Posts Tagged alcohol

Bulimia and Health Complications

Bulimia is generally characterized by periods of bingeing and purging. Bingeing may be defined as an episode wherein an individual consumes a large amount of food in a short period of time, but bingeing can take on a different definition for everyone. Some may consider 1,000 to 10,000 calories a binge while for others, a single chocolate bar can be considered a binge.

After every binge episode, the affected individual feels so terribly guilty and disgusted over his or her actions that he or she needs to eliminate all the calories that were taken in during the bingeing episode. Hence, the purging starts.

Bulimia disrupts the body’s normal functions. As such it can lead to several health complications which can be serious and even life threatening. The complications which are experienced by an individual are highly dependent on the type of purging used.

Among the most common complications are those of cardiovascular, digestive and dental origins. Bulimia is also known to affect the potassium levels in the body fluids and most commonly lead to medication and drug abuse.

. Bulimia leads to a number of cardiovascular problems. Imbalances in the electrolyte levels in the body or the misuse and abuse of a drug called ipecac syrup can cause heart abnormalities. These are known to cause irregular heartbeats, rapid heart rate, chest pains, breathing problems and cardiac arrest. It may also instigate low blood pressure and fainting or dizzy spells.

A word of advice: Ipecac syrup is very dangerous and should only be used to induce vomiting in cases of accidental poisoning. Using it for other purposes such as for purging is considered a grave misuse of the drug and may lead to various problems.

. Forced and frequent vomiting may harm your digestive system. Repeated vomiting instigates the swelling and appearance of sores in the mouth, throat and salivary glands. It may likewise rupture the linings of the stomach and the esophagus, which may lead to serious bleeding. Continued use of laxatives may likewise lead to the dependence on the drug and disrupt the normal bowel function causing constipation and diarrhea. Peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, stomach pain and bloating can also result from this disorder.

. The acidic nature of the gastric contents in the vomit may destroy the teeth enamel leading to an increase in dental cavities. Teeth may also become chipped, ragged and more sensitive to hot or cold food.

. The electrolyte balance in the body is greatly affected by constant purging. When the potassium level in the body becomes critically low, weakness and irregular heart rhythms may be experienced. At worst, death due to cardiac arrest may result from grave electrolyte imbalance.

. Using over-the-counter drugs such as laxatives, diuretics, appetite suppressants and ipecac syrup may make a person dependent on these medications and create a drug abuse issue. This drug dependency may take a step further and instigate alcohol and substance abuse.

Aside from these, bulimia may also trigger the onset of amenorrhea (loss of menstruation) and irregular menstruation, depression or mood swings, hair loss, kidney and liver damage, swelling of the hands and feet (edema) and anemia.

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Facts About Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease, named for American physician Burrill Crohn who was among the first to describe it, may effect any point of the digestive tract. It is most often associated with the intestine, which can become inflamed and ulcerated. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea — possibly containing blood, and fever. The condition may also be called regional enteritis or granulomatous enteritis or colitis.

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not known. There is some speculation that it is related to a bacterial infection, but this is unproven. In any case, the illness is not contagious, although a family history of the disease is one thing doctors look for when making a diagnosis. Diagnostic images such as X-rays, colonoscopies, and CAT scans allow the location of outbreaks and determination of their severity.

At this time, no cure for Crohn’s disease exists. The condition is commonly treated with medication, both over the counter and via prescription. A wide range of possibilities include 5-aminosalicylic acid drugs, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Some medications are administered orally, others rectally.

When medications are unable to control outbreaks, surgery is necessary. A majority of those with Crohn’s will require surgery in their lifetime. The goal of the surgery may be to repair a fissure or clear an obstruction.

While diet does not cause the disease and there isn’t any Crohn’s disease diet, certain foods vary the effects positively or negatively. Foods to limit include those containing saturated or trans fats, cholesterol, and salt. Alcohol consumption should also be moderated. Healthy foods for Crohn’s sufferers are grains, fruits and vegetables, and other heart-healthy foods. Patients respond differently, so they need to note and avoid those foods which cause their condition to worsen.

Crohn’s disease presents physical challenges and forces lifestyle changes. As with any incurable disease, a positive outlook is key. For those who find themselves showing signs of depression or isolation, a mental health professional can help.

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Migraine Cure – Tips To Help You Out

When an individual is going through a migraine headache, it can incapacitate the victims, making it hard for them to perform their normal activities. These headaches can last for anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days, maybe even a week. Migraines affect millions of individuals each and every year. The side effects can be vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision and sensitivity to sound, light and smell. The migraine can affect work and every day life. Sufferers have a tendency to lose many hours do to pain. There are many individuals that are searching for that migraine cure in order to permanently fix the problem.

Components include inflammation of the blood vessels that are located in the brain. This type of inflammation affects the central nervous system as well as the digestive system. Through a time of research, experts have revealed to us some common causes of migraines.

Some common causes include excessive amounts of caffeine, consumption of red wine, high levels of stress, eating particular foods, hormone fluctuations and lack of sleep. Sometimes, minimizing those that cause the symptoms can cure it.

While there is no “cure” for the problem, those suffering will find prescription and over-the-counter drugs that acts as a cure. There is also a shot you can go to the doctor and get in order to get rid of the main. The shot will be given in the back of your neck.

For those seeking the natural migraine cure, changes in the lifestyle can help. This means avoiding caffeine and alcohol, turning to an exercise program and getting the right amount of sleep each day. Normally, you should get anywhere from six to eight hours of sleep in order to fully function. There are also treatments such as therapeutic massages, chiropractic treatment and even acupuncture.

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