(also referred to as...) Appetite Loss
Description A poor appetite is usually considered a sign that your body is dealing with some other physical / emotional / mental / spiritual ailment or condition. Causes are typically indirect and may cue your naturopath or other health practitioner to explore underlying factors.
Symptoms and Signs: Loss of appetite and disinterest in food are the primary signs of a poor appetite. Other signs relate to ailments or situations that may manifest themselves as appetite loss or other symptoms. This includes depression and other emotional situations, food poisoning, and various infections. For more information, see Causes, below.
Causes: A lack of appetite can be influenced by a wide variety of factors. The lack of desire to eat may be a natural response to food poisoning, chemical exposure and/or poisoning, constipation and general digestive problems, the common cold, flu, upper respiratory tract infection, or any other form of internal bacterial/viral infection, as your body focuses more on healing and less on eating. Diabetes can cause appetite loss and prescription drugs may induce this symptom as a side effect of usage. Underlying illnesses and heavy metal poisoning may also manifest themselves as appetite loss. Non-physical aspects of your life, such as depression, significant loss, trauma, high levels of stress, or some social situations all influence your desire and ability to eat. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other stimulants also negatively affect appetite. A number of people note a decreased appetite as they grow older. This may be due to a reduced ability to smell and taste, increased medication usage, ill-fitting dentures, the inability to cook for or feed oneself, emotional concerns and loss, and social isolation. A reduced ability to smell and taste hinders your body's natural stimulation of the gastrointestinal system to prepare for digestion. Consequently, your appetite may not be stimulated in preparation for a meal.
What to Expect: A poor appetite can lead to nutritional deficiencies as your body has less food to assimilate vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. People may lose weight if a poor appetite is a long-term situation or gain weight if eating disproportionate quantities of inappropriate foods. If infection or poisoning is the underlying cause of a poor appetite, your desire for food will naturally improve on its own once your body has recovered from the ailment at hand. If a lack of appetite is induced by other factors, the situation will likely not resolve itself until the underlying cause(s) has been addressed.
Remedies It is important to address any underlying cause(s) that may manifest as appetite loss. Your naturopath or other health practitioner will help determine the contributing factor(s) to your loss of appetite and work towards a viable means of dealing with the situation. The following remedies listed below will also prove helpful as you resolve the situation.
Foods Apple cider vinegar increases the acidity content of the digestive system. Stomach acidity naturally declines as we age, which may affect appetite. Take one teaspoon in a glass of water thirty to forty five minutes before your meal. Add fibre to your diet to promote proper digestive function. Eat fruits during the day and add vegetables to your meals. Eat more whole grain cereals and breads. Red wine contains tannins that stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes and improve nutrient assimilation. Have a glass with a light snack before dinner as an appetizer.
Herbs Bitter herbs stimulate gastric juice production, inducing appetite.
Lifestyle Nothing stimulates the appetite like a brisk walk in the fresh air. Light exercise promotes circulation and releases mood-boosting endorphins into the body. Fresh air has an uncanny ability to stimulate appetite as your brain is bathed in oxygen, stimulating the senses while also boosting mood. Eat when you are hungry. Many people are rigidly attached to a stringent eating timetable that may not match the needs of their body. If you are not hungry at 6:00, wait until 7:00. If you are hungry beforehand, eat earlier. It is important to listen to your body and heed what is being said. Eat smaller meals throughout the day. If you are not inclined to dine on three large meals during the day, spread them out into five or six or more. Eat small portions of food throughout the day and snack on healthy items. As per the item above, it is important to eat when and how you want to. Try not to miss meals. If you do not feel like having dinner, have a light snack instead, or try some breakfast foods! Many people find that a bowl of cereal is a welcome treat to the end of a day. The unconventional may just be the most appropriate. For any decision, ensure the meal is healthy and nutritious. Smoking decreases hunger and is one of the main causes of appetite loss. Consider quitting for this and countless other reasons. Coffee, tea, and other caffeine beverages suppress the appetite. And if you tend to drink a number of cups during the day, you will feel more full and less inclined to eat a meal. Drink decaffeinated beverages or find substitutes, such as culinary herbal teas. On the beverage note, be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Spring water and fruit and vegetable juices are excellent choices that carry a nutritional boost as well. Taking medication with a full glass of water before your meal may fill you up, reducing appetite. Instead, take enough water to swallow your medication and save the rest for after the meal. You may also consult with your pharmacist or other health practitioner to determine whether the prescription can be taken after a meal.
Mealtime Mealtime should be a pleasant, enjoyable, fulfilling experience. If you find meals to be more dull than desirable, try new combinations of foods and atmosphere. Explore new recipe books and see what interests you. Put the daily dishes away and use fine china and crystal glasses. Light candles. Pour a fine glass of wine. Turn off the television. Play your favourite music. Simmer potpourri. Add an aromatherapy diffuser to the room. The atmosphere should be as tempting as the food itself! Try not to eat alone, as both conversation and company are engaging and enticing to the appetite. Eating among friends and family promotes the enjoyment of a meal and nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Occasionally, presentation is everything. World-renowned chefs know the visual appeal of food directly entices the appetite. Steam vegetables to bring out their colours and mix and match varieties to create a bounty of colour on your plate. Arrange food on your plate so that it is asymmetrical (non-uniform, non-patterned) and has height to it. These techniques will encourage your eyes to wander the plate and create visual appeal, stimulating appetite. Coupled with a select herb or two to cue your sense of smell, the experience will likely be thoroughly enjoyable. Do not drink liquids during your meal as this dilutes digestive enzymes in the stomach and can also fill you up. Ill-fitting dentures make for an unpleasant eating experience and can leave a foul taste in the mouth. Consult with your dentist, denturist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to ensure a proper fit.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More As previously mentioned, exercise stimulates the appetite. Perform a light routine as opposed to an intense workout that may leave you more fatigued than famished. Taking the kids to the park, gardening, walking the dog, and playing catch are all considered excellent forms of low-impact exercise.
Vitamins A multivitamin may be needed to supplement the nutrients you may not be receiving in your diet. Take a natural multivitamin with chelated minerals. Ensure it is free of additives, colourants, preservatives, and sugar.
Actions and Remedy Listings
| Address Underlying Causes Of Appetite Loss | Apple Cider Vinegar | Arrange Food In An Unpredictable, Presentable Fashion | | Avoid Caffeine | Avoid Liquids During The Meal | Bitter Herbs | | Caffeine Beverage Substitutes | Create A Colourful Plate of Food | Determine Underlying Causes (If Applicable) | | Do Not Miss Meals | Drink Little Water With Pre-Meal Medication | Eat When Hungry | | Eat Among Company | Eat Smaller Meals Throughout The Day | Ensure Proper Denture Fit | | Exercise | Fibre | Fresh Air | | Increase "Eye-Appeal" of Food/Meals | Light Exercise | Multivitamin | | Quit Smoking | Red Wine | Reduce Caffeine Intake | | Treat Underlying Causes (If Applicable) | | |
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consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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