It is known that anorexia/bulimia sufferers have bad teeth - but do they also have poor nails & hair?

Question

If so, Is the damage irreversible?

Answer 1

every thing has an effect on every thing elses in the body. so yes anorexia/bulimia sufferers do have poor nails and hair. When I was anemic my hair was thinner and my nails broke if I looked at them funny. and that was just from a lack of iron. Now imagine a lack of all nutrients. Not only are teeth, nails and hair affected, but your heart. kidneys. liver, gallbladder, skin, lungs, muscels, every thing is effected when people are starving and that is what anorexia/bulimia dose to a person. So yes anorexia/bulimia affects every thing even nails and hair.

Some effects are reversible when you start eating again. Some are not. and it depends on how long you've been doing it.

Answer 2

Yes, they may also have poor quality nails and hair.

This is due to the fact that people with anorexia/bulimia may be deficient in certain nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins) that are important for the growth of nails and hair. Consequently when the body does not have enough of those nutrients, it uses what it has for more critical parts of the body, such as the heart and brain instead of hair and nails. Additionally, especially with anorexics, the body's metabolic rate changes - partially through changes in points set in the brain and through the thyroid function. This also leads to changes in nail and hair growth.

The problem with teeth in anorexics/bulimics is more than just from malnutrition. It is also because many of these are "bingers" who make themselves vomit. The stomach acids damage the teeth over time.

The damage is not irreversible as long as the person resumes a normal diet. If the person is anorexic or bulimic they should seek assistance to help them.

Answer 3

Every system in the body is affected by lack of nutrients. The skin, hair, and nails have very rapidly dividing cells, however they're not vital. They also depend on nutrients to thrive, therefore if they aren't vital and there are no nutrients coming in to support the growth, it will suffer. The body will use its reserves for more important activity, like brain activity circulation, kidney function etc. Over time, people with anorexia lose their menstrual cycle, because again, the body needs whatever energy stores it has for more important functions. As these stores run out and there is added strain on the body to stay alive, you'll see kidney failure as well as heart attacks. If it goes that far, the damage may or may not be irreversible.

Answer 4

The damage isn't irreversible if they beat their addiction and starting eating healthy. And yes, they do also have poor nails and hair as well since their bodies aren't getting enough nutrients to keep up those stuff. In some cases their hair falls out!!

Answer 5

the bad teeth is due to the acid in the vomit causing the teeth enamel to erode.

the nails and hair on the other hand relate to poor nutrition, lack of nutrients and minerals essential for nail & hair growth.

the damage to the teeth is not reversible but you can always improve the hair and nails.

anorexia and bulimia can cause a lot of other health problems - more serious than this. people suffering from either conditions should seek advice from their gp.

Answer 6

Another sign of someone deep into their bulimia disease is a skinny body with a swollen face. My girlfriend was really sick with that and she turned herself into a monster.
The reason for Anorexia and Bulimia sufferers to have bad hair and nails is because they are depriving themselves of nutrition. And absolutely! If the problem is stopped and they start the healing process through recovery then they will find their hair and nails growing properly again.
I hope that this is not something that you are doing to yourself or thinking of doing.
Just remember that we are like plants in alot of ways. We need water and nutrition and sunlight to continue to grow, but once taken from us we start to wither away not leaving much perhapes even death. But if things are replenished we can become healthy again. We may not ever be a 100% as before but recovery is possible.

Answer 7

OK, well first off, people suffering anorexia do not necessarily have bad teeth. The reason bulimics suffer dental issues is because of the constant throwing up. Anorexics simply do not eat; they don't force themselves to throw up. Just so you know! And yes, anorexics especially can lose hair because they are not receiving proper nutrition. Nails can also suffer. Improper nutrition can have a lot of negative consequences. Once someone with an eating disorder is on the path to recovery, most things come back into alignment as they begin to gain weight and recive proper nutrition.

Answer 8

The hair and nails damage is reversible, once an anorexic eats properly.... but in the case of bulimia, the bad teeth are caused by the constant exposure to the stomach acids, when they vomit... and that unfortunatly is not reversible.

Answer 9

Yes bulimics and people who suffer from anorexia have very poor hair. Their hair begins to shed. And it thins out. Im never heard anyone talk about this. But im sure after the person gets healthy, they will gain back the nutrients their body needs for healthy hair and nails.

Answer 10

it will affect every person differently but yes in most cases hair and nails suffer as well.
The damage is reversible because as a sufferer begins to eat healthy again his/her body is slowly restoring nutrients needed for strong healthly looking hair/nails. It takes time but it can be fixed.
P.S. Hope whomever you may be talking about is seeking help and the advice of their doctor.