For many bulimia sufferers, having a bloated stomach is one of the most distressing signs of the illness. If you are receiving bulimia treatment, or if you have a loved one who is, then you know how dangerous this symptom can be because it usually makes the bulimic wish her stomach was smaller. Therefore, the cycle of purging continues, which in itself is bringing about another onset of a binging episode.
More often than not restraint behavior, such as wanting an empty stomach or shape conscious behavior like wishing for a flatter stomach, comes with a great degree of discomfort. Sadly, it is extremely common for people to feel ugly and unloved because of the way their stomachs look.
Even though you’re probably aware of how much food you eat during one binge, you probably don’t really think about the physical causes of bloating. For a majority of people, enduring the discomfort of a bloated belly simply means waiting a short period of time for all that food to be digested, and then the bloating is gone. Unfortunately, bulimics are terrified of allowing any calories to be absorbed into their bodies, so in their minds, time is not a luxury they can afford.
Maybe if you understood the natural physiological reactions that are happening in your body, you would feel the urge to protect your organs rather than destroy them. Take the time to learn about it: what is really taking place inside your belly?
For someone who isn’t suffering from bulimia, a distended belly is caused by gases that are trapped in your stomach and/or intestines. Although it can be an uncomfortable feeling, this kind of swelling is harmless and usually very temporary. Most women should not worry as water retention, especially just before their menstrual period, is very common.
Sometimes, your weight may fluctuate because you are on a diet one week and off it the next; this constant variation in your weight may result in the walls of your stomach stretching.
It is especially imperative that bulimia sufferers allow the time for bloating to pass, because it is a direct result of the large intake of food all at once. Attempt to work on your recovery before you binge; learn how to combat the cravings and attain some control over your desires. How is this possible? You must learn to recognize what triggers you to binge and purge rather than to select healthy life choices.
For bulimics who wish to learn how to combat against their illness, you should consult a physician or psychologist who is well-versed in bulimia treatment. This way the therapist will not only help you appreciate where you feel you are most vulnerable at, but also give you set of tools and build your confidence to overcome the trigger that causes so many anxieties and starts the vicious cycle again. Your success will depend largely on how effectively you can train and sit with this bodily sensation that comes with the negative self hate and guilt…so you can go about healing and preventing a bloated stomach as you gradually recover.
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Tags: bulimia
Tags: bulimia
