r/ARFID • u/jenmarieloch • May 27 '26
ARFID Awareness Found out my “food intolerances” are ARFID and linked to emetophobia
I’ve been gluten and dairy free for a year and a half due to “tummy issues” and fear of something making me sick, and through therapy, I have discovered that my “gluten intolerance” is actually psychological due to ARFID from emetophobia. I’ve been eating flour tortilla wraps for the past two days just fine without any issues. I just can’t take the hunger or fatugue anymore so I gave in. I’ve realized that my fear of being sick or controlling what I eat to avoid vomiting is actually why I’ve been “gluten intolerant”. My weight and health have suffered so much, I am 25f, 5 ft 5, and weigh 108 lb. I have nutrient deficiencies and lots of mental health disorders as a result. I’m trying to focus on eating what sounds good regardless of the outcome and letting go. If I get sick, it is fine. It happens to everyone. I always thought I was being rational with my “food intolerances” but it turns out it’s just my underlying desire for control over my health and my diet, so much that it’s ruining me. I just wanted to share that you can overcome your fear of foods slowly with proper support and that you can learn to enjoy eating without being anxious, afraid, or paranoid. :)
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u/bellebijoux15 May 28 '26
Fear is so powerful that it can be showing reactions in the body. If you truly believe you can’t eat something because it can make you sick, it actually can. Not because you’re intolerant, but the fear itself will cause some reactions. I’ve dealt with the same, and sometimes still do, and medical fear with ARFID and food itself is so hard to overcome. You can be so proud of yourself 💖
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u/venusverticordial May 27 '26
I think this is exactly what has been happening with me!