Eating disorders can take their toll on your body. While many people rightfully focus on the mental aspects of these conditions, untreated bulimia or anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening.

Seeking therapy for eating disorder can help you address the physical and mental effects, putting you on your way to recovery and healthy living. Here are some ways an eating disorder can harm your body.

Hormonal Imbalances

Many disorders can cause hormonal issues over time. The weight lost when grappling with an eating disorder can eliminate or build up fat stores. The fat tissue plays an important role in hormone production because the body produces critical hormones based on the status of fat stores.

With constant changes to fat tissues, sudden increases and decreases in hormonal production can negatively impact everything from reproductive to gastric health.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Those who fail to get therapy for eating disorder will often contend with nutritional deficiencies. Whether it's bulimia or anorexia, the body fails to absorb the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. As a result, many biological functions suffer. A lack of vitamins and minerals can cause bone problems, anemia, dizziness and more.

Heart Issues

Heart problems are another byproduct of nutritional deficiencies. A fast resting heart rate is a common symptom of eating disorders. The heart struggles to deal with the lack of nutrients, causing it to beat faster.

Some individuals will also experience dangerously low blood pressure. The heart goes into preservation mode without the nutrients and food to fuel it. Low blood pressure can cause nausea, fainting, blurry vision and more. The body can also go into shock as it gets to dangerously low levels.

Kidney Damage

Kidney damage is the byproduct of nutritional deficiencies and dehydration. The kidneys are vital to your overall health, but many people with eating disorders don't realize how much harm they cause. Many of the symptoms of kidney failure are similar to basic dehydration, so problems go unnoticed. Wait too long, and the kidneys can become so damaged that they no longer function.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. You can find her thoughts at online therapy blog.