Food Sensitivities and Food Allergies: How False Perceptions Can Disrupt Nourishment and Exacerbate Eating Disorders 

Thrive • May 10, 2022

By Thrive Waco Registered Dietitians Courtney Anderson M.S., RD, LD, CLC, and Sheridan Faye Glaske, M.S., RDN, LD

The diet industry has put its twist on the topic of food allergies in an effort to leverage yet another misleading strategy for unhealthy weight loss, and subsequently encouraging dangerous elimination diets unsupported by clinical evidence. With this latest tactic by diet culture , more and more individuals are misled and mistakenly believe they are food allergic. Research suggests that nearly 19% of U.S. adults believe they have a food allergy, but only 11% percent of U.S. adults are actually diagnosed with one. While food allergies are real and can be dangerous, the implications of eliminating foods from one’s diet without professional guidance can also be detrimental. For individuals struggling with eating disorders , the fad of food allergies can be especially disruptive to their relationship with food, providing them with a fashionable, yet extremely hazardous, excuse to neglect to nourish their bodies. 

FOOD ALLERGIES: POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING REACTIONS

A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks a usually harmless protein found in food. 

The most common food allergies include:

  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Wheat
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Fish
  • Shellfish

Symptoms of food allergies include:

  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Swelling
  • Wheezing
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble breathing and swallowing

Food allergies are serious and if symptoms are severe enough, anaphylaxis can occur, which can be life-threatening. 

FOOD SENSITIVITIES: TRENDY, BUT DISRUPTIVE TO NOURISHMENT

As the topic of food allergies has garnered more mainstream attention, the practice of self-diagnosing food sensitivities — a milder food intolerance — has also become popular. While specific foods can in fact cause digestive upset for some, the self-diagnosis of food sensitivities isn’t supported by consistent clinical findings and is not recommended by experts.  

In extreme cases, the false perception of food sensitivities may encourage affected individuals to unnecessarily eliminate a wide variety of foods from their diet. When a person experiencing gastrointestinal issues mistakenly attributes their symptoms to a food sensitivity, they may overlook the underlying causes of their digestive struggles. To make matters worse, their limited dietary intake may begin to negatively affect their well-being.

FOOD ALLERGIES, FOOD SENSITIVITIES, AND EATING DISORDERS

For those struggling with eating disorders, falsely  believing they have food allergies or food sensitivities can be arguably more dangerous than food allergies themselves. 

These uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms include:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Acid reflux
  • Nausea

Attributing their gastrointestinal symptoms to food allergies or sensitivities may provide them with what they believe to be a simpler and perceivably more socially acceptable explanation. However, this is risky for many reasons. Before exploring any food allergies or sensitivities, a person struggling with an eating disorder should undergo dietary assessment, nutritional rehabilitation, and weight restoration guided by an experienced and multidisciplinary treatment team that takes all aspects of well-being into consideration. Most often, once an individual eats a wide variety of foods adequately and consistently for a sustained period, any digestive symptoms diminish and eventually disappear. 

TREATING TRUE FOOD ALLERGIES AND SENSITIVITIES

Using different tests to identify food allergies and their severity, only qualified allergists can accurately diagnose food allergies. Although trendy, at-home tests aren’t effective or accurate ways to identify food allergies and sensitivities.

Treating true food allergies requires individuals to abstain from eating the food to which they’re allergic. However, when this is the case for those with eating disorders, close planning and monitoring by a registered dietitian is necessary to ensure the avoidance doesn’t lead to any nutrient deficiencies. 

It’s important to distinguish between a food allergy and a mild sensitivity. For those with sensitivities to foods such as dairy, dietitians often encourage eating small doses of lactose-containing foods. By treating food sensitivities this way, it’s possible to decrease one’s symptoms, prevent complete intolerance, and avoid any unnecessary elimination of nutrients.

FOOD FREEDOM AT THRIVE

Thrive offers integrated eating disorder treatment as well as outpatient nutritional support that emphasizes adequacy, balance, and choice so that individuals can develop a more peaceful, intuitive, and autonomous relationship with food. Reach out to learn more. 

About the Authors

Thrive Waco Registered Dietitian Courtney Anderson M.S., RD, LD, CLC

Courtney is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Lactation Counselor passionate about helping clients use food as a tool for health and joyful living. Her practice is built around the marriage of medical nutrition therapy with the principles of Intuitive Eating.

She began studying nutrition science because of her fascination with food and the body. In her practice, she hopes to educate and empower others to harness the awesome benefits of the food around them, and to provide them valuable skills to apply nutrition principles in their everyday life.

By marrying her experience of disordered eating with her knowledge of medical nutrition therapy and her skills as an adjunct lecturer at the university level, she has been able to create a holistic approach to health and wellness for clients that focuses on education and practicing new skills that not only improve her clients’ health but also their relationship with food and body.

Thrive Waco Registered Dietitian Sheridan Faye Glaske, M.S., RDN, LD

With both a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and a master’s degree in nutrition sciences from Baylor University, Sheridan Glaske wears her Baylor Bear pride proudly. Throughout her career in health and wellness, she has served as an exercise physiologist, a lifetime fitness adjunct lecturer at Baylor University, and a certified yoga and barre instructor. She recently completed the 1200-hour Wellness Workdays Dietetic Internship program and has joined Thrive Wellness Waco as a registered dietitian. At Thrive, she offers her experience, expertise, and passion for complete well-being to individuals recovering from eating disorders, disordered eating behaviors, and perinatal mental health concerns.

As a former fad-dieter who valued being thin over being healthy and happy, Sheridan struggled with an undiagnosed eating disorder. Her education and experience have taught her that as a society, disordered eating and exercise habits are normalized while the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of health are neglected.

In a world where diet culture is deceiving and dangerous, it can be difficult to determine who to turn to and which resources to trust. Sheridan finds great fulfillment in supporting others through sharing sound advice and evidence-based practices that challenge the unrealistic ideals of diet culture. She advocates for the Health At Every Size (HAES) movement and promotes that one does not need to be a specific size or weight to be healthy. Sheridan wants her clients to know that they are not alone and to believe deep down that they are worthy of receiving support.

Download our free wellness guide.

Discover the power of small, sustainable changes with "How to Thrive: 10 Simple Habits for Healthy Living." This guide offers practical, easy-to-follow habits that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

July 17, 2025
As a parent, noticing alarming behaviors around food or routines in your child can raise some important questions. You might be asking yourself, “Is this an eating disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or something else entirely?” Understanding the signs and differences between these disorders is key to getting your child effective, timely treatment. In this blog, we’ll break down the overlap between OCD and eating disorders, what signs to watch for, and how to get professional help. If you're a parent wondering “Is my child’s eating disorder actually OCD?” or “OCD vs eating disorder in teens,” know that you’re not alone and you’re in the right place to find specialized care for your child. What Is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) cause anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) intended to ease that anxiety. OCD can be focused on any subject. Common obsessions include contamination, perfectionism, scrupulosity, and harm, but sometimes, the content of obsessions can be focused on food, body image, or weight. What Is an Eating Disorder? Eating disorders , like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) involve disturbed eating behaviors and intense concerns about body weight or shape. These conditions go beyond dieting or “picky eating” and can become life-threatening without professional intervention. The Overlap: Why It Can Be Confusing OCD and eating disorders often share similar symptoms : Ritualistic eating (e.g., needing to eat foods in a certain order or at a certain time) Rigid rules about food (like only eating certain food groups or certain amounts of food) Excessive checking (like weighing food or body or repeated checking of expiration dates or thorough cooking) Avoidance behaviors ( like avoiding carbs, fats, or other food groups or avoiding places or objects that can trigger obsessions) Distress when routines are disrupted (either around mealtimes or exercise routines) So, How Can You Tell the Difference? Use the following chart to compare and contrast symptoms of OCD and eating disorders.
June 27, 2025
How school breaks can mask or amplify eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD symptoms and how to intervene
June 4, 2025
Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. It can feel exhausting or unfair to have to come out more than once, but each time, you’ll continue to find more strength, confidence, and understanding for yourself. Other tips for coming out: Focus on cultivating a strong inner identity that doesn’t rely on external validation. You know who you are, and you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Create a personal toolkit of coping and grounding strategies to deal with stress or burn-out associated with coming out. Thrive Wellness offers a free breathing exercise guide to help relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. Download it here . Find affirmation and support through community. This can look like finding a chosen family, looking up to queer role models, attending events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history, and working on embracing authenticity and having pride in who you are. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out, and it’s never too late to share who you are. Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.
More Posts

Start your healing journey today

NEXT STEPS

Are you ready to find hope? We can't wait to connect you with the care you need. To get started with us, please reach out using the link below.   

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Learn more →

Perinatal

Mental Health

Learn more →