Understanding Conditioned Food Sensitivity

Conditioned food sensitivity is a common, yet poorly defined and poorly researched phenomenon that occurs frequently in DGBIs. Conditioned food sensitivity occurs when your body has learned to anticipate negative symptoms from eating and/or has learned that eating specific foods (or for some people, any foods) will trigger symptoms. The symptoms experienced are real, can be mild, moderate or severe, predictable or unpredictable and are often distressing.

The interesting part is these "reactions" are not necessarily caused by true food intolerances. They are the result of powerful neural pathways that connect the mind and body. Your body reproduces the symptoms based on the learned trigger, which then reinforces and progresses cycle further. Although, conditioned food sensitivities can occur alongside true food intolerances, which can make things even more confusing. It's a little bit like experiencing a fight, flight or freeze response to a snake regardless of whether it is venomous or entirely harmless.

I have supported many people with severe conditioned food sensitivities that have resulted in diagnoses of significant malnutrition and ARFID. It can be a desperate and scary place to find yourself in. Treatment requires true interdisciplinary care in which medical, psychological and nutritional approaches are combined, rather than delivered separately. Therefore finding clinicians with appropriate training and specialisation is essential.