There are four types of eating disorders:
1) Anorexia nervosa--is a life threatening eating disorder where one starve themselves to excessive weight loss
2) Bulimia nervosa-- is another life threatening eating disorder where one does a cycle of binging and compensatory behavior to undo the binge eating such as self-induce vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics or enemas
3) Binge eating occurs when one eats uncontrollable without undoing the excessive eating
4) Pica involves eating non-food substances (coal, laundry starch, plaster, pencil eraser) for a one month period during a developmentally inappropriate age.
How does eating disorder affect one's health?
It robs the body of adequate minerals, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients that is needed for good overall health. Without the right nutrition your gums may bleed easily, bad breath can occur along with sensitive teeth, mouth sores, crack lips and dry mouth.
Excessive exposure of stomach acid to the tooth enamel occurs from frequent vomiting leading to thinning of the tooth enamel where they can break easily and easily become sensitive to hot/cold food and drinks.
Can one recover from an eating disorder?
Yes, with professional help, nutritional counseling and a good support system.