What is the difference between detoxifying and laxative abuse?

Background Info: I am overcoming 11 years of anorexia, bulimia, over exercising and laxative abuse, and have been re introducing food for two weeks now. My digestive system is painful, and extremely bloated, and i am horribly constipated.  

I have been taking vitamins that are said to be good to aid in digestion, like enzymes, fibre, slippery elm, and a medication called Motilia. I have gained 10 pounds in a week, and i am worried about water retention and very unhealthy constipation. I read that you are supposed to gain temporary weight after defeating laxative addiction.

I want to go on a detoxifying, cleansing program of natural herbal capsules that cleanse liver and colon, because i have been told it may help my digestive system greatly. i am in pain and discomfort so i am really wanting to start my cleanse tomorrow morning. i am planning to drink lots of water, quit smoking, still eat what is on my meal plan whether its toxic or not, and drink lots of healthy raw juice. I also am going to drink green tea.

But I heard from someone that cleansing was just like a laxative. The lady i bought my cleansing capsules from, told me that it may give me "the runs", and that reminds me of laxatives, which i am trying to get away from. Other people are saying cleanses are bad for you, and that they have laxative ingredients in them. Is this a good idea? I just really hoped it would help my digestive system. I don't think laxatives are healthy for the body, considering what i made them do.
But i am trying to stop my bodies dependance upon laxatives.
I really hope a cleanse will help my overall health, and digestive system and not damage me more. I am really trying, and doing the best i have ever done on overcoming my eating disorders.
Thank you for your guidance,

- Sabrina
  

[Renee Radenberg]

I do not recommend colon cleansers to be used unless you are going in for a colon test. The cleansers are just like laxatives. To keep a good integrity of the colon, I recommend high fiber foods (roughage). Foods such as: whole grain / wheat breads, pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables.  With high fiber you will need to increase water consummation to allow the waste to pass through on a daily basis. Benefiber is another fiber you can add to food or drinks to help regulate your bowels. Hoped this helped you.