Food Aversion Treatment in India

Krishna Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer...

Krishna Ali, a 28-year-old software engineer and avid home cook, developed a sudden and severe aversion to all solid foods six months after recovering from a severe bout of viral gastroenteritis. What began as a lingering nausea evolved into a visceral gag reflex at the sight, smell, or even thought of most foods. He could only tolerate bland nutritional shakes, leading to a 20-pound weight loss, constant fatigue, and social isolation as he avoided gatherings centered around meals. His primary care physician referred him to a gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, who diagnosed him with Post-Infectious Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Dr. Chen recommended a structured, multi-disciplinary treatment plan involving cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a focus on food exposure, working with a dietitian to systematically reintroduce foods, and medication to manage underlying anxiety and nausea. The treatment was grueling; early sessions involved simply holding a piece of bread, then smelling it, and eventually taking a microscopic bite, all while managing intense anxiety. Over six months, with consistent support, Krishna slowly rebuilt his relationship with food. He celebrated small victories, like eating a full bowl of rice or enjoying his mother's curry again. While some cautiousness remains, he has regained most of the lost weight, returned to cooking for pleasure, and can share meals with friends. His emotional journey moved from fear and despair, feeling betrayed by his own body, to one of patient resilience and regained control, learning to separate the memory of illness from the act of nourishment.