Ask Madelyn Fernstrom

I am a 23 year old female who is graduating college. One problem is that I have a serious eating disorder and yet I do not know what to call it. I can only eat a few items of food that are semi-healthy for me and the rest is awful. I can eat no vegetable except corn, which we all know the extent of the nutrients today's Sweet yellow #2 corn can give us. I can not eat any fruits either. I also can not have anything more than black pepper on my foods for spices because it is too spicy and makes me choke. I have tried everything from closing my nose, dousing my food in sugar, frying it, juicing it, and I am running out of options. I have steadily been gaining weight over the past 20 years and I try to limit my food intake to keep my weight under control but that has gotten out of hand in the past year. But that is not my only concern. I am worried about my health and not getting the proper nutrients. I am not like any other case because its not that I just don't like the food and I can swallow it and be miserable. I mean I physically can not eat most foods. I have a horrible gag reflex and my stomach is always really weak. I can throw up almost on cue. I know that is nothing to be proud of, and I hate gagging. It's awful. I am really confused and don't know where to go from here. If you could suggest something for me to do that would be great. I hate eating and it causes me horrible self-esteem issues and I can't seem to escape food. I wish it wasn't necessary to continue living and everyday life.

Thank you,
Sara

Thank you for the video, but it is not exactly what my problem is. I want to eat healthy, but I can not physically ingest the food. I have tried various foods over and over again, I have also consulted a hypnotherapist twice. I have done the mantras, nothing seems to work. I would give anything to be able to eat a salad, but I can not. I am clueless to what my problem is. It's not about me thinking about eating healthy it that I literally can't ingest the food. I have had this problem since I started eating whole foods at the age of two. If you have any others suggestions please let me know. Thank you and have a good day!

Sara

Hi!

I am so glad you are reaching out for help. You do have a serious problem, which needs both behavioral and nutritional attention. If you live near a major medical center, call their eating disorders program, to see how you can participate. These kinds of programs focus both on behavioral, eating, and medical issues. Or, you can try to find a therapist who specializes in eating issues, although this would not be as comprehensive as the program approach.

You sound like you are struggling, and there IS help you can find. Network with some friends and family members for some professional help.

Let me know how you are doing. Meanwhile, you should be taking a multi vitamin/mineral supplement daily, since your food intake is so irregular. It does not replace healthy eating, but can help support you while you are trying to get healthier. Since your gag reflex is so strong, try a children's chewable, or a gummy vitamin. There are also "vitaballs" - gumballs with 100% of daily requirements.

You might also talk to your primary care doctor, and get a referral to an eating program that can help.

Good luck!

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