in the park could prove to be a better alternative to taking medications. Always remember that the best way to health is to keep everything natural.

The Food Pyramid

This famous food pyramid gives a good visual presentation of the amount and type of food that should be eaten daily. It is shaped like a pyramid and divided into compartments representing a specific food type. This serves as a basic guide on what type of food is good, and what recommended amount should be taken for better health.

MyPyramid

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The US Department of Agriculture has released the latest food pyramid, depicting a more accurate and clearer description of how much and what type of food should be taken daily. This is different from traditional food pyramids, which only showed approximate recommended daily consumption amounts. Food types are divided into 6 different colors contained in 6 triangles of varying sizes making up the food pyramid. The new pyramid represents the recommended proportion of food-type intake. Unlike the old pyramids, the new pyramid is not based on a 2,000 calorie daily intake. The new pyramid is represented in this format to allow more flexibility in planning individual diets.

• Orange represents grains. Grains should provide 6 ounce-equivalents (1 ounce-equivalent means 1 serving), half of which should be whole grains.
• Green for vegetables. Vegetables should provide 5 servings or 2.5 cups.
• Red represents fruits. Fruit groups should provide 4 daily servings or 2 cups.
• Yellow represents oil. Oils should provide 24g or 6 teaspoons
• Blue for milk products. Milk should provide 3 cups/servings
• Purple represents meats and beans. Meat and Beans Group should provide 5.5 ounce-equivalents or servings.

The new food pyramid represents a new look in how a person chooses his diet. Additional calories may be taken if all guidelines have been met. An additional 267 calories of solid fats and sugars may be consumed once all requirements are met.

Fat Fighters

Another good way of eating your way to better health is by choosing better foods to eat. Eating considerable amounts of certain types of food could significantly lower undesirable fat in your body. Below is a list of fat fighters that could help you burn those unwanted curves:

• Oranges–these citrus fruits contain flavones, which help burn and drive away those fatty deposits in your body.

• Sweet potatoes–higher in fiber content compared to their white siblings, sweet potatoes keep insulin levels in check, keeping those unwanted curves at bay.

• Almonds–rich in alpha-linolenic acids which speeds up fat burning, almonds could prove to be a good substitute to chips in passing those idle hours.

• Soybeans–they are not only a good source of protein, but soybeans also save you from fat deposits. They contain choline, a compound that not only burns fat, but also stops fat absorption.

• Swiss cheese–not all cheese is created equal; cheese is a good source of calcium, which limits fat-producing enzymes. Some cheese, however, contains fat, so stick with low-fat cheese and milk products.

• Berries–eating berries could help you lose those flabby thighs by providing energy for those workouts. Not only are they a good source of vitamin C, berries will give you that extra boost  in the gym.

• Red wine–a glass of red wine after dinner does not only refresh, but is also a good way of burning those fats. Studies have shown that red wine helps lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Good and the Bad

Modern living with all its amenities has certainly made life a little bit easier. But along with the good things that technology bring comes their negative effects on health. A short stroll to the grocery stroll is replaced with a quick ride in the car. Physical exertion does not only build a strong physique, but also helps burn those unwanted fats. Even traditional values such as home-cooked meals are being replaced by quick calls to the nearest Chinese or pizza store. The truth is that life is moving so fast today that everything seems to be a blur.

America is one of the richest and most technologically-advanced countries in the world today. One simple question is shouldn’t America be one of the healthiest places in the earth, too? Obesity is one of the growing health problems in the country today. A quick glimpse of the people in the streets or at the office could prove this undeniable truth. Prevention through information and education of simple healthy habits could spare future generations from suffering the same health problems we face today.

Written by, Ronald Uy, RN

© 2009 Hemorrhoid Information Center

Sources:

New Food Pyramid. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Sampaguita Children’s Learning Center:  http://sclc.i.ph

8 Foods That Fight Fat. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from Yahoo! Health:  http://health.yahoo.com

Low Fat Cooking. Retrieved October 11, 2009 from About.com: http://lowfatcooking.about.com