IMPORTANT
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Dysphagia

What you need to know:

Of course, any underlying physical condition, such as hiatus hernia, has to be ruled out by thorough medical investigation. In teenagers, however, one likely cause is bulimia nervosa - but a young person who’s so distressed that she (and it’s normally a girl) is vomiting her food in private isn’t likely to admit it.

There are signs to look out for:
  • Does she leave the table immediately after eating?
  • Does she go straight to the bathroom?
  • Do you hear her going to the loo several times in the middle of the night?
  • Does food disappear from the fridge or food cupboard - often at night?
  • Do you find piles of empty crisp, biscuit and chocolate bar wrappers in her room?
A young person going through this disorder needs serious but compassionate attention. There’s no point being confrontational or angry - that will just make the situation worse. If your GP can’t refer you to a specialist, you need to contact the Eating Disorders Association on 0207 4058205.

Whatever the cause of this condition, there are calming, mildly sedative and muscle-relaxing herbs that can help - and if you do suspect bulimia, there’s one useful tack you can take in persuading the sufferer to try them: they contain hardly any calories.

The most useful Herbs:

The useful herbs - used in appropriate dilutions as teas - are:
  • Passiflora
  • Hops
  • Valerian

Other useful advice:

A high dose multi-vitamin and mineral supplement is essential to make up the shortfall of nutrients caused by lack of nutriuents absorbed from food.

Calcium and potassium supplements may also help to alleviate spasms in the throat muscles.

Complementary therapies which may help ease the tension are:
  • Acupuncture (acupressure for small children)
  • Relaxation exercises
  • Bio-feedback
  • Hypnosis
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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.