A person suffering from bulimia usually eats large quantities of food at once, called binging, and purges this food a short time after consumption. A bulimic's eating patterns are sporadic and unstructured, often going for long periods without consuming food. This may lead to extreme weight loss, malnutrition and various vitamin deficiencies. However, help is available to help you or your loved one achieve a healthy, structured eating pattern and ultimately regain and maintain a healthy body weight. Talk to your doctor about treatment options for bulimia, including therapy, nutrition counseling and medication.
Structured Eating Pattern
A person suffering from bulimia has fallen away from a normal eating pattern, consuming large quantities of food at once, purging that food, and often going long periods without consuming any food. This unhealthy eating pattern is unstructured, so implementing a structured eating pattern in which the bulimic eats normal portions of food at specific times throughout the day will help her on her road to recovering from bulimia. Plan meals at the same time every day and two to three snacks a day between meals.
Nutrients, Vitamins and Minerals
When you purge the food eaten during binges, you will often lose numerous nutrients, vitamins and minerals that have not had the chance to be absorbed in your body. Because of this, your body may be vitamin deficient. If you suffer from bulimia, your doctor can help you find the right vitamin and mineral supplements needed to help your body regain sufficient vitamin and mineral levels. Talk to your doctor about a nutritious menu plan of balanced protein, carbohydrates and fat to get your body on track to a healthy weight.
Therapy and Counseling
Seeking appropriate help with a licenced counselor, therapist or psychologist can help you recover from your eating disorder. Depending on your individual case and your medical professional, behavior therapy and psychotherapy may be implemented. Often, the therapist or counselor may suggest either individual or group counseling sessions with your family or other loved ones. Be sure to consistently attend all sessions until you are released from your counseling or therapy program.
Medication
Often, the underlying cause of bulimia is an anxiety disorder or depression. Helping treat the underlying problem will ultimately help you resume a healthy eating pattern. Types of antidepressant drugs often prescribed for bulimia include amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline, citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline and fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor about your mood, behavior and other symptoms to help your doctor find the right antidepressant for your individualized treatment.
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