Unusual Symptoms of Anorexia
During my struggle with anorexia from the age of 14 to 19, I've experienced some peculiar symptoms that seemed unique to my situation. Now that I’m 22 and doing better, I'm curious if anyone has insights or medical explanations about these occurrences. When I was at a lower weight, I noticed several strange changes that eventually reverted once I regained a healthy weight. Here are a few: 1. My nails exhibited remarkable growth: they became both exceptionally fast-growing and incredibly strong. It was quite striking! 2. Cognitively, I felt sharper than ever – my memory and mathematical skills were at an all-time high. My ability to think critically and plan steps ahead was heightened too. During this period, I took national exams and achieved a position in the top 0.001% of over 250,000 candidates. I highly doubt I could replicate that performance today. 3. There was a surprising reduction in the size of my feet, which shrank from a UK size 6.5 to a size 5 while I was unwell. Despite having slender feet already, this change was significant, leading me to purchase new footwear as my old ones became noticeably ill-fitting. Now that some time has passed, my feet have returned to a size 6. I'm eager to hear any thoughts on what could have led to these unusual symptoms!
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 7:30:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your experience with anorexia and the accompanying unusual symptoms is certainly interesting and highlights how our bodies can react to significant changes in diet and health. I'm glad to hear that you are doing better now. Let’s address the symptoms you mentioned.
Main Points:
- Nail growth and strength can be influenced by nutritional status.
- Cognitive changes during weight loss may relate to stress responses or altered brain chemistry.
- Foot size changes could be linked to body composition changes or fluid retention.
Explanation:
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Nail Growth: When the body is under stress or when there are fluctuations in nutritional intake, it can trigger physiological responses. On low body weight, your body may have been prioritizing protein and other nutrients to support essential functions, resulting in faster nail growth and increased strength. Once you regained a healthier weight and your body stabilized, this could explain the reversion.
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Cognitive Function: Anorexia can lead to various neurological changes. In some cases, people experience heightened alertness or sharpness due to stress responses or changes in neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It’s also possible that during your exams, the stress and adrenaline may have temporarily boosted your performance.
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Foot Size Change: Foot size can fluctuate with weight loss due to changes in body fat and muscle mass. When you lose weight, the fat pads on your feet may reduce, leading to a smaller shoe size. This change is generally temporary and often reverses when a healthy weight is restored.
Next Steps:
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Focus on Balanced Nutrition: Continue prioritizing a well-rounded diet that provides essential nutrients, as this helps maintain your overall health and stability in your body’s physiological functions.
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Monitor Cognitive Wellness: Engage in regular mental exercises and activities that promote cognitive function. This can include puzzles, reading, or engaging in new learning opportunities.
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Stay Aware of Physical Changes: If you notice any further physical changes, such as significant weight fluctuations or discomfort, consider keeping a journal of these changes. This can help identify patterns or triggers.
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Embrace Your Healing Journey: It may also be beneficial to seek support through counseling or support groups to continue on your path to wellness, acknowledging how your past experience shapes your present.
Feel free to share more or ask additional questions if you're looking for specific advice or further clarification. Your awareness and curiosity about your body are commendable!
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