Skin and Hair Problems

Skin can become dry and cracked. Loss of Scalp hair and the development of a fine downy layer of hair called lanugo hair. Fingernails and toenails become brittle. The skin can become yellowish.

Fluid and Electrolyte (salt) imbalance

Dehydration and salt imbalances can cause heart and kidney problems. Low phosphate can cause bone problems. Water retention (edema) can also occur.

Endocrine System

Slow or reduced growth and stature. Delayed sexual development- dysmenorrhea (irregular periods) or amenorrhea (loss of periods), leading to later complications with conception, pregnancy, and delivery. Cold Intolerance.

Cardiovascular System

Dizziness or fainting Slow heart rate Heart muscle shrinkage-as the body is deprived of required energy, fluid, and nutrition, it starts to shut down basic functions. In the case of muscle shrinkage, the body is actually feeding on itself to provide protein needed to stay alive Irregular heart beat.

Gastrointestinal System

Feeling bloated and full after eating a small amount- the stomach becomes unaccustomed to food and does not respond normally, sending mixed messages to the brain. Severe Cramping after eating a small amount of food-muscles respond to food with more force than normal. Not feeling the normal feeling of hunger and fullness at regular intervals-mixed, inappropriate, or even no message at all sent to brain. Parotid or Salivary Gland enlargement-vomiting irritates and infects these glands, causing inflammation and swelling. The esophagus and stomach can become ruptured or dilated causing damage that can lead to bleeding, or heartburn-vomiting interrupts the stomach from being protected with acid, and is consequently damaged. Bloody diarrhea, constipation, and/or a relaxed, non responsive bowel, requiring surgery-laxative abuse causes the body to loose its ability to stimulate a normal bowel movement and straining leads to damage and bleeding or cause muscles to loose strength and stop working.

Muscle, Bone and Teeth Problems

Muscle loss, weakness, spasms-lack of protein causes the body to cannibalize protein in muscle for energy and body maintenance. Spasms occur due to loss of essential minerals as a result of purging. Osteoporosis and spontaneous bone fractures- caused by lack of estrogen, calcium and vitamin D. Tooth discoloration, increased cavities, and sensitivity of teeth-vomiting leads to tooth damage and decay.

Neurological Changes

Difficulty with concentration, learning, eye-hand coordination, problem solving, movement, planning, and insight. Seizures and convulsions leading to brain damage-lack of nutrition and electrolyte imbalances reduce brain function, and change brain structure.

Hematological Changes

Increased fatigue, inability to fight infection and heal, irritability, nausea, and loss of appetite-caused by anemia, low white blood count, low platelet count and low zinc