Bulimic Rehab
The long-term effects of bulimia nervosa
Bulimia attacks several different organs of the body and the longer the disorder persists, the more organs are affected and the more of them that are damaged as the condition runs its course. The parts of the body and the organs that typically suffer the most include the bones, brain, digestive organs, endocrine glands, heart, kidneys, and the skin. In the more severe cases, the individual loses the ability to determine if they are full or hungry. In addition, the person’s tastes are distorted and they will develop some strange combinations of food.
Aside from the effects that the disorder has on the individual, certain functions will become abnormal. For instance, the person will suffer with constipation one moment and then diarrhea the next. Additionally, a woman’s menstrual cycle may become irregular and even stop completely. When this happens, it may become impossible for her to conceive and ever have a child. The bottom line is that the long-term affects of the disorder can be dangerous and potentially fatal. The only chance for the individual is bulimic rehab.
Recognizing the warning signs
There are certain “red flags” (warning signs) that become apparent when bulimia is present with the primary ones being dehydration and malnutrition. These will manifest themselves in a variety of forms such as:
- changes in the hair, fingernails, and toenails
- dry skin
- loss of feeling or sensation in the feet or hands
- swelling of the feet and lower legs
In addition to the basic warning signs mentioned above, there are others to be aware of or look for if you fear that a loved one is suffering with the disorder. This includes eating within discreet times such as within two hours every time and consuming a considerably larger amount of food than what others would eat in that same period. It could also involve excessive exercising (aerobics or running) and fasting.
Let Harmony Grove help you
Our bulimic rehab programs can be customized to target your personal needs so that you overcome the disorder and start living a normal life again free from the fear of relapsing or possibly dying. If you or loved one is in need of professional help, we encourage you to contact Harmony Grove at the toll-free phone number listed at the top of the page. We will be happy to answer your questions as thoroughly as possible.