Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel pattern, such as loose or more frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or constipation. According to the Mayo Clinic, “the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person …
Hypothermia results when the fat cells, which are the body’s natural insulation, become non-existent and the victim starts feeling cold all the time. As a result, the body develops a light coating of fur on the body, to retain whatever little body warmth it can. 15% of patients with anorexia nervosa have temperature below 95°F …
Anorexia nervosa often results in a starvation induced hypometabolic state where the body shifts to conserve resources. The thyroid slows the body’s metabolism and the output of hormones. Body temperature decreases so the individual is extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. This hypometabolic state is defined by slowed metabolic activity, and is the body’s attempt to …
In people with eating disorders, hypoglycemia is common. Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of blood sugar (glucose), your body’s main energy source. Hypoglycemia is also called low blood sugar, occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) level drops too low to provide enough energy for your body’s activities. Hypoglycemia can …
Eating disorders commonly raise the risk for having a heart attack. Anorexia and bulimia both create huge imbalances in the electrolytic balance of the blood, things like hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia, either of these two issues can instigate a heart attack. Heart disease is the most common medical cause of death in people with severe anorexia. …
People with eating disorders frequently have glandular problems. A gland is an organ in an animal’s body that synthesizes a substance for release such as hormones or breast milk, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland). People with eating disorders frequently have glandular problems …
The neurotransmitters of the brain can be altered, leaving the perception affected. Hypothermia can occur due to the loss of fat tissue from starvation. An anorexic suffering from hypothermia has a slow reaction time, is clumsy, lethargic, has blurred thinking, and hallucinations. Besides having impaired memory, people struggling with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and …
Anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders can have significant physical consequences – both long and short-term. Often, people with eating disorders do not realize the significant amount of long-tem damage that they are causing. For example, affected individuals can experience nutritional and hormonal problems that negatively impact bone density. Low body weight in females causes …
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. If the inside lining of your esophagus becomes inflamed, you may experience pain or problems with swallowing. Like acid reflex, frequent vomiting can cause acid burn in the esophagus. While suffering from esophagitis: Avoid …
The presence of gastric acid in your mouth from regular vomiting may cause damage to your teeth and gums, most commonly teeth enamel erosion. Dentist Dr. Brian McKay explains why almost a third of bulimia patients are first diagnosed through a dental visit. “The recurring vomiting of bulimia produces a distinctive teeth enamel erosion pattern …
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