Being ‘thin’ or ‘skinny’ has become a widespread phenomenon due to the unnatural American perception of ‘beauty’ on social media. Flipping through posts of people who eat and exercise like a Victoria Secret model, or to receive hurtful comments from friends or family, for example, may drive those to severe dietary restriction. Over time, these environmental pressures to be “perfect” can lead to an eating disorder. Anorexia nervosa (AN) involves severe food and/or fluid restriction from dieting, exercising, or fasting with a fear of any weight gain/becoming ‘fat’, a lack of awareness of harm from having a low body weight, and an abnormal concern for body image. Five effects Anorexia Nervosa has on the body include:

 

1. Changes to hair, skin, and fingernails

Nutrition is vital for healthy, shiny hair; smooth, supple skin; and strong, white nails. Food deprivation gradually causes physical deterioration because the body does not have enough energy to produce the vitamins and minerals needed. This can cause hair loss and for hair to become dull and brittle. Skin dryness, flakiness, and development of tiny hairs, called lanugo, may develop to keep the body warm in underweight/undernourished individuals. Fingernails may become thin, and peel in those with iron deficiency; or take on a brown/gray discoloration from vitamin B-12 deficiency. Therefore, eating a variety of foods with carbohydrates, protein, and fats will help form what the body needs: energy.

It may not be commonly known that some vitamins and minerals work in synergy, where one facilitates the absorption or utilization of another. For instance, calcium assists in the absorption of vitamin D. However, taking vitamin and mineral supplements in excessive doses can pose health risks, and there’s another aspect to consider – these supplements might not be effectively absorbed as they lack a crucial element: energy. However, intake of a variety of food groups with vitamin supplementation may help with vitamin deficiencies.

 

2. GI discomfort 

The body will do whatever it can to protect itself. With severe food restriction, increased hunger cues will occur because the body is literally saying ‘feed me’. Oftentimes with prolonged periods of starvation, the stomach may shrink. When eating a meal, this may increase the feeling of fullness more quickly than normal even though the consumption of energy is less than what the body needs. Gastrointestinal consequences of AN may include stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, acid reflux, chronic constipation, early satiety and bloatedness. These symptoms will begin to decrease during recovery.

 

3. Physical discomfort

Did you know that carbohydrates are the only proper source of energy for our brain? Without the proper nutrients to nourish the body, it will go into survival mode. Headaches, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, increased anxiety or sudden changes in mood, and difficult concentrating are signs the body is communicating it needs food. Low body weight and physical signs of fat loss and muscle wasting may cause discomfort or pain around the body, including the ribcage. AN may also cause joint pain and difficulty swallowing if acid reflux is present.

 

4. Blood disorders

Iron Deficiency is a common issue in those with AN. Iron helps carry oxygen around the body into tissues. Low iron or a deficiency in this can cause anemia, which is a blood condition that means a lack in enough red blood cells to adequately carry oxygen throughout the body. A decrease in the number of red blood cells results in low hemoglobin, which may cause fatigue and weakness. In addition, prolonged iron deficiency or anemia can have detrimental effects to the skin, hair, and fingernails, as well as low body temperature, increased heart rate, and organ failure.

 

5. Increase risk of heart and bone complications

The heart uses a perfect balance of oxygen along with electrolytes to keep the heart pumping normally. However, in severe food or fluid restriction, cardiomyopathy may develop which is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it difficult to pump blood into tissues and makes the heart muscle rigid, thick, or enlarged. A symptom of this may be an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or caused by an imbalance of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.). Without nutrition therapy and clinical treatment, heart failure may occur.

Noticeably by now, the consequences of AN create a domino effect on bodily functions. Such so, that even bones can become thin, weak, and brittle. Low bone mass, reduced bone strength, and changes in bone structure increases the risk of osteoporosis and incidence of fractures, especially in those who are going through growth spurts or puberty.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Anorexia or a fear of weight gain and would like more information about our RecoverED Clinic, call for your free consultation today at 469-294-9075, opt 2.