Chapter 1: The Fading Hue
Riya’s world used to be a riot of colours. Each morning, she’d wake up in her small, sun-drenched room in the heart of Jaipur, eager to sketch the vibrant bougainvillea spilling over the ancient walls, or the intricate patterns on her grandmother’s bandhani sarees. At 15, Riya was known in her neighbourhood not just for her artistic talent, but for her infectious laughter and boundless energy.
Lately, though, the colours in her life seemed to be fading. A dull ache had settled in her lower back, a constant companion she tried to ignore. Her once-eager appetite had dwindled, and she found herself picking at her favourite aloo parathas. Even her beloved sketching felt like a chore, her hand trembling slightly as she tried to draw a steady line.
“Riya, beta, you look pale,” her mother, a kind woman with worried eyes, would often say. “Are you eating enough? Have you been studying too much for your exams?”
Riya would just nod, a vague sense of unease gnawing at her. She attributed her fatigue to school stress and the upcoming board exams. After all, all her friends were burning the midnight oil too.
Chapter 2: The Whispers of Change
One afternoon, during a particularly gruelling volleyball practice at school, Riya felt a sharp, searing pain in her lower abdomen. It doubled her over, and she had to be helped off the court by her coach. The pain subsided, but it left her shaken. Later that week, during her menstrual period, the pain intensified to an unbearable degree, far worse than anything she had experienced before. It wasn’t just discomfort; it was agony that radiated through her entire body, leaving her curled in a fetal position, tears streaming down her face.
Her mother, seeing her daughter in such distress, insisted they visit Dr. Sharma, the family physician. Dr. Sharma, a kindly woman with a reassuring smile, listened patiently as Riya haltingly described her symptoms: the constant backache, the fatigue, the loss of appetite, and now, the excruciating period pain.
“Riya,” Dr. Sharma began gently, “these are all signs your body is trying to tell you something important. Many young girls experience changes in their bodies, but it’s crucial to understand what’s normal and what needs attention. You’re at an age where your hormones are fluctuating, and your body is maturing. It’s important to acknowledge these changes and not dismiss them.”
She explained that while some discomfort during periods is common, severe, debilitating pain (dysmenorrhea) is not normal and should always be investigated. “It’s also important to pay attention to your overall well-being – how you’re sleeping, what you’re eating, and your energy levels.”
Chapter 3: The Diagnosis and the Diet of Discovery
After a thorough examination and some tests, Dr. Sharma diagnosed Riya with iron-deficiency anaemia and suspected Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), likely exacerbated by stress and an inconsistent diet. The severe period pain, she explained, was a symptom of dysmenorrhea, which could be linked to inflammation and nutrient deficiencies.
“Riya, your body is like a temple, and right now, it needs some tender loving care,” Dr. Sharma said. “We need to address these issues holistically. Medicines will help, but true healing begins with your lifestyle.”
She recommended a specific diet: rich in iron, calcium, and fibre, with a focus on homemade, traditional Indian foods. She also emphasized regular, gentle exercise and stress management techniques.
Riya’s mother, armed with a detailed diet plan, transformed their kitchen. Out went the occasional packets of chips and sugary biscuits. In came:
- Spinach and Methi: Daily servings of leafy greens, often cooked with a tempering of mustard seeds and garlic.
- Ragi and Jowar Rotis: Replacing some of the refined flour with nutritious millets.
- Lentils and Legumes: A variety of dals, chana, and rajma, providing essential protein and iron.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A colourful array of seasonal produce, from ripe papayas to crisp cucumbers.
- Jaggery (Gud): A natural source of iron, used in small amounts as a sweetener.
- Buttermilk (Chaas): Hydrating and good for digestion.
- Herbal Teas: Made with ginger and tulsi to soothe her stomach.
It was tough initially. Riya missed her occasional treats. But her mother, with endless patience, made the new food exciting, explaining the benefits of each ingredient. She even found traditional recipes that incorporated the healthy ingredients in delicious ways.
Chapter 4: The Canvas Awakens
Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the colours began to return to Riya’s life. The dull ache in her back lessened. Her period pain, while still present, was significantly milder, and she no longer needed to miss school. Her appetite returned with gusto, and she found herself genuinely enjoying the wholesome, flavourful meals her mother prepared.
Her energy levels soared. She was no longer dragging herself through the day, but actively participating in sports, focusing better in class, and, most importantly, finding joy in her art again. Her sketches became vibrant, her lines steady and confident.
She started going for morning walks with her father, exploring the hidden lanes of Jaipur and finding new inspirations for her art. They would talk about her day, about her dreams, and she felt a lightness in her spirit she hadn’t experienced in months.
One evening, as she sat sketching a sunset over the Nahargarh Fort, she realised something profound. Her body was a precious gift, a canvas that needed to be nourished and cared for. Just as she carefully selected her paints and brushes, she needed to be mindful of what she put into her body and how she treated it.
Chapter 5: Painting a Brighter Future
Riya’s journey wasn’t just about overcoming physical ailments; it was about empowerment. She started sharing her experience with her friends, cautiously at first, then with growing confidence. She talked about the importance of listening to your body, not dismissing symptoms, and the incredible power of good nutrition.
She even started a small art project at school, creating illustrations that depicted healthy food choices and simple exercises, using her unique artistic flair. Her classmates, who had seen her transform, were receptive and curious.
“It’s not just about what you eat,” Riya would tell them, “it’s about respecting your body. It’s about knowing that every single thing you put into it, every thought you have, every hour of sleep you get, impacts your unique masterpiece – you!”
Riya’s canvas was no longer just about colours on paper. It was about painting a life of wholeness, of vibrancy, and of well-being, not just for herself, but for those around her. And as she looked out at the colourful bustling streets of Jaipur, she knew her story was just beginning, ready to inspire countless more.
Moral of the StoryListen to your body, nourish it with care, and embrace self-awareness as the truest form of self-love.
