When Food Alone Isn’t Enough: Understanding Nutrition Support

Sometimes our bodies need a little extra help to get the nutrition they need — especially during recovery from an eating disorder. When food alone isn’t enough to meet your body’s needs, nutrition support can be an important step to help you feel stronger, more energized, and back on track.

Nutrition support can be provided in different ways. Some people receive it through a small tube into the digestive system (enteral nutrition), while others may receive it directly through the bloodstream (parenteral nutrition). Both approaches have benefits and risks, but with the right team, they can be safe and effective tools for recovery. A dietitian can help make sure your nutrition support is tailored to your needs — not just in terms of calories and nutrients, but also in a way that fits your lifestyle and supports your quality of life.

Enteral Nutrition: The First Step

Enteral nutrition can include formulas, shakes, or even blended foods. This is usually the first step when what you are able to eat or drink isn’t enough to meet your body’s needs. A dietitian can help you choose the option that works best for you.

Here’s an idea of what this process can look like:

1. Short-term tube placement – A tube may be placed through the nose or mouth into the stomach. Once placement is confirmed, slow volume infusions begin to gently reintroduce nutrients to the body.

2. Small intestine placement if needed – If the stomach is too sensitive or movement is too slow, the tube can be moved to the small intestine. This allows nutrition to bypass some of the digestive process, though volumes are usually smaller and infused more slowly.

3. Medications to support digestion – If tolerance is still an issue, medications may be used to help with stomach motility and digestion.

4. Parenteral nutrition as a last step – In very severe cases where digestion is not possible, nutrition may be delivered through the bloodstream. (We have a separate blog post that explains this option in more detail.)

Once the tube is in place, there are many formula options. Most often, we start with the most physiologic formulas that require the body to do some of the digestive work — producing enzymes, breaking down proteins and fats, and absorbing nutrients.

• If this is uncomfortable, partially broken-down formulas can reduce the workload on the digestive system while still encouraging gut function.

• Extensively broken-down formulas are available when even less work is required for tolerance.

• Other formulas cater to allergies, intolerances, protein needs, and fiber preferences.

A dietitian can help you find the best fit, balancing comfort, nutrition, and your personal values.

Gradually Reintroducing Oral Foods

With consistent nutrition support, the body gradually learns to process food again. Tube feeds help reawaken digestive function, encouraging enzyme production and smooth movement of food through the GI tract. They also help shift the body from a “fight or flight” state caused by inadequate nutrition to a “rest and digest” state, supporting overall gut and metabolic function.

As tolerance improves, oral foods can be slowly reintroduced:

1. Liquids first – Smoothies, protein shakes, and soups are easier to digest.

2. Soft foods next – Foods that require more chewing but are gentle on the stomach.

3. Solid foods – Gradually increasing texture and variety as the digestive system strengthens.

This process is like slowly rebuilding a muscle: the digestive system gradually adapts to doing more work, and over time, the body can meet its nutritional needs through normal food again.

Conclusion

Nutrition support is a tool to help your body heal and regain strength — not a permanent replacement for food. It gives your body the nutrients it needs while gently reintroducing normal digestive function, helping you move from a state of survival to one of nourishment and recovery.

The goal is always to support your body in a way that feels safe, manageable, and aligned with your life. With guidance from a dietitian, the process is gradual and personalized: starting with tube feeds if needed, adjusting formulas for comfort and tolerance, and slowly reintroducing oral foods until your body can thrive on its own.

Needing extra support is simply a step on the path toward rebuilding strength, energy, and confidence with food. Every small step counts, and over time, the body learns to digest, absorb, and enjoy nutrients naturally again. With patience, consistency, and the right team, nutrition support can be a gentle bridge back to the foods and lifestyle you want.