Unquenchable Appetite Loss and Revulsion for Food: Coping Strategies
In the realm of food and nutrition, food aversion is a common experience that can be influenced by various factors. This article aims to shed light on the causes, symptoms, consequences, and potential treatment for food aversion.
Food aversion can stem from personal preferences, negative associations with food, or physical health issues. For instance, some people may develop an aversion to certain foods due to past experiences like food poisoning. Similarly, illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections, fever, nausea, or digestive problems can also lead to food aversion.
However, food aversion can also be a symptom of psychological conditions. Disorders like Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia can cause individuals to feel disgusted by food or experience a lack of appetite.
ARFID is a relatively new diagnosis characterized by the avoidance or restriction of food intake due to fears or sensory sensitivities. Anorexia nervosa, on the other hand, is characterized by extreme food restriction and aversion to food, often accompanied by feelings of disgust. Bulimia nervosa involves eating large amounts of food followed by the need to expel it, leading to feelings of disgust and guilt. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food intake accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Orthorexia is an unhealthy obsession with eating "healthy" or "pure" foods.
These disorders can develop due to various reasons. Traumatic experiences, physical and verbal violence, sexual abuse, death of loved ones, loss of employment, and stress can all contribute to food aversion and a lack of appetite.
It's important to note that this article does not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. Readers are encouraged to seek help from a psychologist for their particular case.
Strategies to identify the origin of food aversion include observing emotional state, considering physical health problems, reviewing eating habits, evaluating relationship with food, considering possible intolerances or allergies, and listening to the body. When dealing with food aversion, it's crucial to prepare meal times, avoid pressuring oneself to eat, consider talking to a professional, seek support from loved ones, and pay attention to the body's signals.
In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, online therapy has become an important resource for mental health support. If you are confident enough, explaining the problem to trusted people will help you have a core of emotional support.
Remember, the cause of food aversion may be multifactorial and can be explored by a professional psychologist. Lack of hunger and food aversion can be caused by emotional or psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
In conclusion, food aversion is a complex issue that can be influenced by a variety of factors. By understanding its causes and symptoms, we can better address this issue and seek appropriate help when needed.
Food aversion can have roots in personal preferences, negative associations, physical health issues, or psychological conditions. Past experiences like food poisoning, gastrointestinal infections, fever, nausea, or digestive problems can cause food aversion, as can psychological conditions such as Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia. These disorders can stem from traumatic experiences, physical and verbal violence, sexual abuse, loss of loved ones, loss of employment, or stress. To identify the origin of food aversion, consider emotional state, physical health problems, eating habits, relationship with food, possible intolerances or allergies, and listen to the body. Seek help from a psychologist or mental health professional if needed, and remember to pay attention to body signals during meal times. Online therapy can be a valuable resource during the coronavirus pandemic for mental health support.
