You are here:

Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Multivitamin and recovering from Bulimia

Advertisement

Expert: Reverend Abbott - 6/4/2007


Question
I am currently recovering from bulimia however sometimes I still have relapses where I will binge and purge. If I take a multivitamin and drink pleny of water after I purge could that help counteract some of the physical effects bulimia can causes (by replacing the nutrients that I may of lost when purgin and the multivitamin would be the only one I take that day). I am trying to stop but agian by doing this could it help counteract some of the damages while I am recovering?

Answer
I'm glad you asked this! The thing about supplements and vitamins is that most of them are a total waste of time and money. The body doesn't just need the vitamins and minerals you hear about, but they need the food delivery system to get them. Many of these vitamins and minerals need a 'companion' in order to work.  For example, calcium doesn't build bones by itself, it needs vitamin D, thiamine and a host of others in order to do its job.
  
Also, bulimia causes erosion of the esophagus. No vitamins will replace the tissue loss or repair the action. You're more highly prone to cancer here and unfortunately, there's no cure. Prevention is the only real option - and that means no more purging.

I know how hard this is (first hand), but I also know that if I can, ANYONE can. I promise you.  So, instead of trying to appease yourself and your guilt by thinking a vitamin will counteract anything, you have to do the most difficult thing on earth and face the reality. Stare it down and take your power back.
 
 Have you found a support group?  

Take a look at my site (no sales, no products, no ulterior motives) for more info and some links that may help with finding a group in your area.  
  
 www.GetTheReal.info

God bless,  

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Reverend Abbott

Expertise

I have lived it and survived it. I know every excuse, reason, thought, feeling and rationalization - and I'm going to be very honest in my advice.

Experience

I've lost (& gained)HUNDREDS of lbs over a lifetime, more than 30 years of "professional dieting". Presently a counselor for sufferers of eating disorders, a nutritional advisor and spiritual counselor (Reverend,doctor); I've been on every diet there is and used the most bizarre weight loss products you can imagine. I am FORMERLY obese, anorexic (several times), bulimic MOST of the time - and maintaining size 4, with no gimmicks, devices, programs, pills or supplements.

I currently investigate the diet industry on behalf of consumers who do not need to be ripped off while struggling to be healthy. I WILL expose them all and I WON'T be intimidated, bullied or bought. My advice is for cost-free options. I have nothing whatsoever to gain from my recommendation(s). I make no money from my website and I sell, promote, endorse NO diet/health products, programs or devices. You'll also never see me on the receiving end of a hidden camera report...but you can be assured, I won't quit until I've exposed those who are out to take advantage of you.

It's a matter of choices. We need to stop complicating things.


Degrees & Certifications:
I'm an ordained minister (Reverend, doctor) spiritual/living/behavior counselor.

I have a medical education and management background (with college). Through early 90's (until retirement) Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".



Organizations
While active (through the 1980's), included in Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".



Education/Credentials
Ordained Minister; phlebotomist; medical information researcher for court cases

Awards and Honors
Doctorate of Divinity

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.