Do I Really Have an Intolerance?

Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is very common in eating disorder recovery. Clients will often present in session with extensive stomach pain, bloating, gas, early satiety, acid reflux, and more. When exploring the causes of these symptoms, food intolerances often come into question. Eating disorders typically involve disordered behaviors around specific foods such as restricting or binging an entire food group (e.g., carbohydrates or vegetables), an individual item (e.g., French fries), or an ingredient (e.g., wheat gluten). During the recovery process, folx will often work to “normalize” their interactions with the foods their eating disorder fixates on which can often lead to both emotional and physical discomfort. Though not always the case, this discomfort can be mistaken for a physiological intolerance to these foods. So, how do you know if your symptoms are a normal part of recovery or if they are true intolerances? Let’s talk about it!

1.     How do you feel mentally?

Stress and anxiety can be key contributors to poor digestion. During moments of high stress, the sympathetic nervous system slows or pauses digestion in addition to other “nonessential” bodily functions. If you are feeling anxious about introducing a fear food, you may experience higher levels of pain or GI distress. Try taking some deep grounding breaths, engage with smells/sounds/textures that bring ease, or seek support before challenging a previously restricted/binged food. Does this help with digestion and ease discomfort?

2.     What other symptoms are you feeling?

Food intolerances can come in a variety of different forms. In addition to stomach pain, are you experiencing any other symptoms? Some things to look out for are rashes, swelling, headaches, persistent nausea, vomiting, loose stools, and constipation.

3.     How often do your experience the symptoms?

Paying attention to the frequency of the symptoms is very important! If you are not noticing signs of intolerance or allergy every time you eat a specific food, it is unlikely that you are experiencing a true intolerance or allergy. This is not always the case. Be mindful of the amount and use of the trigger food. For example, some folx can handle smaller amounts of cheese when they are lactose intolerant, and typically goat cheese is digestible but other cheeses are not. If it is not triggering for your eating disorder, try keeping a log of what and how you ate the foods that you suspect could be contributing to symptoms.

4.     Have you seen a doctor?

Medical oversight is the best way to confirm allergies and intolerances. If accessible, reach out to your primary care physician regarding your symptoms. Physicians can perform blood, stool, and skin tests to determine what may be causing symptoms. If you work with a dietitian, be sure to keep them in the loop! Dietitians can be great support for communicating with physicians regarding potential intolerances and advocating for proper testing and treatment.

If you are struggling with persistent symptoms that you feel could be related to food intolerances but don’t have the support in exploring it, reach out to us on our contact page! Navigating food intolerances and eating disorder recovery can be very tricky, and having knowledgeable and supportive providers is an important part of this process.