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ARFID and Fear of Eating
ARFID and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
It is quite common for people with IBS to be afraid to eat because it causes them digestive symptoms. In more severe cases, the diet becomes too restricted, which can cause significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. When energy intake is insufficient, the body adapts by slowing one’s digestion, which can lead to gastroparesis and digestive symptoms like constipation and abdominal distension. So it’s a vicious circle.
The prevalence of ARFID in people with IBS or other gastrointestinal diseases is estimated to be about 12-21%. In such a case, it is not appropriate to follow a restrictive diet such as the low FODMAP* diet. However, there is a simplified FODMAP approach that may be more appropriate.
Treatments for ARFID
The main treatment for ARFID is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is a psychological treatment that uses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations to address maladaptive behaviors in a less overwhelming way. There is a specific type of CBT for ARFID (CBT-ARFID) that is widely used by registered dietitians and therapists.
Exposure therapy is also widely used. It consists of exposing the person to the fear that they perceive, in this case, the foods that cause them anxiety.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, ARFID is an eating disorder that is still widely unknown and underdiagnosed. It can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, with the help of therapists and registered dietitians who specialize in eating disorders, it is possible to treat it and improve one’s relationship with food.
SOSCuisine offers weekly meal plans, all based on the Mediterranean diet and customizable according to allergies, intolerances, and individual preferences. Should you need more support, we do offer consultations with registered dietitians.
*FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that are partly responsible for causing symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). For more info, read this article.
Sources
1) Thomas and Eddy (2019) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Children, Adolescents and Adults. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
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