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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen you have anorexia, it can be difficult to take care of yourself properly. In addition to professional treatment, follow these steps:
- Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions and try not to stray from meal plans, even if they make you uncomfortable.
- Talk to your doctor about appropriate vitamin and mineral supplements. If you're not eating well, chances are your body isn't getting all of the nutrients it needs.
- Don't isolate yourself from caring family members and friends who want to see you get healthy. Understand that they have your best interests at heart.
- Resist urges to weigh yourself or check yourself in the mirror frequently. These may do nothing but fuel your drive to maintain unhealthy habits.
References
- Eating disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM IV-TR. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=3617. Accessed Oct. 19, 2011.
- Forman SF. Eating disorders: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical features. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 19, 2011.
- Walsh BT, et al. Eating disorders. In: Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Online. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=9100636. Accessed Oct. 20, 2011.
- Anorexia nervosa. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/psychiatric_disorders/eating_disorders/anorexia_nervosa.html. Accessed Oct. 19, 2011.
- Breuner CC. Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: Eating disorders. Pediatrics in Review. 2010;31;e75.
- Grave RD. Eating disorders: Progress and challenges. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2011;22:153.
- Ranzenhofer LM, et al. Eating disorders. In: South-Paul JE, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Family Medicine. 3rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2011. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=8150394. Accessed Oct. 20, 2011.
- Murphy R, et al. Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders. Psychiatry Clinics of North America. 2010;33:611.
- Sim LA, et al. Family-based therapy for adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2004;79:1305.
- Forman, SF. Eating disorders: Treatment and outcome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 19, 2011.
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