Triggering (ED): Is this related to my eating disorder or something else?

Over the past few months, I sometimes experience a strong bout of nausea when eating. It was inconsistent for a long time, but in the last couple of days it's been constant. What happens is I'll be eating and then I suddenly think about the fact I am eating and I get really sick. I have to literally spit up whatever food is in my mouth to keep from vomiting.

I posted in a medical forum to see what they think. The doctors and nurses there told me I should consult a GI doctor. They think it's physical in nature, but I am wondering if it's psychological. I am wondering, honestly, if it's an ED symptom. If it is, though, it's one I've never had before. And I don't feel poorly about my body right now and that almost always accompanies ED behaviors.

Are they right? Should I go to a GI doctor? Or who should I speak to? I'd really like to be able to eat full meals again.

[Celyn]

Based on the fact that you said you'll be eating and suddenly think about the fact you are eating, I'd say that it may be more psychological in nature. If it is psychological, then there may be a risk of this happening more often or you feeling more anxious around eating/developing other ED symptoms.

I'm wondering if this happens with particular foods or even textures of foods? Also, how are you with fluids?

While eating disorders are usually associated with how you feel about your body, not all are. For example, some people might have anxieties around specific food or a fear of vomiting (phobias). Other people can't stand the taste or textures of food to the point where they suffer with nausea (as in the case for ARFID).

There is always the potential that it could be physical in nature and since I'm not a professional and don't have much knowledge of eating disorders, then it is worth checking out with a professional. If you think it's psychological and aren't noticing any other physical symptoms, then you might like to go down the psychological route. But then you could try to rule out the physical side of things first, if you wanted.

Thanks for responding. I am actually diagnosed with OSFED. My behaviors were restricting, overexercising, and purging, but I feel like some of those close to me never took it seriously because throughout the time it was most active I was still overweight, even when I lost a bunch.

But yes, I have never experienced this nausea before. It doesn't matter what food I am eating. I can consume fluids with no problem; it's just solid food of any type.

[startangle]

known causes for OSFED may include genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental, social, and cultural factors. Like many other eating disorders, it can be triggered by unresolved underlying feelings and emotions. But if you are unsure better to consult a specialist.