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1000+ verified doctorsHow to regain my appetite and thirst after years of anxiety and tube feeding? - #54574
hello, it’s been 3, years I had been experience my hunger been dying slowly now I don’t get hungry at all s as Lao in those years I had been diagnosed Anxity & then I was in depration too, even don’t feel thirsty either, I had Covid vaccine in 2022, after that my Anxity went up too, last year my weight became 104, from 165, went down gradually , my gastro dr put g-tube to get me back on track I was almost dying, now situation is that taking 1700, calories frim g-tube nightly also consume 400/ 500 calories by mouth forcely as still even don’t feel hungry also consume 40,oz water also feels not thirsty, I need to get back on track to get my hunger & thrust in natural way because don’t want to rely tube feeding . Please advice thanks Abdul Sheikh
How long have you been experiencing a lack of appetite and thirst?:
- More than 1 yearHave you noticed any specific triggers that affect your appetite or thirst?:
- Stress or anxietyHow would you describe your overall energy levels during the day?:
- LowWhat is your current emotional state?:
- NeutralHave you made any dietary changes recently?:
- Yes, but only minor changesHow is your digestive health since starting tube feeding?:
- Very good — no issuesAre you currently taking any medications or supplements?:
- Yes, a few medicationsHow often do you feel nauseous or have a full sensation?:
- OftenDoctors' responses
Your condition is medically serious because there is long-term loss of hunger and thirst with major weight loss and current dependence on G-tube feeding. Ayurveda can help support digestion and appetite, but this must continue alongside your gastro doctor’s care. Do not stop tube feeding suddenly. Ayurvedic approach is to improve agni (digestive fire) and restore gut–brain balance Trikatu churna 1 gram with warm water before breakfast and dinner Hingvashtak churna 1 gram before meals twice daily Ashwagandha churna 3 grams at night with warm milk if tolerated or warm water Saraswatarishta 20 ml with equal water after lunch and dinner For appetite stimulation Fresh ginger juice 5 ml with pinch of rock salt before meals Jeera water (cumin boiled water) sip through day Warm water only, avoid cold drinks For mental component (anxiety and depression link) Brahmi vati 1 tablet twice daily after food Abhyanga daily with sesame oil on scalp and feet to calm nervous system Diet guidance (very important) Small frequent oral meals even without hunger Warm, soft, easy-to-digest foods like rice gruel, moong dal soup Avoid cold, raw, heavy, oily food Eat at fixed timing even if no hunger signal
From what you described, several things can blunt hunger and thirst: –Mental health conditions like Anxiety disorder and Depression can strongly suppress appetite and body signals –Long-term under-eating can disrupt hormones like ghrelin (hunger) and ADH (thirst regulation) –Possible gut/brain interaction issues (the “gut-brain axis”) –Medications (if you’ve taken any) –Less commonly: neurological or endocrine problems ---------The Gastrostomy tube keeping you stable is actually protecting your life right now — so don’t rush to remove it. –in Ayurveda, your loss of hunger and thirst is mainly due to weak Agni (digestive power) and imbalance of Vata dosha and Kapha dosha. Mental stress like anxiety and depression further disturbs this balance and suppresses natural body signals. –Rx: 1) Hingwashtak Churna 2 g before meals with Luke warm water twice daily 2) Avipattikar Churna 2 g after meals twice daily 3) Ashwagandha lehyam 1 tsf at bedtime with warm milk 4) Livomyn Tab 1 BD after food 5) tab trifla 1 tab at bedtime —Advice: Warm light diet, small frequent meals, warm water, stress control (pranayama).
Your symptoms suggest a long-standing weakening of Agni (digestive/metabolic fire) along with severe Vata imbalance caused by chronic anxiety, stress, weight loss, irregular nourishment, and prolonged illness. In Ayurveda, when Agni becomes very low, natural hunger and thirst signals may gradually reduce. Because you had major weight loss and required a feeding tube, this situation should be managed carefully with both your gastro doctor and a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Do not stop tube feeding suddenly. Ayurvedic Supportive Approach The goal is to slowly “awaken” digestion and restore nervous system balance. Helpful Daily Measures Sip warm water through the day instead of cold water. Before meals, try a small slice of fresh ginger with a pinch of rock salt and few drops of lemon to gently stimulate appetite (if no acidity/ulcer). Eat very small, warm, easy-to-digest foods: moong dal soup rice gruel (kanji) thin khichdi with ghee vegetable soups Avoid dry, cold, processed, or very heavy foods. Ayurvedic Herbs Traditionally Used Ashwagandha – supports nervous system and recovery Shatavari – nourishing and restorative Trikatu or mild digestive formulas – to stimulate Agni carefully Draksha (raisins) and Amla – gentle nourishment Mind–Gut Recovery In Ayurveda, anxiety strongly affects digestion. Helpful practices: regular sleep routine gentle walking slow deep breathing / pranayama reducing fear and stress around eating
Hello, 1. If there is a possibility learn and start practicing breathing exercises very regularly, every day. 2. Start practicing gentle exercises like walking everyday for 30 minutes. 3. Stay away from electric of gadgets 2 hours before going to bed. Ayurveda medicines - 1. Vayu gulika 2—2—2 with a cup of warm cumin water after each meal. For one month. 2. Dadimavalehyam(sandu) 1 tsp—1 tsp----1 tsp 30 minutes before each meal. For one month. Follow up after 21days. Take care, Kind regards.
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