Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast Ep 190 When Food Feels Impossible: A Look at ARFID
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In this insightful episode, the focus is on ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a complex eating disorder officially recognized in 2013. The discussion covers how ARFID differs from typical picky eating, its unique characteristics, manifestation, and common misunderstandings. The episode features the personal account of a young adult dealing with ARFID alongside anxiety, neurodivergence, and chronic pain. It emphasizes holistic treatment approaches, including therapeutic relationships, gradual exposure to new foods, and a biopsychosocial spiritual environmental model. The episode wraps up with practical advice for caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of empathy, patience, and collaboration in helping individuals with ARFID thrive. Additionally, it provides insights on how to support young adults and the importance of recognizing co-occurring conditions.
00:00 Introduction to ARFID
01:13 Understanding ARFID vs. Picky Eating
04:02 Case Study: Navigating ARFID with Neurodivergence
05:12 The Role of Gut Health in ARFID
06:55 Therapeutic Approaches and Practical Advice
10:56 Building Trust and Collaborative Treatment
19:50 Holistic and Long-Term Strategies
25:46 Conclusion and Resources
Fibromyalgia 101. A list of fibromyalgia podcast episodes that are great if you are new and don't know where to start.
When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.
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