Food Sensitivities and Social Loneliness

[Rosie]

I saw this article in Science Digest today, reporting something we know all too well----- that food sensitivities can be socially isolating and that we miss the bonding of shared social meals. We feel it especially strongly this time of year, when special foods are such a part of Holiday celebrations.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 085701.htm

Bonding over meals is an inherently social experience, Woolley notes. In previous research, she found that strangers felt more connected and trusting of each other when they shared the same food, and eating food from the same plate increased cooperation between strangers.

But when restricted from sharing in the meal, people suffer "food worries," Woolley said. They fret about what they can eat and how others might judge them for not fitting in.

Those worries generated a degree of loneliness comparable to that reported by unmarried or low-income adults, and stronger than that experienced by schoolchildren who were not native English speakers, according to the research. Compared with non-restricted individuals, having a restriction increased reported loneliness by 19%. People felt lonelier regardless of how severe their restriction was, or whether their restriction was imposed or voluntary.

Rosie

[carolm]

Interesting study Rosie. Like you said, not a surprise to any of us but a very real experience. It’s kinda nice to see some validation of our experience.

Thanks for posting-
Carol

[Marcia K]

It is real for sure. I was always one to fly under the radar. Now I'm the person who "can't eat anything." I make the best of it, but it does get old when watching others try different foods and say how good something tastes. I'm grateful to be doing as well as I am but still....I'm very thankful for all of you who understand!