The food that’s left over after we eat at a restaurant is thrown in the garbage. From there is it taken to a dumpster. Then, by truck, it is hauled to a landfill. By this time the food we once enjoyed smells badly and is showing signs of decay with mold and discoloration. It is a natural process, but when there is fear of that which is decaying the individual may be experiencing Seplophobia.

This common phobia can have serious consequences. The fear of food is known as Cibophobia, and it can trigger health problems, psychological issues, and emotional upheaval.

When a personal spends time thinking about the act of swallowing it can become a difficult proposition. For Aaron Buckingham a negative experience with the spice ‘curry’ instilled a profound fear of swallowing. This fear is known as Phagophobia. This term can also be used to express a fear of being swallowed.

This unusual phobia is know as Arachibutyrophobia. Although the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth is a rare one, it may occur more often than you think.

For some, the fear of certain tastes can trigger intense and long-lasting anxiety, as well as a host of physical maladies. The fear of sourness, known as Acerophobia, is more common than you might expect.

Garlic is used throughout the world in myriad ways. It has great healing powers, due to the presence of ancillin, a potent, natural antibiotic. But garlic never goes unnoticed. It is pungent and leaves a distinctive odor that is noticeable on the breath and even in perspiration. Some people fear the pungency, aroma, and taste of garlic. When they do, it is known as Alliumphobia.

This phobia is quite common. Hospitals are a symbol of illness, infirmity, and even death. Of course, hospitals can also symbolize the most beautiful aspects of humankind. The miracle of birth, as well as the nurturing and caring that takes place in hospitals, can be very inspiring. When an aversion toward hospitals becomes persistent and extreme, it is called Nosocomephobia.

Most Americans will wage a personal battle of the bulge at some point in their lives. They may in fact struggle with weight off and on for the majority of their adult years. When the fear of weight becomes extremely strong therapists refer to it as Obesophobia. 

Some fears may seem truly bizarre and incomprehensible. The fear of ketchup could be viewed as comic by most of the population…and yet it exists. If you fear the thick, red sauce that is one of America’s favorite add-ons, you are not alone…

Some may wonder why having a fear of alcohol would be a problem. After all many relations have been destroyed by alcohol. Potophobia can be complex and may have a moral component to the fear.