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Health and Wellness

The Reality of an Eating Disorder

It isn't pretty

Jasmine Hewitt

Jan 14, 2018

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An eating disorder is a mental disorder that comes with so many physical symptoms. If left untreated there's a tremendous possibility of it becoming fatal. Here's five of the common physical effects that come along with an eating disorder that many people do not know about, more specifically Bulimia but some can occur with Anorexia as well. I'm no professional I'm only speaking from what I've gone through and what I'm currently experiencing.

Tooth Decay

When a person has Bulimia they will eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time and then they will purge it. This usually means intentionally throwing the food up. After a person does this for a certain amount of time their teeth will soon begin to decay. The constant acid that comes up will cause the tooth enamel to break down. If it's bad enough a person can actually lose their teeth. This can be very very expensive to get fixed and let's be honest, it doesn't always look nice.

Dehydration/Electrolyte Imbalance

This is very common with this disorder. Dehydration is caused from water loss in the body and purging will cause this to happen. Excessive exercising is another form of purging and this can also cause dehydration because of the large loss of sweat. Another thing that people will do is abuse laxatives, laxative abuse will definitely lead to dehydration. This isn't fun, not at all. I've been to the Emergency Room multiple times because I've been so dehydrated, it gets very very dangerous.

Loss of period

This can occur in both eating disorders but more commonly in Anorexia. When people here this they think that they wouldn't mind losing their period, but you should. If this happens to you, you should be extremely worried, this can lead to so so many problems that are not good for you. If you notice that you've gone 2-3 months without a period see your doctor as soon as possible.

Stomach problems

This has happened with me and many other people that I've spoken with who have bulimia. When you binge/purge your body somewhat becomes dependent on it. It never becomes used to having food inside of it so it expects you to purge. Once you try to stop these behaviors there's a large chance of you still getting sick. For me, I can't eat without throwing up anymore, it isn't even intentional at this point and it's so annoying. I hate it more than anything.

Esophagus

When someone purges for long enough their esophagus has the ability to become extremely irritated and in some cases it can rupture or tear. That should scare you. When your esophagus ruptures it allows food and liquids to leak into your chest which can cause lung problems. You don't want this. You may read this and think that they aren't that serious but I can guarantee you that they are. Eating disorders are so so dangerous and once you're in deep it may seem nearly impossible to get out of it but that's not true. There's so much help around you, you've just got to reach out. Start by seeing your primary care doctor and they can refer you out from there. NEDA Helpline is available Monday-Thursday from 9AM to 9PM ET, and Friday from 9AM to 5PM ET. Contact the Helpline for support, resources and treatment options for yourself or a loved one. (800) 931-2237. For crisis situations, text "NEDA" to 741741

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The Reality of an Eating Disorder

It isn't pretty

Tooth Decay

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Loss of period

Stomach problems

Esophagus

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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