laxitives

I am 16 and have had bulimia for nearly two years but now i have started taking herbal laxitives instead of binging and purging. i was wondering if taking these laxitives will harm me in the future. they are only herbal ones and i feel much beter taking them then making myself throw up.

[SallyA]

Dear Rebecca,
Eating disorders are terrible things and so hard to live with - when one's whole life revolves around food and trying to avoid eating / but can't stop thinking about it.  I guess that laxatives are better than making yourself throw up all the time, however they are not good for your body and can also create problems over time - even herbal ones becasue they stop your system working normally.  Much better to find a way to eat that doesn't require bullimic or anorexic activity.  Are you getting help for the bullimia, talking to someone.  It is a long term battle.  I also know this - and I am 30.  Please find someone to talk to to help you with this.
Best wishes
Sally