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Recovering From Bulimia, Constipation. Tried Drinking Water, Green Tea, Eating Fiber, No Relief. Cure?
I am recovering from bulimia .... I m not that bloated as I ve been doing a lot of walking and core cardio stuff. But I m on my 4th day of no binging/purging and I STILL haven t had a good poop. I m drinking water, green tea, trying to get some fiber in ( nuts and berries... Some rice..). I just want to get everything in me OUT so I feel like I m getting somewhere. What can I do??
Wed, 23 Jan 2013
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
In persons with bulimia and purging, who frequently use of laxatives, there can be episodes of constipation following the purging episodes. Sometimes, withdrawal effects of chronic laxative use can also result is constipation.
I would advise you to drink plenty of water and fruit juices and eat a lot of vegetables. You can also try taking a natural fibre supplement (such as Psyllium husk) to help relieve your constipation. Since you have a tendency to purge because of the bulimia, it is better to avoid laxatives, as it will only be putting you through another cycle of purging and binge eating. I would also suggest that you get professional help from a psychiatrist to deal with your bulimia.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
In persons with bulimia and purging, who frequently use of laxatives, there can be episodes of constipation following the purging episodes. Sometimes, withdrawal effects of chronic laxative use can also result is constipation.
I would advise you to drink plenty of water and fruit juices and eat a lot of vegetables. You can also try taking a natural fibre supplement (such as Psyllium husk) to help relieve your constipation. Since you have a tendency to purge because of the bulimia, it is better to avoid laxatives, as it will only be putting you through another cycle of purging and binge eating. I would also suggest that you get professional help from a psychiatrist to deal with your bulimia.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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2 Doctors agree with this answer
Hi there ~
Since I have worked in an eating disorders unit during training, I know how tough it is to have bulimia and how hard it is to resist the urge to purge (no pun intended). I think that eating regular meals and snacking in between is something your psychiatrist must have reinforced time and again. I also think that there is a way out for the feeling of not having had a "good poop". Thinking of any amount of stools as being good enough and putting it behind you once it is over with is one way to go. If you are still not satisfied, having a high fibre diet with adequate hydration or using a laxative (stool softener) under physician guidance would be the way to go. I hope this helps. Please keep posted.
Take care and have a lovely day !
Since I have worked in an eating disorders unit during training, I know how tough it is to have bulimia and how hard it is to resist the urge to purge (no pun intended). I think that eating regular meals and snacking in between is something your psychiatrist must have reinforced time and again. I also think that there is a way out for the feeling of not having had a "good poop". Thinking of any amount of stools as being good enough and putting it behind you once it is over with is one way to go. If you are still not satisfied, having a high fibre diet with adequate hydration or using a laxative (stool softener) under physician guidance would be the way to go. I hope this helps. Please keep posted.
Take care and have a lovely day !
I find this answer helpful
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2 Doctors agree with this answer
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