Understanding types of food phobias & their treatment

A Quick Guide

A phobia, according to the American Psychiatric Association, is an excessive and illogical fear of a thing or circumstance. We frequently link phobias to objects or circumstances, such as a fear of flying or a dislike of dogs. While annoying, these anxieties are typically not life-threatening. However, a fear of food, also known as Cibophobia, can significantly restrict daily activities and have negative health effects. There are different types of food phobias that we will discuss in this article.

Similarities & Differences between Food phobias & Eating Disorders

The nature of eating disorders and food phobias differ, as do the usual treatment techniques.  Restricting one’s food intake and avoiding certain foods can both be involved.

Food phobias 

People with food phobias often exhibit more anxiety-based symptoms, and their dread is centered upon having to eat, prepare, or be around particular foods. Both illnesses may have an impact on diet and overall health. They can cause malnutrition, and starving can leave a person lacking in vital vitamins and nutrients. Both diseases can also result in weak and brittle bones. Anemia, low blood pressure, hair loss, kidney failure, and other medical issues can occur as a result of prolonged hunger.

Not everyone experiences the same types of food phobias. Some people could be averse to consuming perishable foods or refuse to consume mayonnaise because it spoils quickly if not refrigerated. Others might experience issues with food scents, flavors, or textures. If you test meals that fit under this category, this may cause nausea or a feeling of gagging.

Young children could also be reluctant to try new meals. Some people may never get over this, and it might even last into adulthood. Fear of cooking for others and worrying that the food will be overcooked or undercooked is another form of food phobia. Having a fear of cutting or burning oneself while cooking is another possibility.

Symptoms of Food phobia 

The following signs and symptoms could be present in someone with a food phobia:

• A dry mouth
• Breathing difficulty
• Chest constriction
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Rapid speaking or an unexpected incapacity to speak
• Shaking or trembling
• Sweating profusely
• Uneasy stomach
• Vomiting

A food phobia can cause a person to be afraid of nearly any type of food or drink, or it can be more particular. The following meals frequently cause phobias:

Expiration dates

Cibophobics may have a phobia of meals that are about to expire or have already passed that date.

Leftovers

Some people who suffer from cibophobia refuse to consume leftovers because they fear getting sick.

Perishable foods

People who are afraid of certain meals may think they are already rotten, such as mayonnaise, milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meats. They worry that if they eat them, they might get sick.

Prepared food

People who have a food phobia could be afraid of the food that is provided to them if they aren’t in charge of cooking it themselves. They might refrain from dining out, at a friend’s house, or any other location where they can’t witness or supervise the food preparation.

Undercooked foods

Some people may steer clear of foods that can be toxic if undercooked out of fear of contracting a foodborne illness. These foods may also be overcooked to the point of burntness or extreme dryness.

Eating Disorders

Weight, body size, and shape are frequent issues for those with eating disorders, along with a fear of putting on weight or getting fat. Food phobias typically involve a fear of the food itself or a situational fear (such as vomiting) that is unrelated to weight.

Symptoms of eating disorders frequently include obsession with food, calorie counting, fear of gaining weight, bingeing, purging, or starvation. Many people develop negative thought patterns involving low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, distance themselves from others, and engage in secret eating.

Types of food phobias

Every phobia of food is unique. Some people can be reluctant to eat anything that contains mayonnaise or other foods that go bad rapidly without refrigeration because they are terrified of consuming highly perishable items. Others find it difficult to try new meals, gagging or throwing up when they do. Some people could be afraid of cooking, while others might be afraid of getting poisoned and avoid eating food prepared by others. Let’s discuss some of the common types of food phobias.

Fear of new foods

Sometimes young children are afraid to try new foods (Neophobia). The majority of parents may recall the days when their young child would gag or throw up whenever they urged them to try something new. However, this fear never leaves certain people. People who have this kind of fear have a severely restricted diet throughout their lives. They can restrict their diet and consume the same few meals every day.

Fear of cooking

The phobia of cooking, known as Megeircophobia, can be caused by concerns about overcooking or undercooking meats, as well as concerns about cooking for guests and whether the food will look appetizing enough. The anxiety of actually cooking could be there, along with excessive worry about cutting or burning yourself.

Fear of gagging or vomiting

Some people are concerned that particular foods will make them throw up or gag. They can restrict themselves to soft foods or home-cooked meals. This apprehension may be caused by concerns that the food was improperly prepared, was excessively hot, or disturbed the person’s stomach. Some people who experience this kind of phobia won’t eat in front of others or even when they are around. This anxiety may occasionally cause difficulty swallowing or the sensation of a lump in the throat.

Complications with cibophobia

If phobias are not treated, they can seriously damage one’s life. Unmanaged ones may start to affect one’s ability to perform well in class, at a job, in personal interactions, and in social situations. Not just cibophobia, but nearly any fear, can result in these consequences.

Research on the consequences and adverse effects of phobias is lacking. But it’s obvious that untreated phobias can cause significant problems. Existing research indicates that untreated food phobias can lead to:

Obsessive rituals

In order to relieve worry, some people with phobias develop specific routines. These routines could include how they organize their food storage or clean their kitchen. However, sometimes that doesn’t help them stop the physiological and psychological reactions to eating that they experience.

Malnutrition

Lack of food intake can significantly lower the number of nutrients absorbed in the case of cibophobia. This can eventually result in malnutrition and other health issues.

Social stigma

People who have a food phobia find it challenging to conceal their condition from friends, family, and coworkers. People who suffer from cibophobia may skip social situations to avoid these interactions because they can result in uncomfortable questions.

Treatment for food phobias

Food phobias can be effectively treated. Treatments could consist of:

Cognitive behavioral therapy CBT

This course of treatment entails discussing your feelings and interactions with food with a mental health professional. Together, you can figure out how to lessen fear and adverse thoughts.

Medication

Food phobia can be treated with antidepressants and, in rare instances, anti-anxiety drugs. However, due to their significant potential for addiction, these drugs aren’t typically used. On a temporary basis, beta-blockers may also be used to aid in lowering emotional reactions and anxiety.

Exposure

You are exposed to the foods that cause fear through this carefully controlled approach. With this therapy, you can develop coping mechanisms for your feelings and food-related behaviors in a safe environment.

Hypnosis

Your brain might be amenable to retraining when you are this thoroughly relaxed. Your negative reactions to food may be lessened with the use of verbal cues or recommendations from a hypnotherapist.

Outlook

Despite certain similarities, eating disorders and food phobias are unrelated. A person can have both an eating disorder and a food phobia at the same time, but the treatments for each disorder differ and are managed accordingly. Moreover, if you feel that you may have a food phobia, consult a doctor. Early intervention can go a long way in helping you out. 

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about types of food phobias along with their symptoms, complications, and treatment options.