Underweight
Description
There are several forms of being underweight, not adequately covered within anorexia.
Babies may fail to thrive owing to sensitivity to mother's milk or formula etc. The elderly may lack the resources (financial and physical) to prepare nutritious meals. In the Third World, there may not be enough food to go around i.e. a state of famine.
Causes
Anorexia is a psychiatric illness. An infant may be lactose intolerant. Economic reasons apply in the case of the elderly and famines.
Otherwise, in our culture, certain athletic activities benefit from being underweight: distance running and wrestling, for example.
There may also be an underlying disease, including cancer, or parasites.
Signs & Symptoms
If the person is already an ectomorph, distinguishing a medical state of being underweight may be quite difficult and some reference chart, or body mass measurement may be required.
A top-class female distance runner will tend to have a body like an adolescent male. She will demonstrate a high level of fitness, however. The jury is still out on whether, should she be amenorrheic, this qualifies as unhealthy?
Paradoxically, a bodybuilder may fulfill both definitions, of being overweight and underweight, at the same time! His flesh and bones are visible, beneath the skin but his body weight is well above that recommended for his height in most tables.
Any inexplicable emaciation or wasting, including cachexia and muscular atrophy, should be assessed by a physician.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Multi Vitamin/Multi Mineral Formulas
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Amino Acid Complex (Free Form)* | |
| Beta Carotene* | |
| Bioflavonoids* | |
| EPO* | |
| Vitamin A | 10,000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 600 IU |
| Zinc | 80 mg |
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Colloidal minerals are considered, by some, to be the most efficient method of providing depleted minerals to malnourished individuals.
The standard view, of course, is to boost protein and caloric intake (chiefly by increasing the fat content). Prepared products also usually contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. There are, however, sometimes difficulty in tolerating these foods.
At some point in time, a resumption of a plain food diet is scheduled. Whether it can be successfully innovated may depend upon solving other issues: cost, accessibility etc.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Anorexia | Lycopodium Clavatum |
| Aversion to food | Ignatia amara |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Alfalfa
Amino Acid Complex
Blessed Thistle
Caraway
Cayenne (Capsicum)
Celery
Dill
Fenugreek
Ginseng
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Alfalfa, Blessed Thistle, Caraway, Cayenne (Capsicum), Celery and Dill are reputed to stimulate the appetite.
Fenugreek and Ginseng seem to be particularly useful as appetite stimulants in the elderly, unless they have hypertension, in which case Ginseng should be omitted.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Anorexia:
| Coriander Essence, | Marjoram Essence, |
| Melissa Essence, | Rose Essence, |
| Thyme Essence. |
To stimulate appetite, a number of oils derived from common spices are available. They may be combined with a favortie meal and certainly selected because of the food choices.
These include:
| Cardamom Essence | Caraway Essence |
| Cinnamon Essence | Fennel Essence |
Related Health Conditions
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Malnutrition
References
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