*groans*

- Avoid using any objects when purging. Things like toothbrushes are dangerous to use when purging because it is very easy to accidentally scratch or bruise the back of your throat, choke, or even accidentally swallow these objects. Using your hands is the safest option as you have much more control.

- Avoid purging with long nails or acrylic / press on nails. In the case of press-ons these can come off and become lodged in your throat leading to choking. Any long nails, natural or fake, can lead to scratching. If you can, cut your nails beforehand to keep scratching risks to a minimum. If you do have fake nails and really want to keep them on, consider using medical gloves so the risks of scratching or choking are minimized.

- Avoid brushing your teeth right after purging. This will rub the stomach acid into your teeth and heavily damage your enamel after time. Instead, rinse your mouth throughly with plain water or water with a little bit of baking soda mixed in to neutralize the acid.

- DO NOT drink lots of water in an attempt to make purging easier. This will greatly deplete your electrolytes and increase the change of passing out or in extreme cases heart failure. This also will put extra strain on your stomach and can damage your stomach lining over time leading to increased risk of ulcers or even just worse stomach pains.

- DO NOT use emetics (medications designed to induce vomiting). These are very harsh on your body and intense. Emetics will make you vomit uncontrollably until there is nothing left in your stomach, including stomach acid and water. It is extremely painful when your stomach is completely empty, the walls will touch together and severe stomach cramps are a symptom of this. You also will be extremely dehydrated and low on electrolytes. You will not be able to stop vomiting when you want to or when you have had enough. It is not uncommon for people using emetics to attempt to purge to vomit until the point of vomiting blood which is extremely dangerous. Emetics are one of the number one things that lands bulimic patients in the emergency room.

- DO NOT use home-made emetics. There are a few very popular home-remedy to try and induce vomiting which I will not list here for the sake of not trying to give people tips. Many of these involve something salty mixed with water. This is very dangerous as many people have given themselves sodium poisoning while drinking this in an attempt to induce vomiting. The salinity of these mixtures can also lead to heavy bloating, swelling of the throat, and in rare cases seizures. There also is not much scientific evidence to suggest these mixtures are effective at inducing vomiting.

- If you vomit blood, consider seeking medical attention. Sometimes this is due to a scratch and will subside on it’s own, but if you experience lightheadedness, stomach pains, throat pains, or it is more than just a little bit of blood, please consider seeking medical attention if you can. This can be indicative of anything from a minor scratch in your throat to ulcers or a tear in your esophagus. Not things you can afford to risk.

- DO rehydrate afterwards. Purging vastly dehydrates you, so make sure you drink water afterwards. The water can also soothe your throat a little bit. Don’t chug water or you could upset your stomach further just drink normally.

- DO replenish your electrolytes and sugar levels afterwards. After purging you probably feel like garbage (I’ve been there) but part of that is your electrolytes and sugar levels being low. Some low calorie (for the sake of not triggering yourself further) things that can help you recover from a purge include Pedialyte, propel water, rice cakes, crackers, bananas, or applesauce.

- DO remember that you are going to be okay. You are human and there is nothing to be ashamed of. It is okay. You are going to be okay. No one here is trying to judge you and you are going to get through this. ♡ you are worth taking care of even if you don’t feel like it sometimes.