Los Angeles Eating Disorders

Hi Jen,

Congratulations on having 7 months of recovery on your side!  Normally the swollen salivary glands that give the appearance of “chipmunk-like cheeks” go down when the binge purging behavior ceases.  In rare case like your own, the swelling may continue for months.  In my 27 years of treating eating disorders, I have seen a handful of individuals with your concern.  You need to see an ENT to diagnose your condition.  I have heard of such things as individuals being prescribed antibiotics, ridding the mucous trapped in the glands, low amounts of saliva needing to be addressed and blockage needing surgery.

Good luck,

Dr Patricia Pitts

There is compelling research that shows both the binge and the purge is associated with low serotonin.  In addition, individuals taking serotonin-boosting medications, i.e., prozac decreased their carbohydrate cravings.  Also, in support of your experience that “food becomes my heroine”, some researchers believe that once the binge-purge cycle is established, drug-like behavior with serotonin 5HT receptors perpetuates this behavior.  Ask your doctor about serotonin re-uptake medications to support breaking the cycle bio-chemically.

In addition, you are on to the right idea by finding ways to not go to the binge-purge behavior.  There are many great distractions and change of thinking to help break the cycle.  The following are a few:  1) practice thought-stopping by seeing a stop sign in your mind’s eyes when you catch your mind racing or going to unhealthy thinking; 2) journal your feelings and thoughts; 3) move by taking a walk; 4)  leave the triggering environment; 5) talk to someone; 6)  breathe – practice being in the moment; 7)  focus on a craft project; 8) have a puzzle you are doing ongoing; 9) focus on making a card or gift for someone else; 10) do the opposite behavior to evoke an opposite emotion, e.g., if sad, watch a comedy and 11) do something with you hands, e.g., knitting or hook rug.

With Joy,

Dr Patricia Pitts