Anorexia nervosa is an illness that affects people from every socioeconomic level and is found in nearly 1 percent of adolescent girls and young women, according to the University of Pittsburgh. It is a condition that causes you to become overly obsessed with becoming fat and to severely restrict your food intake. The consequences of the disease can be fatal if you don't get help, including adopting a healthy eating plan.
IV Feeding
Hospitalization often is required if you are experiencing symptoms of starvation. During your stay, your calorie intake will be strictly monitored to make sure you are getting sufficient nutrition. Malnutrition may be treated with feeding tubes or intravenous feedings until you are out of danger of severe complications such as cardiac arrest.
Regular Meals
Counseling usually is required to help you overcome your eating disorder. In addition to a healthy body image, patients typically are provided with nutritional counseling and are urged to eat with other people to develop a social component to the act of eating. Set a schedule for meals and snacks and reduce the amount of exercise you engage in while you're recovering. According to Medline Plus, you should aim to gain 1 to 3 lbs. per week during your recovery.
Protein
Protein should become an integral part of your diet to promote muscle building and prevent wasting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Quality protein sources should be included with every meal. Consider eggs, whey protein shakes, meat and soy products when planning your daily meals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Build your immune system and decrease the risks of developing additional inflammation from the harm you've caused your body by upping your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. The most effective dietary sources come from cold-water fish such as halibut or salmon. A supplement of 1 tbsp. of fish oil three times a day may help build your immunity as well, reports UMMC.
Yogurt
To help your digestive system recover from your poor eating habits, you may want to consider adding yogurt to your daily meal plan. Yogurt and other fortified dairy products such as cheese and milk contain probiotics that can help replace the important bacteria that may be missing in your stomach from the abuse. A probiotic supplement also may help, if your doctor agrees.
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