Understanding Recovery From Eating Disorders

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which primarily involves eating large quantities of food, known as a "binge," and then subsequently attempting to get rid of it through using purging methods. Forms of purging methods commonly used in bulimia include the following: laxative abuse, self-induced vomiting, misuse of diuretics, emetics and compulsive exercise.

Reasons To Stop Abusing Laxatives and Diuretics

The main reason why it makes real sense to stop using purging methods common to bulimia such as misusing laxatives and diuretics is because they do not actually work. Much research undertaken in this area has indicated that both laxatives and diuretics are ineffective means of weight control.

Another major reason to stop abusing laxatives and diuretics is that they do not help one's body in either the short or long-term. The body may typically become overly reliant on laxatives, especially if one has been abusing them for a long period of time and using them in large quantities. Both laxatives and diuretics impact upon the body's fluid levels and so may result in shifts in weight which can cause mental stress as the numbers on the scale quickly move around.

How To Stop Abusing Laxatives and Diuretics

It is a good idea to aim to gradually come off these substances over a fair period of time, as if one has been using them on a regular basis for long periods this may result in fluid retention which can also lead to swelling. When a person has been using laxatives or diuretics daily, think about reducing the dosage of laxatives or diuretics one takes on a daily basis and after this has been achieved try to build up to having days completely free of any purging methods.

There are two main health factors which are linked to giving up laxatives and/or diuretics including constipation and swelling (the medical term for the latter is oedema).

How To Cope with Constipation and Oedema

When one stops taking laxatives it is highly likely that one may begin to experience symptoms associated with constipation such as feeling bloated and "bunged up." There are several ways to reduce constipation without going back to using laxatives including the following: eat brown or wholemeal bread rather than white, opt for wholemeal pasta, include fruit or vegetables with each meal, try apricots or prunes for snacks and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.

In terms of coping with oedema, try to keep legs up as much as possible as this will help any swelling drain from one's ankles. Also, it is a good idea to try to sleep with one's head up (use a few extra pillows) in order to prevent swelling around the face.

Try to be compassionate with oneself as stopping laxatives and diuretics as well as other purging behaviours such as compulsive exercise and misusing diet pills takes courage and determination. It is also wise to talk to a family doctor or experienced mental health professional if one has any concerns regarding symptoms associated with bulimia.

Source:

Schmidt, U. & Treasure, J. (2004) Getting better bit(e) by bit(e) East Sussex: Brunner Routledge