New News about Anorexia
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“After years of treating patients with eating disorders, it’s become painfully apparent to me that psychiatry misunderstands anorexia.” James Greenblatt, MD
Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. (Prov. 3:8 NLT)
I recently read an excerpt from a new book entitled, Answers to Anorexia: A New Biological Breakthrough Treatment that is Saving Lives written by James Greenblatt, MD. Dr. Greenblatt says, “Psychiatrists have confused the obvious effects of anorexia nervosa (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behavior) with its causes. Thus, they’re treating depression, panic attacks, compulsions, obsessive behavior, and other psychological conditions in an effort to quell anorexia, when it’s actually the starvation that is causing these conditions in the first place.”
Through the years I’ve known of women who have struggled with various eating disorders. I too had been taught that anorexia was a psychological disorder and I would look at “emotional and psychological” reasons for this aberrant behavior. However, in my quest to regain my own health, I discovered that nutritional deficiencies in the body can create many problems including those that seem emotional or psychological in nature. When the brain is malnourished, it can’t function properly.
Dr. Greenblatt says something very similar. “Approaching anorexia nervosa as a psychological disorder does not take into account the brain’s physiological response to a shortage of essential nutrients. Regardless of culture, psychological traits, or family pressures, the results of starving remain the same: a malnourished mind.”
He goes on to say that “research from as early as the 1970’s has suggested zinc deficiency may play a role in the development of anorexia nervosa. The signs of symptoms of zinc deficiency include decreased appetite, weight loss, altered taste, depression and amenorrhea. Zinc is one of the most prevalent trace elements found in the brain. Meat and fish are the best sources of zinc and many plant and wheat products impair absorption of zinc.
“Adolescents are typically eating diets low in zinc and high in inhibitors of the absorption of zinc! Controlled research studies have supported the use of zinc in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, yet the medical community has been slow to integrate zinc therapy as a component of a multifaceted treatment program. Other nutritional deficiencies are prevalent in patients with eating disorders. A recent study of anorexia nervosa and omega-3 supplementation showed improvement in patients supplemented with 1 gram of essential fatty acids in addition to standard treatments.
“It is important to understand that anorexia is not an illness that people choose. We may choose to diet and lose weight, but we don’t choose to become delusional about our health and weight. We don’t choose to incessantly obsess about food and how and what we eat. After eating patterns are altered, brains are changed. This spurs on further weight loss and pathological eating behaviors. Anorexia nervosa is complex, puzzling, and biologically and emotionally malignant.”
The article ends with Dr. Greenblatt saying that even though there are predisposing factors to developing anorexia such as societal pressure to be thin, family dynamics, etc., the true cause of the disease is malnourishment of the brain. So, there is much hope for families coping with this ill-understood malady.
Prayer Power
Father, thank You for hope, thank You for wisdom. We seek You for both.
Link of the Day
Answers to Anorexia: A Breakthrough Nutritional Treatment That Is Saving Lives
Meet Dr. Greenblatt
Photo by minor9th
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Jerry Graham, aka "DocJerry," is a professional lifestyle and leadership coach and a social marketing authority who coaches ministry leaders, small business owners, and network marketers, on how to properly capitalize on the current Internet trends. He is also a blogger, a charter member and guide at Renegade University, and one of the Super Guides at Marketing Merge. 
Sharon Graham, R.N., is a professional lifestyle coach and a wellness authority who coaches a broad range of clients from corporate executives, small-business owners, and other professionals, to stay-at-home moms and dads in how to achieve and maintain wellness. Sharon is also a blogger, a sought-after public speaker, and a great cook who is currently compiling a cookbook. 
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