The C-FAST Cycle

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The C-FAST cycle often starts with just a few food restrictions—but over time, it can spiral, leaving you stuck and unable to see a way out.

When you are stuck in the C-FAST cycle:

Your brain sends false alarm signals about food, keeping your nervous system stuck on high alert.
Food becomes a source of stress rather than nourishment.
You think about food and symptoms more than you want to.
Grocery shopping, cooking and eating out start to feel overwhelming.
Your food sensitivities continue to worsen.

Figure 1: The C-FAST model illustrates how fear and avoidance can heighten food sensitivity, creating a self-reinforcing cycle.

Sarah’s Story

Sarah’s story is an example of how the C-FAST cycle can intensify symptoms and food intolerance.

Do any parts of Sarah’s story resonate with your experience?