How Does Bulimia Affect The Body?

Over time, bulimia can affect your body in the following ways:

Stomach damage from overeating

.

Electrolyte imbalance

(having levels of sodium, potassium, or other minerals that are too high or too low, which can lead to heart attack or heart failure) Ulcers and other damage to your throat from vomiting.

What are 5 physical effects of bulimia?

• Russell’s Sign. …
• Tooth decay. …
• Swollen salivary glands (sialadenosis) …
• Acid reflux. …
• Sore throat and hoarse voice. …
• Dehydration. …
• Electrolyte Abnormalities. …
• Intestinal problems.

What are 3 effects of bulimia?

• anemia.
• low blood pressure and irregular heart rate.
• dry skin.
• ulcers.
• decreased electrolyte levels and dehydration.
• esophageal ruptures from excessive vomiting.
• gastrointestinal problems.
• irregular periods.

Can your body heal from bulimia?

When you are no longer binging and purging,

the body is better able to heal

. Your body will do some of the repairing on its own, but you can help by practicing healthy self-care like proper nutrition, staying hydrated and getting plenty of sleep.

How does bulimia affect the body long term?

Other long-term consequences of bulimia include

damage to the kidneys

, increased risk of kidney stones and kidney failure, diabetes, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, chronic dehydration, chronic fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances.

Can a dentist tell if you are bulimic?

So, is it really possible for the dentist to detect if you’ve bulimia? The answer is

yes

.

Do bulimics lose weight?

Not everyone with bulimia is ultra-thin. Anorexia causes a large calorie deficit, leading to extreme weight loss. People with bulimia can experience episodes of anorexia, but they still tend to consume more calories overall through bingeing and purging.

How long can you survive with bulimia?

Eating Disorders Often

Reduce Lifespan

. Individuals with an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia have a significantly higher risk of dying prematurely, compared to other people, UK researchers reported in Archives of General Psychiatry.

Do you gain weight during bulimia recovery?

In answer to the original question, frightening though it may be, many

bulimics who resume normal eating do gain some weight while their metabolism adjusts to normal

and they replenish their cellular water supply. Eventually, they will level off at the weight that is genetically correct for their particular body.

Does throwing up get rid of calories?

FACT: Research has shown that

vomiting cannot get rid of all the calories ingested

, even when done immediately after eating. A vomit can only remove up to about half of the calories eaten – which means that, realistically, between half to two thirds of what is eaten is absorbed by the body.

What are two long term effects of bulimia?

• Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Sore throat, particularly from excessive and regular vomiting.
• Tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease, particularly from excessive vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal tract (e.g., duodenal, stomach) ulcers.
• Irregular period or amenorrhea.

What does bulimia do to your brain?

The effects of bulimia can

damage the brain’s ability to concentrate and make decisions

. Those with bulimia sometimes suffer from psychological problems that can last for years and even endanger their lives. Some individuals fall into such great depression that they may become suicidal.

Can damage from bulimia be reversed?

With appropriate treatment, those struggling with bulimia nervosa will be

able to reverse most of the physical symptoms

and lead a normal, healthy life. Unfortunately, dental issues including tooth decay, breakage and discoloring may not be reversible and may require medical intervention.

How long does it take for bulimia to damage your teeth?

Tooth erosion

What is considered severe bulimia?

Severe bulimia nervosa (BN) is defined as 8–13 binge/purge episodes per week), and extreme bulimia nervosa involves

14 or more binge/purge episodes per week

. Unhealthy preoccupation with weight loss, body weight and shape; significant body image distortions.

How much does it cost to fix bulimia teeth?