Low Appetite

Low Appetite

Usually, most people have a daily desire to eat food – an’ appetite. Eating is a very important part of life, providing us the nutrients and energy our bodies need to stay healthy. Loss of appetite is nothing but a sudden drop in the quantity of food intake in a person. Anyone may experience an appetite loss and for many different reasons. It might be that people may want to eat less, lose interest in food, or experience sickness sometimes just at the thought of eating. A person can sometimes experience fatigue and weight loss as well as a loss of appetite if they do not eat enough food to sustain their body.

In ayurveda, Loss of appetite is compared with AGNI-MANDYA. Loss of appetite has several causes and generally, it is linked with anorexia nervosa. The most common cause is insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, which results in appetite loss and malabsorption. The second most cause is liver malfunction. Third most cause includes other chronic or acute diseases, which affect digestive system or liver functions.

Ways to boost your appetite and make sure you are getting the nutrients you need.

Choose nutrient-rich foods

The less you are able to eat, the more nutrient-dense your meals should be. This means focusing on protein, healthy fat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limit empty calories like chips, baked goods, sugar-sweetened beverages and candy, as they don’t provide you with any nutrients.

Eat the biggest meal of the day when you feel hungriest

Starving when you first wake up? This may mean breakfast is a larger meal, while dinner is smaller. Feel hungriest after your lunchtime walk? Make lunch a bigger meal.

Eat smaller meals more often

When your appetite is low, large amounts of food can be a turn off. Instead of three large meals, break these into five or six mini-meals throughout the day.

Limit beverages at meals.

Avoid filling up on fluids before you are done eating. Focus on food first, then have water, coffee, tea, etc after you finish. You want to be sure to get all the nutrients from your foods first, before filling up on liquids that are less nutrient-dense.

Schedule mealtimes

If you never feel hungry, relying on your appetite is not the best cue to eat a meal. Instead, plan your meal times so you remember to eat. If you have a busy day, it can be helpful to set a reminder in your calendar so a meal doesn’t pass you by.

Keep high calorie/protein snacks handy

Have snacks on hand so that if you do feel hungry, you have something available to eat. Try high calorie, high protein snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, peanut butter on crackers, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or cheese with crackers.

Experiment with foods

If your taste buds have changed, your typical favorite foods may not taste so good anymore. Experiment with different foods, textures and flavors – you may discover a new favourite meal.

Exercise to increase your appetite

Physical activity can help to make you feel hungrier. Even a walk around the block, combined with fresh air, can stimulate your appetite.

Eat with others

Oftentimes appetite can increase when you are eating a meal with others. If you often eat meals alone, look for more opportunities to eat with others. Invite family or friends over for a meal, or join a social group where people get together for meals.

Drink your calories If it seems easier to drink than eat, choose high calorie, high protein beverages to help you meet your nutrition needs. Sip on milk, milkshakes, smoothies, soup, or high calorie and protein nutrition supplements.