IMPORTANT
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Bulimia Nervosa

What you need to know:

There’s no alternative to specialist psychiatric, psychological or psychotherapeutic care for the young people who fall victim to this potentially serious condition - and these days 10 per cent of them are adolescent boys. They need to accept in themselves that they’re valuable human beings and that their eating habits are doing them serious harm. There’s no point in shouting these messages at them in anger or grave concern; they just won’t listen.

Young girls are in particular danger if their periods stop because their weight falls so much. They’re at far greater risk of the brittle bone disease osteoporosis, not only in their 50s or 60s, when post-menopausal women are naturally more vulnerable, but as young as their late 20s. That means possible bone deformations or fractures for the rest of their lives.

Once the young person has taken these important messages on board, however, you must do everything you can gradually to introduce them to food as healthy (which doesn’t mean fattening) as possible. They need to be eating a small meal every two hours and taking a good multi-vitamin and mineral pill every day - plus extra zinc. Recent research has shown that Zinc is very effective appetite stimulant.

It’s important, however, not to bully, shout or get angry. They’ve already made a very brave step on their own to get out of this vicious eating disorder. What they need now is encouragement and love.

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

As well as their five portions (about 500g in weight) of fresh fruit and vegetables, their food should contain lots of:
  • Complex carbohydrates - wholemeal bread, oats, potatoes, pasta, rice and beans. These should make up at least half of their daily calorie intake, but they’re quite bulky, so make sure they’re spread throughout the day.
  • High-zinc foods like shellfish, pumpkin seeds, liver, cheese, beef and sardines
  • Bananas, nuts and dried fruits
Here’s a nutritious drink they can make up in the morning and drink throughout the day. Just put all the ingredients into a food processor or liquidiser and mix until smooth
  • 1 pint of whole milk
  • 1 organic raw egg
  • 1 banana
  • A dessertspoon each of molasses, pasteurised honey, tahini, wheatgerm and brewer’s yeast powder
  • 4 dried apricots
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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.