Exploring the Efficacy of Homeopathic Medicine in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
Exploring the Efficacy of Homeopathic Medicine in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract-
Eating disorders can profoundly affect the
individual and family unit. Changes in the individual include disturbances in
body perception, organ damage, and increased risk factors leading to ill health
in later years. There is thus a fundamental requirement to adequately diagnose,
treat, and manage those individuals with eating disorders which the American
Psychiatric Association has recently categorized (DSM-5) into Anorexia Nervosa,
Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Other Specified- and Unspecified-Feeding
or eating disorders. This reference work aims to describe, in one comprehensive
resource, the complex relationships between eating disorders, diet, and
nutrition. In this regard, eating disorders are psychiatric conditions though
some eating disorders have a genetic basis. Genetic influences will also
include polymorphisms. It will provide a framework to unravel the complex links
between eating disorders and health-related outcomes and provide practical and
useful information for diagnosis and treatment. The volume will also address
macronutrients, micronutrients, pharmacology, psychology, genetics, tissue and
organ damage, appetite, and biochemistry, as well as the effect of eating
disorders on family and community. The material will enhance the knowledge base
of dietitians, nutritionists, psychiatrists and behavioral scientists, health
care workers, physicians, educationalists, and all those involved in diagnosing
and treating eating disorders. Homeopathy, a holistic
system of medicine based on the principle of "like cures like" and
individualized treatment, has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy for
eating disorders. This abstract provides a comprehensive review of the existing
literature on the efficacy of homeopathic medicine in the treatment of eating
disorders. Through a systematic examination of peer-reviewed studies, clinical
trials, and case reports, this review aims to evaluate the evidence supporting
the use of homeopathic remedies in managing the symptoms and promoting the
holistic well-being of individuals with eating disorders. While preliminary
findings suggest potential benefits of homeopathic treatment, including
improvements in emotional stability, self-esteem, and overall quality of life,
further research is to establish its efficacy conclusively. The abstract
concludes by highlighting the need for rigorous scientific inquiry and
collaborative efforts between conventional and complementary healthcare
providers to optimize treatment outcomes for individuals with eating disorders.
Keywords: Eating
disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder,
pathophysiology, Homoeopathy
Introduction
A. BACKGROUND ON EATING DISORDERS:
The earliest historical
descriptions of people experiencing symptoms consistent with modern-day eating
disorders date back to Hellenistic (323 BC-31 BC) and medieval times (fifth -15th century AD).
Around this time, purification through the denial of physical needs and the
material world emerged as a cultural theme. There is a report of an upper-class
twenty-year-old Roman girl starving herself to death in pursuit of holiness.
There are additional accounts from the Middle Ages of extreme self-induced
fasting that often led to premature death by starvation— Catherina of Siena is
one example. Deprivation of food was seen as a spiritual practice and women
were disproportionately afflicted. Some contemporary authors have dubbed these
fasting habits “holy anorexia.” In 1689, English physician Richard Morton
described two cases of “nervous consumption” —one in a boy and one in a girl.
These are considered the earliest modern cases of the illness we now know
as anorexia nervosa. He
described the lack of a physical explanation for the loss of appetite and
wasting and hence, determined “this Consumption to be Nervous. “The next cases
reported were about 200 years later. In 1873, Sir William Gull, another English
physician, coined the term “anorexia nervosa” in published case reports. Also,
in 1873, a French physician, Ernest Charles LA Segue published descriptions of
individuals with “anorexia hysteric.
B. INTRODUCTION TO HOMOEOPATHY AND
ITS PRINCIPLES: Homoeopathy, founded by Dr. Hahnemann, uses potentized remedies
to stimulate the body's innate healing abilities. It follows the Law of
Similar, treating diseases with substances that. Homeopathic treatment for
eating disorders: a comprehensive overview and promising therapeutic approach
International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research (www.ijshr.com) 228
Volume 8; Issue: 3; July-September 2023 produces similar symptoms in healthy
individuals. The unique and comprehensive remedy that covers an individual's
symptoms is called the "Homoeopathic simillimum," achieved through
potentization/dynamization, a process involving dilution and succussion. This comprehensive
approach aims to promote natural healing. An eating disorder is a serious,
complex, mental health issue that one’s affects emotional and physical health.
People with eating disorders develop an unhealthy relationship with food, their
weight, or their appearance. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are
all types of eating disorders. Eating disorders are treatable.
OVERVIEW OF EATING
DISORDERS:
DEFINITION: An eating disorder is a serious,
complex, mental health issue that one’s affects emotional and physical health.
People with eating disorders develop an unhealthy relationship with food, their
weight, or appearance. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder are all
types of eating disorders. Eating disorders are treatable. People with
untreated eating disorders may develop life-threatening problems. Approximately
20 million girls and women and 10 million boys and men in America have an
eating disorder. Eating disorders are caused by several complex factors
including genetics, brain biology, personality, cultural and social ideals, and
mental health issues.
There are different
types of eating disorders. Some people may have more than one type of eating
disorder. Types include:
- Anorexia nervosa: People with anorexia
nervosa greatly restrict food and calories sometimes to the point of
self-starvation. You can have anorexia at any body size. It is
characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight and a refusal to eat
healthy amounts of food for your body type and activity level.
- Bulimia nervosa: People diagnosed with bulimia
nervosa binge or eat, or perceive they ate, large amounts of food
over a short time. Afterward, they may force themselves to purge the
calories in some way such as vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising
excessively to rid their body of the food and calories.
- Binge eating disorder (BED): People who have a binge
eating disorder experience compulsory eating behaviors. They eat or
perceive that they have eaten, large amounts of food in a short period.
However, after binging they don’t purge food or burn off calories with
exercise. Instead, they feel uncomfortably full and may struggle with
shame, regret, guilt, or depression.
·
Eating disorders can develop at any age. They
affect all genders, races, and ethnicities. It’s a myth that eating disorders
mostly affect girls and women. Boys and men are equally at risk. Certain
factors may make you more prone to developing an eating disorder, such as a
family history of eating disorders, addiction, or other mental health issues,
such as depression. A history of trauma (physical, emotional, or sexual).
Personal history of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD). History of dieting. Other factors include Diabetes (up to one-fourth of
women with Type 1 diabetes develop an eating disorder). Involvement in
activities that focus on a slender appearance, such as modeling, gymnastics,
swimming, wrestling, and running. Major life changes, such as starting a new
school or job, a divorce, or a move. Perfectionistic tendencies. A mix of
genetics, environment, and social factors play a role in the development of
eating disorders. Some people with eating disorders may use extreme measures to
limit food intake or food groups when they feel like other aspects of their
lives are hard to manage. An obsession with food becomes an unhealthy way of
coping with painful emotions or feelings. Thus, eating disorders are more about
finding healthy ways to manage your emotions than about food. Symptoms: Mood
swings. Fatigue, fainting or dizziness. Thinning hair or hair loss. Frequent
bathroom breaks after eating. Unexplained weight changes or drastic weight
loss. Unusual sweating or hot flashes. Other changes could include Solo dining
or not wanting to eat with other people. Withdrawing from friends or social
activities. Hiding food or throwing it away. Fixation on food, calories,
exercise, or weight loss
·
Pathophysiology and Natural History
Biologic and psychosocial factors are implicated in the pathophysiology
of eating disorders, but the underlying causes and mechanisms remain unknown.
Biologic Factors
First–degree female relatives and monozygotic twin offspring of patients
with anorexia nervosa have higher rates of anorexia nervosa and bulimia
nervosa. Children of patients with anorexia nervosa have a lifetime risk for
anorexia nervosa that is tenfold that of the general population
(5%). Families of patients with bulimia nervosa have higher rates of
substance abuse, particularly alcoholism, affective disorders, and obesity.
Endogenous opioids might contribute to the denial of hunger in patients
with anorexia nervosa. Some hypothesize that dieting can increase the risk of
developing an eating disorder. Increased endorphin levels have been described
in patients with bulimia nervosa after purging and may induce feelings of well-being.
Diminished norepinephrine turnover and activity are suggested by reduced levels
of 3–methoxy–4–hydroxyphenyl glycol in the urine and cerebrospinal fluid of
some patients with anorexia nervosa. Antidepressants often benefit patients
with bulimia nervosa and support a pathophysiologic role for serotonin and
norepinephrine.
Starvation results in many biochemical changes such as hypercortisolemia,
no suppression of dexamethasone, suppression of thyroid function, and
amenorrhea. Several computed tomography studies of the brain have revealed
enlarged sulci and ventricles, a finding that is reversed with weight gain. In
one study using positron emission tomography, metabolism was higher in the
caudate nucleus during the anorectic state than after hyperalimentation.
Anorexia risk may increase with a polymorphism of the promoter region of
the serotonin 2a receptor. The melanocortin 4 receptor gene is hypothesized to
regulate weight and appetite. Polymorphism in the gene for agouti-related
peptide might also play a role at the melanocortin receptor. In bulimia
nervosa, there is excessive secretion of ghrelin. Ghrelin receptor gene
polymorphism is associated with both hyperphagia of bulimia and Prader–Willi
syndrome.
Perhaps some of the most fascinating new research addresses the overlap
between uncontrolled compulsive eating and compulsive drug seeking in drug
addiction.19 Reduction in ventral
striatal dopamine is found in both of these groups. A lower frequency of
dopamine D2 receptors was associated with a higher body mass index. Obese
persons might eat to temporarily increase activity in these reward circuits.
Frequent visual food stimuli paired with increased sensitivity of right
orbitofrontal brain activity are likely to initiate eating behavior.
Marijuana’s well–known appetite stimulant effect is likely due to its agonist
activity at cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor antagonism has been
associated with reduced binge eating.
Psychosocial Factors
High levels of hostility, chaos, and isolation and low levels of
nurturance and empathy are reported in families of children presenting with
eating disorders. Anorexia has been postulated as a reaction to demands on
adolescents to behave more independently or to respond to societal pressures to
be slender. Anorexia nervosa patients are usually high achievers, and
two–thirds live at home with their parents. Many consider their bodies to be
under the control of their parents. Young Asian female immigrants are at
increased risk for anorexia or bulimia as compared with peers living in their
homeland. First-generation daughters of Asian immigrants are at higher risk
than U.S. females of the same age. Family dynamics alone, however, do not cause
anorexia nervosa. Self-starvation may be an effort to gain validation as a
unique person. Patients with bulimia nervosa have been described as having
difficulties with impulse regulation.
Course and Prognosis
As a general guideline, it appears that a third of patients fully
recover, a third retain subthreshold symptoms, and a third maintain a chronic
eating disorder.
Anorexia Nervosa
Long–term follow-up shows recovery rates ranging from 44% to 76%, with
prolonged recovery time (57 to 59 months). Mortality (up to 20%) is primarily
from cardiac arrest or suicide good prognostic factors are an admission of
hunger, lessening of denial, and improved self–esteem. Poorer prognostic
factors are initial lower minimum weight, presence of vomiting or laxative
abuse, failure to respond to previous treatment, disturbed family
relationships, and conflicts with parents.
Bulimia Nervosa
Little long–term follow-up data exist. Short–term success is 50% to 70%,
with relapse rates between 30% and 50% after 6 months. These patients have
an overall better prognosis as compared with anorexia nervosa patients. Poor
prognostic factors are hospitalization, higher frequency of vomiting, poor
social and occupational functioning, poor motivation for recovery, severity of
purging, presence of medical complications, high levels of impulsivity, longer
duration of illness, delayed treatment, and premorbid history of obesity and
substance abuse.
Pica
Recently included in the DSM–5, pica is described as the eating of non-food
substances for at least 1 month. The symptoms should be severe enough that
warrant clinical attention. Some of the substances that patients ingested tend
to vary according to age and environmental availability such as paper, hair,
wool, starch, ice, charcoal, and pebbles, among others. Normally, these
patients are not complaining about food aversion. Some biological abnormalities
such as vitamin deficiencies or mineral deficiencies have been reported frequently
in these patients. Also, patients with certain medical conditions such as
infections, intestinal obstruction, and mechanical bowel problems are more
likely to suffer from this condition. The prevalence is unclear; in patients
with developmental disability, the prevalence appears to increase with the
severity of the disability. Even though pica is more frequently reported in
children, it can occur at any age.
Rumination Disorder
The prevalence of rumination disorders is unknown but is certainly
higher in patients with developmental disabilities. Patients under stressful
situations such as neglect, stressful life, and problems in the relationship
with the parents are certainly more frequent in infants and young children.
Complication-eating disorders are the
second most lethal psychiatric disorder, followed only by opioid use disorder. Greatly
restricting calories, throwing up or extreme exercise can take a toll on your
overall health. An untreated eating disorder places you at risk for serious
problems, such as Arrhythmia, heart failure, and other heart problems. Acid
reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). Gastrointestinal problems.
Low blood pressure (hypotension). Organ failure and brain damage. Osteoporosis and
tooth damage. Severe dehydration and constipation. Stopped menstrual cycles
(amenorrhea) and infertility. Stroke.
Management: Psychotherapy: A mental health
professional can determine the best psychotherapy for your situation. Many
people with eating disorders improve with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
This form of therapy helps you understand and change distorted thinking
patterns that drive behaviors and emotions.
Maudsley approach: This
form of family therapy helps parents of teenagers with anorexia. Parents
actively guide a child’s eating while they learn healthier habits.
Medications: Some people
with eating disorders have other conditions, like anxiety or depression. Taking
antidepressants or other medications can improve these conditions. As a result,
your thoughts about yourself and food improve.
Nutrition counseling: A
registered dietitian with training in eating disorders can help improve eating
habits and develop nutritious meal plans. This specialist can also offer tips
for grocery shopping, meal planning, and preparation.
The best treatment
approach is often a combination of all of these professionals working together
to obtain a comprehensive treatment to address the physical, mental, and behavioral
aspects.
.
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH TO EATING DISORDERS
In homeopathic treatment
for eating disorders, potentized remedies are utilized to stimulate the body's
natural healing capabilities. Homeopathy views everyone as unique, considering
their physical, mental, and emotional symptoms to prescribe individualized
remedies. While there is no specific miasm associated solely with eating
disorders, it is believed that certain miasms can play a role in their
manifestation. Psora is considered the foundational miasm and is associated
with a fundamental susceptibility and imbalance in the vital force. It can
contribute to disturbances in the body's metabolism, including issues with
digestion and assimilation. This miasm may be linked to symptoms of
malnourishment, weak vitality, and an underlying sense of lack or insufficiency.
From a miasmatic standpoint, here are some general aspects of the sycosis miasm
that could be connected to eating disorders:
Suppression of emotions, Obsessive-compulsive tendencies, Control issues, and Body
image concerns: Another miasm that could be involved in eating disorders is the
Syphilitic miasm. Syphilis miasm represents a deeper, destructive energy and
can manifest as self-destructive tendencies, obsessive behaviors, and distorted
body image. This miasm may be related to the extreme measures and harmful
practices individuals with eating Dr such as severe dietary restrictions,
purging, or excessive exercise.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA:
IGNATIAAMARA: • Vomiting of everything taken into stomach • Eats gentle
food, a little toast, and the simplest possible things because she has been
vomiting for days. • Hysterical stomach • She is a worn-out, nervous person. •
A continuous state of fright or apprehensive state that something is going to
happen
NATRUM MURIATICUM:
• Anaemic, cachectic with great emaciation. • Loses flesh while living well. •
Emaciation marked in neck and throat. • Aversion to bread • Craves salt. •
Sweats while eating. • Aversion to fatty food, rich and bread • Sickly looking
skin yellow, often chlorotic skin • Skin looks dry, withered, shrunken, •
dropsical • Emaciation takes place from above downwards. • Collar bone becomes
prominent. • Food digestion takes an extraordinarily long period. • All the
symptoms are aggravated by eating. • Whitish slimy mucous is vomited with
relief. • Menses irregular suppressed menses.[17] • The menses, which had been
suppressed for eighty-five days, come back, followed soon after by great
heaviness in the lower limbs.
FERRUM METALLICUM:
➢ Sudden emaciation with false plethora ➢
Bones are soft. ➢ Vomiting of food immediately
after midnight. ➢ Loss of appetite. ➢
After eating, discomfort, and heaviness in the stomach.
GENTIANA LUTEA: • Anorexia • Bitter
taste in mouth. • Inclination to vomit • Vomiting in weak subjects • Ravenous
hunger in the evening. • Nausea after simplest meals. • Continual emission of
wind above and below without relief.
ABROTANUM:
Appetite good but emaciation progresses. Food passes undigested. Gnawing hunger and whining,
Emaciation starts in the lower extremities and move up the body gradually,
affecting the face last. The person is
very weak and unable to hold up their head.
Irritable person
BULIMIA NERVOSA: CINA Ravenous hunger; sinking immediately after a meal. Hunger comes in the middle of the night; feel
hungry a few min after a meal. Vomiting
/ Diarrhoea immediately after eating and drinking. after vomiting you would expect this would be
an aversion to food, but there is the same empty hungry feeling.
ALFALFA ➢ Generally, appetite is
impaired, but in the case of bulimia, the appetite is increased. Increased thirst. Must consume food regularly
since he cannot wait for scheduled meals. Early in the day hunger, Craving for sweets.
URANIUM NITRICUM -Indicated
in case of bulimia nervosa. Ravenous
appetite, eating followed by flatulence.
Bloating in the abdomen. Great
emaciation and profound debility.
ZINCUM METALLICUM -
Nausea and vomiting of bitter mucous.
Ravenous hunger at about 11 am.
Extreme gluttony when eating; cannot eat quickly enough. Marked anemia
with profound prostration.
BINGE EATING DISORDER: ABIES
CANADENSIS: Great appetite, tendency
to Overeat, gnawing, hungry, faint feeling in epigastric. Craves meat, pickles,
and other coarse food.
A propensity to consume a
lot more than your stomach can handle.
Canine hunger
ANACARDIUM-
Sensation of emptiness in the stomach; eating briefly eases all pain. Swallow
food & drinks hastily Eructation;
Nausea &vomiting. After a meal;
hypochondriacal humor; pressure & tension in the precordial region; stomach
&belly Great fatigue & Desire to
sleep. Great fatigue; extreme weakness in limbs.
ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM: For children and young people inclined to
grow fat. Gastric complaints from overeating.
Digestion disturbed. Agg after eating. Bloating after eating Constant belching.
Corresponds to race of swine. Abnormal
hunger; is not relieved by eating. Emptiness at epigastrium. A strong urge to
eat food that is not appropriate for one's level of fitness. Loathing of food;
inclination to vomit. Nausea and vomiting from
overloading of the stomach. Emaciation/
great obesity. Sudden attacks of the weakness of fainting.
Stomach distended; vomits the contents of stomach prolonged retching; nausea.
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