In her practice, Hyla Cass, M.D. has found many cases of eating disorders stem from a combination of food sensitivity, blood sugar imbalance and nutrient deficiency, which she said can be addressed using natural processes.
Cass, a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Cassmd.com, wrote about her discoveries of the biochemical causes of eating disorders in an article for Huffington Post. She addressed food sensitivities and said we crave, and may be addicted to, foods that are the most damaging. When a person tries to reduce these damaging foods, he experiences withdrawal and is more likely to binge. She gives the example of people who are addicted to grains may drink excessive amounts of grain-based liquor or beer and can become alcoholics.
However, she wrote, when one supplies the body with healthful food, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, the cravings will often go away.
Minerals will help this endeavor, she said. Magnesium will help to reduce food cravings, and she said a study found those suffering form anorexia nervosa were zinc deficient.
The amino acid glutamine is also useful for reducing cravings, she reported, saying she has seen it eliminate the desire of alcohol in former alcoholics. Cass said she will also suggest the amino acids L-tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophane), which helps build serotonin. She noted several studies show low tryptophan is linked to binge eating, purging and mood disorders.
The herb St. John's wort also raises serotonin levels, which can help reduce eating disorder symptoms. And common signs of vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency include loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, anxiety, chest pain and sleep disturbance, which are all associated with eating disorders, she wrote.
When patients with eating disorders turn to her, Cass said she often orders a blood test to see which nutrients are deficient. Along with increasing the consumption of the depleted nutrients, she also recommends acupuncture and other alternative medicines.
Want more Hyla Cass expertise? Register for Natural Products Marketplace’s Virtual Event, where Cass will be giving a Webinar on supplements to complement prescription medications.