What threatens bulimia and how to get rid of it

Bulimia nervosa - one of the most common eating disorders. Together with anorexia it annually killsEating Disorder Statistics more people than any other kind of mental illness.

Every 62 minutes for at least one person dies from the consequences of eating disorders.

Not to miss the development of mental illness, it is important to know his face.

What is Bulimia

The term bulimia is derived from two Greek words that are translated as "bull" and "hunger". "Bovine hunger" - something indomitable, desperate craving for food, the desire to quickly fill the stomach all the food, which only gets near. This is the essence of bulimia nervosaBulimia nervosa.

People suffering from this disease regularly loses control of appetite and overeating monstrous. Aware of this, it tends to get rid of the food ingested: in the course are artificially induce vomiting, enemas, use of laxatives and diuretics, attempts to sit for a while on overly rigid diet. However, binge eating episodes are repeated again and again.

EffectsBulimia nervosa may be different, including the most severe:

1. Accelerated destruction of tooth enamel due to the fact that the mouth regularly misses gastric acid.
2. Caries and loss of teeth.
3. Swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands due to repeated vomiting.
4. Gastric ulcer.
5. Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus.
6. Problems with defecation. The body becomes accustomed to enemas and can not cope with the withdrawal of waste products itself.
7. Dehydration with all its consequences.
8. Arrhythmia.
9. Increased risk of heart attacks.
10. decreased libido (sexual drive).
11. Loss of interest in life, suicidal tendencies.

How to recognize bulimia

It is not so easy as in the case of anorexia. If anorexic tend to look overly emaciated, then bulimia victim in most cases have a normal weight.

Suggest bulimia nervosa often possible only on circumstantial evidence:

1. Excessive concern about their own weight and appearance.
2. A distinct disregard for fat people. Tom, who suffers from bulimia, obesity seems to be a disgrace, a sign of low social status, something unpleasant and contagious.
3. Recurring gluttony. Sometimes the victim of bulimia eats unimaginable amounts of food.
4. In between - trying to go on a diet, giving up certain foods, strenuous exercises in the gym.
5. Love for laxative, diuretic drinks, slimming products.
6. The desire to go to the bathroom or toilet immediately after meals.
7. Red eyes. When artificially caused vomiting, overstrained vessels, capillaries burst.
8. Dental problems: they hurt, break and fall out.
9. Complaints of pain in the throat: the result all the same vomiting.
10. Heartburn, indigestion, abdominal distention.
11. Irregular periods.
12. mood swings.

Each of these features alone is not a reason to worry. But if you counted at least 5-6 of them, this is a dangerous signal.

How to treat bulimia

As soon as possible. The earlier address to the psychotherapist, the easier it will be to overcome the disorder.

The therapist will help adjust the feeding behavior. And prescribe antidepressants or other drugs that facilitate the control of hunger, if necessary.

You may need and dietary counseling. He learned to count calories and choose healthy food. This will relieve the patient from fear to gain extra pounds.

Unfortunately, bulimia - the state, which is not easy to say goodbye. It often happens that, even cure, people from time to time return to old habits. And only thanks to the strength of will again start to eat right.

What are the causes of bulimia and how to prevent it

What causes this disorder, scientists do not yet know. Several factors play a likely role:

1. Dissatisfaction own body.
2. Low self-esteem. By the way, it also triggers anorexia.
3. Perhaps heredity. Bulimia often suffer from several members of the same family, so physiologists do not exclude a genetic predisposition.

To prevent the development of an eating disorder, it is important to learn to love yourself. Take your body. Most often, bulimia begins with stress, resentment and low self-esteem. At such times the family is very important and friendly support. Do not leave your loved ones alone and do not hesitate to ask for help and encouragement themselves. This is the best way of prevention of mental disorders.