What Is ARFID?
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder where a person limits the amount or variety of food they eat — not because of body image concerns, but often due to fear of nausea, choking, discomfort, or certain food textures or smells.
Unlike simply being a “picky eater,” ARFID can cause a wide range of complications, including, but not limited to:
- Unintended weight loss
- Nutritional deficiencies or electrolyte abnormalities
- Fatigue and weakness
- Anxiety or panic attacks around mealtimes
- Endocrine, cardiopulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, musculoskeletal, hematological, dermatological, neurological, psychological, immunological complications, and more
ARFID may appear after a negative eating experience (such as choking, nausea from medication, or illness) that leads to food avoidance.
How Is ARFID Treated?
The goal of treatment is to help you eat enough to meet your body’s needs, and to reduce fear or anxiety around food. Treatment may include:
- Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Support: Helps build a safe, balanced meal plan and introduces new foods gradually.
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-AR) or exposure therapy helps manage anxiety and rebuild confidence with eating.
- Medical Monitoring: A doctor may check for nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, or weight loss.
- Medication: In some cases, your healthcare provider may also prescribe medications to help treat the condition – antidepressants/anti-anxiety, antipsychotics, appetite stimulants, anti-nausea medications, etc. Nutrition via a feeding tube may be indicated in some cases.
- Speech-Language Pathology: A feeding and swallowing evaluation may be indicated if concerns regarding choking are present
- Inpatient Therapy – sometimes inpatient therapy in a hospital setting may be indicated
If you notice that food avoidance is affecting your health or quality of life, talk with your doctor — early help can make recovery more manageable.
Easiest Foods to Start With
When food feels overwhelming, mild and familiar foods are often easiest to tolerate. Choose items that are soft, mild-tasting, have minimal odor, and are easy to digest:
Soft proteins:
- Scrambled eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein smoothies
- Tender fish or ground turkey/chicken
- Nut butter (if tolerated), tofu
Mild carbohydrates:
- Mashed potatoes, rice, oatmeal, pasta, crackers, toast, cream of wheat
Fruits and vegetables (softened):
- Applesauce, canned peaches or pears, bananas
- Cooked carrots, squash, sweet potato, zucchini
Other tips:
- Try room-temperature foods — not too hot or cold
- Eat smaller, frequent meals instead of large portions
- Avoid very spicy, greasy, or high-fat foods if they worsen nausea
Tips to Reduce Nausea and Anxiety Around Eating
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
- Sit upright during and after meals to aid digestion.
- Take small bites and sips to reduce pressure on the stomach.
- Try gentle ginger tea, peppermint, or lemon water for nausea relief.
- Avoid strong odors (choose mild or cool foods).
- Practice relaxation before meals — deep breathing, calm music, or short walks.
- Stick to routines — eating at consistent times may help your body adjust.
- Ask your healthcare provider if there are any medications that may be helpful for you. Also, ask your healthcare provider if a referral to any specialists may be beneficial, if you aren’t already set up with these providers.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Reach out to your doctor or dietitian if you notice:
- Significant or unintentional weight loss
- Feeling dizzy, fatigued, or weak
- Skipping meals due to nausea, fear, or discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits or dehydration
- Anxiety or low mood related to eating
- Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.
Key Takeaway
ARFID is not your fault, and it’s not “just being picky.” It’s a recognized condition that can improve with treatment. Many adults regain comfort and enjoyment with food once triggers are identified and treated.
Sources:
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/eating-disorders-overview-of-epidemiology-clinical-features-and-diagnosis?search=avoidant%20restrictive%20food%20intake&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H262927146
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24869-arfid-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/arfid.html
- https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603710/