Understanding Voluntary Rumination
At 22 years old, I am a transgender woman, standing approximately 173 cm tall and weighing around 63 kg. Since the age of 8 or 9, I have possessed an unusual ability to voluntarily return the contents of my stomach back to my mouth, and importantly, this process has never occurred involuntarily. The food that I bring back up is generally undigested and retains the same taste, showing no increase in acidity. Moreover, if I consume enough liquids, I can also reflux those. While I can induce this reflex even when my stomach is empty, which results in a small amount of gastric acid being expelled, I rarely engage in this for obvious reasons. After conducting some research, I found that I would likely be categorized under Rumination Syndrome. However, it's crucial to note that my ability to induce reflux is entirely voluntary. This phenomenon does not hinder my everyday activities, and in fact, I appreciate being able to experience the taste of food again through this process. I am curious about how uncommon this might be and what could be the underlying reasons for it. Thank you for any insights!
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 6:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your unique experience. What you're describing sounds like a voluntary form of rumination, which can indeed be categorized under Rumination Syndrome. Let’s break this down to better understand it and discuss its rarity, potential underlying reasons, and steps to ensure your well-being.
Key Points:
- You have a voluntary ability to regurgitate undigested food, which is quite rare.
- This condition, while categorized as Rumination Syndrome, does not negatively impact your daily life.
- Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon may help provide you with more insights.
Explanation:
Rumination Syndrome typically involves the regurgitation of food that can happen involuntarily after eating. However, your specific ability to induce this at will, along with the retention of food's original taste and the lack of acidity in what you bring back up, suggests a unique physiological reflex. This condition is not considered common, especially in its voluntary form.
The reasons for this could vary, including:
- Physiological factors: Certain muscle functions in the esophagus and stomach might be contributing to your ability to control this process.
- Psychological aspects: Some individuals develop unusual eating habits or digestive behaviors based on their experiences or perception of food.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Experiences: Keep a detailed journal about when you engage in this behavior, including what foods you can regurgitate and any sensations you feel during the process.
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Educate Yourself: Continue researching reputable sources about Rumination Syndrome. This will deepen your understanding of the condition and help you connect with others who might have similar experiences.
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Consider Support Options: Even if this does not currently impact your life or cause distress, consider discussing it with a healthcare professional knowledgeable about eating disorders or gastrointestinal conditions. They can provide insights specific to your situation and help rule out any underlying issues.
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Maintain Healthy Habits: Ensure that your overall diet is balanced and that you pay attention to how your body feels in relation to the foods you consume.
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Reach Out for Community Support: Engaging with communities, whether online or locally, can provide a space for sharing experiences with others who might have similar abilities or syndromes.
Thank you for sharing your experience. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask!
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