Day Ten: Let's Do Some Research on the Subject of Anorexia Nervosa!

Through my experience with my eating disorder, I have learned a lot about anorexia nervosa and eating disorders in general. While I know a lot, I am by no means a reliable source of information regarding the subject. I don't have a degree in the subject, and I'm not a psychologist, dont'cha know (my attempt at the Canadian accent). Let's look into the world of "articles" and "research" and look at some of my findings that I personally relate to in regards to what I've experienced.

According to the Nutritional and Medical Assessment and Management of Eating Disorders, "Sociocultural influences may explain why eating disorders are mainly observed in economically advantaged communities and countries, and a cultural obsession with weight and thinness in women has been linked with the rising incidence of such disorders over the past two decades." A lot of my eating disorder stemmed from the fact that I felt ugly, different, and fat in comparison to the "perfect" society that people in today's world are forced to believe that we live in.

The article gives a table explaining the different side-effects of anorexia nervosa.

Table 3. Clinical and Laboratory Abnormalities

Common in Low-Weight Eating Disorder Patients

Clinical Abnormalities

Hypothermia

Dehydration

Hypotension, bradycardia, prolonged QT interval, arrhythmia

Decreased heart size

Dry skin

Acrocyanosis

Lanugo hair growth

Delayed gastric emptying

Severe constipation, bowel obstruction

Swollen salivary glands, dental caries, and erosion of enamel (if self-induced vomiting present)

Osteopenia

Laboratory Abnormalities

Leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia

Abnormal liver enzyme concentrations

Hypoglycemia

Hypercortisolemia, elevated urinary free cortisol

Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercarotenemia

Low T levels, sick euthyroid syndrome

Electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia)

Low serum estradiol (testosterone, if male) concentration

Increased growth hormone"

Some of these things that I have experienced include dehydration, bradycardia, dry skin, lanugo hair growth, and electrolyte disturbances. Now, I may have been inflicted with more of these things, but I don't understand the language of medical terms. From what I do understand, though, I have been dehydrated because of lack of fluids compared to energy exerted. Bradycardia is an abnormally low heart rate, which I've been diagnosed with the two different times that I was admitted into the hospital. The first time, my lowest heart rate was about 46 beats per minute, and the second time, my lowest heart rate was 34 beats per minute. I've experienced intense dry skin on my knuckles and hands, especially in the winter time. It actually got to the point where my hands would crack and be very painful. Lanugo hair is often compared to peach fuzz, and I've experienced this on my face and arms. They both had  abnormal extra, light blond hair (and it made me feel like an albino werewolf). I experienced electrolyte disturbances according to my blood work before entering the hospital recently, however, I wasn't able to tell what effects it had on me. 

Medicine and the human body are fascinating. The body is meant to function in a certain way, and we are supposed to do things a certain way to ensure that the body can do what it knows to do. When we don't, the body reacts in a negative manner. Starving oneself will cause the body to deteriorate and fall ill. Drinking mass amounts of alcohol will do the same in a different way. Our bodies are made to function in a certain way, and in order for them to function, we need to treat them nicely. So let us all resolve to respect and love our bodies so that we can be healthy and happy. It's easier said than done, but with persistence and perseverance, it can happen. One...two...three...GO TEAM!