Not surprisingly, people with anorexia and bulimia have a suboptimal supply of a long list of nutrients. This is due to both a lack of nutritional intake as well as to digestive problems that routinely develop. Ironically, the first to go are often the minerals that are not only essential for good health but necessary to keep our bodies naturally thin. The following list describes some of the important minerals, other than zinc, that are commonly lost and their effects on the body.

• Calcium loss can add a complication to eating disorders—a loss of bone density that eventually can cause osteoporosis. Furthermore, since calcium is a natural tranquilizer, not having enough of it can lead to nervousness, irritability, insomnia, and depression.

Chromium has been found to help remove excess fat from the blood. When there is a chromium deficiency, fat is not removed adequately, and atherosclerosis can develop. In addition, the liver becomes unable to make lecithin, which is needed to break down cholesterol. Not only will cholesterol levels remain high, but fatigue, overweight, and premature aging can result. The adrenal glands suffer as well, making it more difficult to cope with stress. And as if these problems were not bad enough, with chromium deficiency the immune system easily wears down and sickness is more frequent. Iodine is needed to stimulate the thyroid, which, in turn, keeps the metabolic rate up so that calories can be burned efficiently. Iodine also is needed to make the hormone thyroxine, which is needed for childhood growth and the maintenance of healthy adult tissue, resistance to infection, cholesterol level control, and protection from heart disease.

• Magnesium, found in dark, leafy vegetables and whole grains, has a calming effect on the nerves. A range of digestive processes depend on magnesium; a lack of this mineral is associated with many symptoms experienced by those with eating disorders—vomiting, indigestion, flatulence, abdominal pain, cramps, and constipation.

• Manganese is needed by the brain and nerves to protect against mental disorders. In addition, it keeps the blood sugar in balance and is important for fat metabolism. This trace mineral also plays a major role in protection against cancer, neuromuscular diseases such as Parkinson’s, and other degenerative illnesses. One such disease, lupus, usually attacks young women, the same group most likely to develop eating disorders.

• Potassium assists iodine in the creation of thyroid hormones, needed to increase metabolism and regulate glucose metabolism. Potassium is needed by the muscles, nerves, and brain cells.

• Selenium is an antioxidant that protects against degenerative diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. In addition, selenium stimulates the immune system to protect against bacteria and viruses. It is vital to eyesight and needed to keep the blood sugar balanced.

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