What happens if ur bulimic

Moodiness and irritability may occur due to lack of vitamins or behaviors that come along with bulimia. For example, constant monitoring of food and weight can become an obsession. Someone may also binge in secret and then hide evidence of food and laxatives. In order to achieve their ideal weight, people may also engage in substance abuse. Compulsive exercising or preoccupation with appearance are also common symptoms. In fact, people with bulimia may become quite focused on eating to the exclusion of other activities that they used to enjoy.

Having to keep secrets contributes to the cycle of stress and anxiety. Over time, guilt can build up from keeping secrets from your friends and loved ones. This may also be accompanied by feelings of embarrassment and shame.

Suicidal behavior may form as a culmination of the stress and extreme unhealthy body image. The cycle of bingeing and purging eventually takes a toll on your digestive system. Not only is it physically demanding, but the effects of bulimia can bring on general weakness and fatigue. A sore throat, stomach pain , or both may be the first obvious physical side effects of bulimia.

As the disorder progresses, chronic self-induced vomiting can cause a variety of symptoms in the digestive tract, beginning at the mouth. Over time, the high acid content of vomit can damage teeth and cause enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease. Puffy cheeks or jaws may be noticed secondary to swollen salivary glands. We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

The information contained on or provided through this service is intended for general consumer understanding and education and not as a substitute for medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information provided on the website is presented as is without any warranty of any kind, and expressly excludes any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Tooth decay The contents of the stomach are very acidic and repeated vomiting over time causes tooth enamel to break down.

Swollen salivary glands sialadenosis Other physical side effects of bulimia are noticeable as well. If frequent vomiting continues, the patient is at high risk of developing this sign again, the next time he or she stops the practice Acid reflux When vomiting, the lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a doorway between the esophagus and stomach, must open to allow stomach contents to move back up through the esophagus. Sore throat and hoarse voice Acidic stomach contents are damaging to the throat and the vocal cords, therefore hoarse voice and sore throat become common when someone has been repeatedly vomiting.

Dehydration All forms of purging are likely to lead to dehydration. Intestinal problems More physical side effects of bulimia include intestinal problems. Treatment Most of the problems highlighted here require treatment by a medical doctor, or dentist in the case of dental problems. Medical complications of self-induced vomiting. Since bulimia is often caused and exacerbated by stress, low self-esteem, and shame, negativity will only make it worse.

Set a good example for healthy eating, exercising, and body image. Accept your limits. The person with bulimia must make the decision to move forward. Take care of yourself. Know when to seek advice for yourself from a counselor or health professional. Dealing with an eating disorder is stressful, and it will help if you have your own support system in place. Authors: Melinda Smith, M. This holiday season alone, millions of people will turn to HelpGuide for free mental health guidance and support.

So many people rely on us in their most difficult moments. Can we rely on you? All gifts made before December 31 will be doubled. Cookie Policy. Explore the warning signs, symptoms, and treatment options. What is bulimia? But if you have the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, overeating is more like a compulsion. Bulimia is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by extreme efforts to avoid gaining weight, often by vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising to excess.

This vicious cycle of bingeing and purging can take a toll on your body and emotional well-being. It can cause damage to your digestive system and create chemical imbalances in the body that harm the functioning of major organs, including the heart.

It can even be fatal. While it is most common among young women, bulimia can affect women and men of all ages. They have a network of support that helps them along the way. And so, building your network of support is a crucial step of how to recover from bulimia.

Your network can include close friends, trusted family members, your treatment team, support groups, and even online groups for people in recovery.

These people can help you through bad moments, cheer on victories and milestones in recovery, and be there to support you as you recover. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband and rescue pets.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional. Stop Restricting Your Food A common trigger for a binge is deprivation. Learn Your Triggers Many people who experience bulimia can point to experiences that trigger bingeing and purging.

Make a Plan to Overcome Bulimia What do you do when you want to binge and purge? Start Healing Your Relationship with Food People who suffer from bulimia can lose touch with the cues their body sends them about hunger and fullness. Explore Intuitive Eating in Recovery For someone in recovery from bulimia, it can be helpful to work closely with your treatment team as you explore Intuitive Eating. Start Healing Your Relationship with Your Body Bulimia is destructive to your relationship with your body in so many ways.

Break Up With Your Scale The bathroom scale is a centerpiece of daily life for many people with eating disorders.