When we think of eating disorders, we often think of anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. But there are other, lesser-known conditions that also affect how someone relates to food and their body — and one of them is rumination disorder.

Though it’s not talked about as often, rumination disorder is real, serious, and treatable. And for many people, it shows up alongside more well-known eating disorders, making diagnosis and recovery more complex — and even more important.

What Is Rumination Disorder?

Rumination disorder is a feeding and eating disorder where someone repeatedly regurgitates food — bringing it back up into the mouth — shortly after eating. This isn’t due to nausea or illness. Instead, it’s a repeated, often unconscious behavior. After regurgitating, the person may re-chew the food, re-swallow it, or spit it out.

This isn’t the same as vomiting in bulimia or purging. It’s not necessarily driven by body image concerns, but can still cause serious health problems — including malnutrition, dental erosion, and gastrointestinal damage.

Common signs include:

• Frequent regurgitation of undigested food shortly after meals

• Re-chewing or spitting out food

• Avoiding meals in public out of embarrassment

• Weight loss or nutritional deficiencies

• No sign of nausea, bloating, or gastrointestinal distress

Why Does It Happen?

The causes of rumination disorder can vary. For some, it begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. For others, it develops during stressful periods or alongside anxiety disorders, trauma, or other mental health issues.

It can also emerge as a learned coping behavior — sometimes after a traumatic experience with food, or as a way to manage overwhelming emotions.

How Does It Overlap with Other Eating Disorders?

Rumination disorder can exist on its own, but in many cases, it overlaps with other eating disorders.

1. Bulimia Nervosa

Some individuals may regurgitate food repeatedly and then purge intentionally, or vice versa. The behaviors may blur together, making diagnosis tricky. Both conditions can cause shame, secrecy, and fear around eating.

2. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Because rumination can lead to fear or discomfort around eating, it’s not uncommon for someone to begin avoiding food altogether. Over time, this can evolve into ARFID, especially in younger individuals.

3. Anorexia Nervosa

In some cases, the regurgitation becomes a way to limit calorie absorption, similar to other restrictive behaviors. Even if the original motivation wasn’t body image-related, it can morph into one.

The Emotional Toll

Living with rumination disorder can be confusing, isolating, and distressing. People often don’t talk about it because of the stigma — or they may not realize what they’re experiencing has a name. Shame can make it harder to seek help, and when it overlaps with another eating disorder, it can feel like a tangled mess to untangle.

Treatment & Hope

Treatment for rumination disorder often includes a combination of:

• Behavioral interventions: Helping the body “relearn” how to digest without regurgitation, including posture changes, diaphragmatic breathing, and meal structure.

• Nutritional support: To ensure your body is getting what it needs for healing.

• Therapy: Addressing underlying anxiety, trauma, or co-occurring eating disorders in a safe, supportive space.

• Medical care: Monitoring physical symptoms and treating complications.

Recovery is possible — and people do heal from rumination disorder, especially with a team that understands both the physical and emotional layers of the condition.

If This Sounds Like You (Or Someone You Love)…

You are not alone. Whether you’re experiencing rumination disorder by itself or alongside another eating disorder, it’s valid, it’s real, and it’s treatable. Talking to a specialized provider — someone who understands the nuances of both feeding and eating disorders — can make all the difference.

Healing may look different for everyone, but it always starts the same way: with understanding, compassion, and the courage to reach out.

 

Reach out today for a complimentary intake phone call, where we can answer any questions you might have.