Bulimia Eating Disorder - When People Misuse Food

Bulimia is yet another eating disorder reality and one of the fastest growing neuroses in the western world. Unlike anorexia which is a very visible as serious disease, bulimia is a master of disguise and characterized by binging and purging behaviors.

The person who face this type of disorder usually consume or eat a lot of food at once and then try to get rid of the excessive food either by vomiting, using laxatives or even sometimes by over-exercising. In addition to this, person with bulimia eating disorder is preoccupied with his or her weight and body image.

 These days this type of eating disorder is most common in adolescent and young adult women. This type of eating disorder might appear a tiny factor in their early stages, but with the passage of time it may develop and produce numerous negative effects. Though the exact and real cause of bulimia is not known, there are various factors that appear to cause its development, like:

 ��As per recent studies, it has been found that eating disorders occur more frequently in relatives of people with bulimia than in others. This incidence appears to be related to genetics, but family influences may also be important.

��Researchers have even recommended that altered levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain also play a major role. Serotonin levels are usually interrelated to the development of clinical depression. Effects of Bulimia If we talk about the effects of Bulimia then we can see that the repeated loss of fluids and nutrients caused by bulimia can render a body useless.

The sufferer may also feel fatigue and apathy. It may even lead to casualty, if the disease is not taken care of. The functioning power of internal organs can be severely disrupted by bulimia and more likely an organ may fail to work.

 Symptoms of Bulimia Bulimia may affect the whole body of the person and so it becomes very important to identify its warning signs, like-

 1.Extra obsession with calories and food 

2.Routine use of different medicines to control weight of body

 3.Unusual swelling around the jaw

4.Over concern about body weight even if the person is not overweight

 5. Damaged tooth enamel & bad breath

6.Sore throat or mouth sores

 In addition to all this, people with bulimia might complain of general weakness, abdominal pain and loss of menstrual cycles. Sometimes, they might also complain of vomiting or diarrhea without telling that it is self-induced.

 Treating Bulimia

 Bulimia treatments should be followed strictly, if possible it must start from the early stages of the condition. Early treatment is very important, because if a person tries to delay in treating this eating disorder, excessive eating behavior pattern might further become more deeply ingrained and harder to change.

 Today many people suffering from Bulimia are treated by psychologists without being admitted to the hospital until a severe physical complication requires hospitalization. Therapies like Individual therapy, combined with group therapy and family therapy are new way of treating Bulimia eating disorder. These days often counseling combined with the use of antidepressant medication are widely practiced for treating Bulimia eating disorder. 


Apart from all this, as per recent observation it has been found that people with bulimia are more likely to have vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Moreover, vitamin deficiencies can result cognitive difficulties such as poor judgment or memory loss. Getting enough vitamins and minerals in daily diet or through supplements can correct the problems and reduce symptoms.

 Bulimia is usually a long-term disease, and so it also becomes very important for an individual who are suffering from Bulimia check his or her weight, exercise habits, and physical and mental health periodically.

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The Truth About Bulimia

Un-recovered Bulimics do not understand or know the truth concerning bulimia. Contrary to the common misconception, vomiting does not control weight loss. Ok, so then what really happens? The truth is that the body adapts to the situation in which it finds itself. Since a body needs the nutrients provided by foods and is deprived of those, it begins to react by retaining the food longer in the stomach.

The body then begins to start digestion higher than normal in the gastrointestinal tract. Bulimics throw up the foods they ate more than 24 hours before, while the stomach naturally empties in about two hours. It is a proven fact that even after vomiting, the food eaten previously will still be there.

 It is important to learn of the more healthful ways of weight control. A body naturally needs and anticipates three regular meals a day to curb hunger. Therefore, instead of being fed the body naturally protects itself by producing fat when its metabolism has been slowed down by not receiving the nutrition it needs. This means, the body literally begins to eat itself to survive.

 Bulimics need to understand that only they can control the way their body looks by eating well and exercising it daily. Sounds like something a mother would say, right? Well, trust me, my system offers three meals and two snacks that are enjoyable as well as offering the tips and know how to stay on track of creating a personal healthy menu.

 The energy boost that sports provide is comparable to one other thing only and that is the feeling of being in love. Perhaps you have heard about the running high. This feeling is caused by the production of one of the chemicals that the brain produces while it is being exercised. This feeling can only be achieved through sports.

 Some studies have proven the possibility that you brain will change by the strong influence of regular exercise. Blood flow to certain areas of the brain is the influencing foundations of these changes during activities.

 The most influential motivation of performing basic exercises is the production of a certain brain chemical that causes you to feel on top of the world are called endorphins. It is believed that endorphins produce four special effects on the mind and body, which are an enhancement of the immune system, pain relief, and reduction of stress as well as postponing the process of aging. It is called by many names such as a runner high, the euphoric state that is trancelike and the body opium like tranquilizers.

It is a fact that regular exercising does strengthen the body as well as keeps weight controlled. Exercise provides more energy and the activity of sports improves the memory. Here is a tip. Test it! Get up early and walk around the neighborhood, listening to a favorite tune and see how the day progresses. I was able to loose weight without Bulimia.

I am writing about my own experience of becoming a marathon runner as well as how sports helped in my recovery from bulimia. I realize my readers want to know how, right now. Nevertheless, believe me, first my friend, they will need to become stronger and be Bulimia free so that they can go on to the next page. This process will take patience as well as time.

 There is a hope for recovery without spending thousands dollars on doctors and medications; my goal is to prove this by my own experience. I will teach the exploration of learning to loose and maintain a good weight. Consistencies in an exercise plan right now. This is the important key to building and keeping a great figure for your body type.

 The achievements of small but significant goals will help not only change the life of a Bulimic and immensely increase their self-esteem. Set the goal and then go for it no matter the circumstance. This will allow one's self the enjoyment of feeling like a winner more often. One does not have to become a runner to succeed. Choose a favorite activity a day and stick with that by making a training plan of twenty to thirty minutes daily. The point is to set a goal of improving performance and your life everyday.

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Recognizing The Signs Of Bulimia

What is Bulimia?

 Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by bouts of extreme overeating (binging) followed by use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting (purging). Bulimia generally begins as an attempt to avoid weight gain, however the binge/purge cycle gets out of control and the individual finds herself unable to stop. What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia?

 Bulimia, like many eating disorders, can go unrecognized for quite some time before symptoms become obvious. Often the actions and habits of someone with Bulimia, though considered somewhat odd, are not thought to be anything to worry about. Another difficulty in recognizing Bulimia arises from the fact that, as a general rule, those suffering from Bulimia look healthy.

Unlike a person suffering from Anorexia, bulimics are often normal weight and may even be overweight. There are, however, signs a concerned parent or friend can look for to assess whether or not a loved one is suffering from bulimic tendencies. An obvious habit is going to the restroom immediately following a meal. This is not a definitive sign, however, as there are many people who excuse themselves shortly after a meal with very legitimate reasons!

That said, an odor of vomit or acidic breath can signify purging of calories through self-induced vomiting. Additionally, bulimics will often have callouses on their fingers or the back of their hands from their teeth rubbing on their knuckles as they induce vomiting. Tooth decay from excessive contact with stomach acid can become problematic for bulimics. A trip to the dentist may be one method of determining whether or not your child is vomiting after meals. There may be jaw discomfort, bleeding gums or other oral discomfort.


 Abdominal distention and discomfort, bloating and excessive gas may also signal Bulimia. Overuse of laxatives can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and possibly even permanent damage. Diarrhea and constipation can be linked to abuse of laxatives. Long term laxative abuse can lead to poor colon function and, consequently, the inability to have a bowel movement without a laxative (constipation). Diarrhea causes excessive fluid loss, dehydration and mal-absorption of essential nutrients. Electrolyte imbalances can result. 


Often an individual who seems to eat 'whatever she wants' and never gain weight is envied, however this can be a sign of Bulimia. Concerned parents may notice that large amounts of food seem to disappear from the kitchen. Additionally an over abundance of food wrappers and trash in the garbage could be cause for concern. Bulimics tend to be very secretive with their eating habits, often hiding out in their rooms or sneaking into the kitchen late at night. Bulimics can inhale huge amounts of food before purging, eating an entire cake or a full carton of ice-cream in one sitting. They may horde food and, although they eat huge amounts when they are by themselves, they will generally be very delicate and even picky eaters when others are present.


 Strange eating habits such as cutting food into very small bites, only eating foods in certain combinations, eliminating various types of food, and pushing food around on the plate can all be signs of an eating disorder. Bulimics may also drink large amounts of water and/or diet soda. This can help make vomiting easier. 


Excessive or rigid exercise routines can also be a characteristic of Bulimia. Not all bulimics purge through laxatives and vomiting. Some will eat huge amounts of food and then attempt to undo the 'damage' they have caused by imposing strict exercise and diet restrictions on themselves. It can often be difficult to differentiate between a serious athlete and a bulimic because both may exercise more than average and eat very small amounts. Generally, however, the serious athlete will eat enough for their needs while the bulimic will restrict caloric intake to a dangerous level.


 What are the consequences of Bulimia?


 Bulimia, left undiagnosed, can be a life-threatening illness. Binging can lead to obesity and the plethora of health complications associated with obesity. These include, but are not limited to, heart disease, osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, and hypertension. More alarming, however, are the effects of constant purging. Purging through vomiting can lead to periodontal disease, inflammation of the jaw, salivary glands, and esophagus. In some instances gastric rupture can also occur during purging.


Electrolyte imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and dehydration are directly related to purging. Sufferers also experience bowel irregularities, chronic diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence. In addition to the above, chronic fatigue, muscle aches and weakness, depression, self-loathing, anxiety and other mental or emotional problems can arise.


 Electrolyte imbalance, caused by chronic diarrhea and vomiting in a bulimic, can have uncomfortable and often fatal consequences. Common signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:

●Weakness
●Irritability
●Muscle cramps
●Thirst
●Tissue swelling
 ●Confusion
●Agitation
●Depression
●Change in heart rate or blood pressure
 ●Loss of coordination


 Symptoms of dehydration include:

●Dry mucous membranes in the nose and mouth
●Reduced amounts of urine
●Urine that is dark yellow in color
●Dizziness, particularly when standing
●Low blood pressure
●Dry, warm skin
●Irritability


 Any of the above signs are cause for concern and, as a parent or friend of a suspected bulimic sufferer, should not be ignored.

 What are the best treatment options for Bulimia?


 Eating disorders are serious, often fatal diseases. They should not be ignored, particularly since the chance for full recovery decreases significantly the longer the behaviors are left untreated. Treatment for Bulimia involves a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. This involves psychotherapists, nutristionists, doctors, counselors, and other medical professionals.

There are options for out-patient treatment, however treatment at a clinic which specializes in recovery from eating disorders is often the most successful option. Treatment usually involves cognitive behavioral therapy with a psychotherapist. This is to help replace negative body image and damaging attitudes and thought processes with positive, more realistic ideals. Along with this, dance therapy, animal therapy and other 'hands on' types of approaches may be used.

The patient will receive a medical evaluation to assess what damage may have been done by the starvation, binging, purging, and excessive exercise. A nutritionist will be consulted to provide a well rounded, nutritional plan and teach proper eating habits. A healthier relationship with food will be taught. The patient may be asked to keep a food diary or journal detailing not only what is eaten and when, but her emotional state at the time.

Family therapy is often incorporated in the treatment process to help those around the Bulimic patient understand the processes of the illness and what they can do to help facilitate recovery. Finally, medications such as antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help stabilize the emotional upheaval surrounding an eating disorder and recovery.


 Group therapy and support groups are generally encouraged during treatment for Bulimia. It can be very helpful for Bulimia patient's to realize that they are not alone in their struggles. It is also a good way to draw the patient out and discourage a lot of the secrecy that usually surrounds the patient's actions.

It is very important, when choosing a treatment facility, that you ask about the methodology used in their group therapy. Sitting with a group of patient's who struggle with Bulimia and discussing methods of purging or ways that they hide their illness is counter-productive to healing.


 Where can I find organizations with more information regarding Bulimia?


 There are many organizations geared toward helping those with eating disorders. Caution should be used, when searching for help, to make sure that the organizations and web sites are providing up to date, accurate information. Some organizations you may utilize are:

 ●National Eating Disorders Association www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

 ●Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center www.edreferral.com

 ●Pale Reflections Eating Disorders Community Treatment Finder www.pale-reflections.com

 ●Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders www.something-fishy.org


 What can I do if I feel my child or friend has Bulimia?


 The first thing to remember is that you cannot force your child/friend to change her behavior. Trying to persuade, force, or 'guilt' the child in to changing will not work! Generally they already feel guilty for their behavior, and adding to that is not beneficial. If your friend or child is over 18, there is nothing you can do to make them stop. Your best option is to be a good listener.

Provide them with a list of resources should they choose to seek help. Remember that eating disorders are generally not about the food. The underlying emotional issues are what need to be addressed. Express love and concern for the individual and a desire to help if you are able. Provide them with support if and when they decide to seek professional help.


 If your child is under the age of 18, you have more options. Understand, however, that it is not an easy choice to make! Your child may beg, plead, promise to change, etc. to avoid being put in in-patient treatment. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is full recovery and that the sooner the eating disorder is addressed, the greater the chance of a full recovery. It is rare for an individual to be able to quit these self-destructive behaviors on her own.

It is not uncommon for a child to promise to change and then just work harder to hide the habits while continuing the behaviors. There are many options for recovery and help. Research these and decide which option is best for your situation. In the words of one individual suffering from an eating disorder Research the disease before you talk to your child, hear her out, love her and support her. This is a complex problem that shouldn't be taken lightly..."

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