Causes of loss of appetite in women. Why no appetite? How to increase appetite in an adult? B vitamins

A good appetite has always been considered a sign of health and normal functioning of the body. The feeling of hunger is a natural phenomenon that signals that a person needs to “recharge” and restore lost energy. Accordingly, a lack of interest in food may indicate a number of diseases or problems in the functioning of internal organs. What does lack of appetite mean in adults, and in what cases should you consult a doctor?

A signal that the body needs to replenish its reserves of proteins, carbohydrates and other substances is formed in the brain. It is transmitted through neural endings to the digestive organs, as a result of which the secretion of gastric juice is activated, the level of insulin in the blood increases, and the person feels a feeling of hunger.

Lack of appetite indicates disruptions in this process - these could be diseases of the digestive tract, hormonal disorders, oncology and much more.

The reasons for loss of interest in food are divided into pathological, that is, those that are the result of malfunctions in the body, and non-pathological - they do not pose a threat to health and do not require medical intervention.

Non-pathological causes of decreased appetite

Distinguish non-pathological causes from dangerous health conditions can be determined by a number of signs. In this case, there is no appetite for 3-5 days (maximum a week), after which the body’s functioning returns to normal on its own. Such episodes are repeated no more than once a month, do not cause serious weight loss and are not accompanied by nausea, weakness, fever and other symptoms. TO similar reasons This includes the impact of external factors on the body and some changes in its functioning that can be corrected without medical intervention.

Accommodations. Lack of appetite can be observed in certain conditions - for example, during very hot weather or a sharp change in climatic zones.
Chronic fatigue. The body spends a large amount of energy on digesting food, and when chronic fatigue he subconsciously tries to save strength by refusing food.
Nervous stress. Any serious emotions, negative or positive, can have an impact Negative influence for appetite. If interest in food arises immediately after stress is left behind, there is nothing to worry about, but some negative situations can lead to prolonged depression and chronic lack of appetite.
. Snacking on the go, eating fast food, eating a monotonous diet, strict diets and fasting can lead to disruptions in work digestive organs, and, as a result, to a lack of appetite.
Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy. Before menstruation and during pregnancy, a woman’s body is under the influence of hormones, which can cause weakness, headaches and abdominal cramps. As a rule, such conditions disappear on their own after the end of hormonal changes.
. Smoking, alcohol or medication abuse, and drug use negatively affect the functioning of internal organs and appetite.

A decrease in appetite is often observed in older people, which can also be considered a variant of the norm - in adulthood, metabolic and digestive processes in the body slow down.

Pathological causes of lack of appetite

The reasons for loss of interest in food, which are associated with various diseases, pose a serious health hazard. Vitamins, microelements and nutrients stop entering the body, which over time can lead to general exhaustion and even fatal outcome. These include:

In this case, loss of appetite is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, etc. If these symptoms develop, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since similar condition threatens with serious consequences.

Of particular concern should be cases when a person becomes sick from one type of food, or begins to experience an aversion to once favorite foods (for example, meat dishes) - this phenomenon often accompanies cancer.

What to do if you lose your appetite?

If the lack of appetite is not accompanied by additional symptoms, you can try to restore it by following simple rules. If you have an aversion to food, you should not force your body - it is better to eat when you want, in small portions, but at the same time it is advisable to organize your food intake and eat at approximately the same time. Dishes should be tasty, healthy and beautifully presented - so that interest in food is awakened by just one look.

In addition, if your appetite decreases, you should drink as much as possible. more water To prevent dehydration, walk in the fresh air more often, engage in physical activity and get proper rest. Recommended consumption vitamin complexes, especially those containing vitamin B12 and ascorbic acid.

What should the menu consist of for loss of appetite in adults? The key rule is that the diet should be balanced and contain all the microelements and nutrients necessary for health. In addition, there are a number of products that help increase appetite - primarily herbs, spices, hot and salty foods, as well as marinades. True, it is categorically not recommended to abuse them - in large quantities, such food can cause digestive disorders, gastritis and even ulcers.

You should also not eat a lot of fatty and heavy foods - after eating you should feel full, not heavy and full in the stomach.

Before meals, you can drink 50-100 grams of dry red wine or other light alcohol with a bitter aftertaste - aperitifs in reasonable quantities contribute to a good appetite.

Foods that help improve appetite include:

The rule for such treatment is as follows: from potent remedies (horseradish, mustard, onion, radish), you need to choose one, and use it for no more than 20 days in a row.

Medicines to increase appetite

Medicines that increase appetite should be used only in extreme cases after consultation with a doctor. Each of them has a number of contraindications and side effects, and if used incorrectly and in dosage, they can cause serious harm to the body.

Drug name	Features of the impact
	Means wide range actions used for treatment skin diseases, anorexia, migraines. Most often recommended for underweight
	A drug that helps activate hematopoietic processes, thereby stimulating digestive and metabolic processes. Indications include conditions accompanied by malnutrition, as well as anemia
	One of the most effective remedies, which has virtually no contraindications, and can be used even in children. Used for insufficient body weight, digestive disorders, neuroses and neurosis-like conditions
	A combined drug that is used in children and adults for pathologies accompanied by impaired appetite. Well tolerated by the body, has minimal side effects, can be used for a long time
	Helps increase a person’s physical activity, normalizes appetite and promotes weight gain in case of exhaustion. Available in the form of ampoules for intramuscular administration

For neuroses and psycho-emotional disorders associated with loss of appetite, patients are recommended to take antidepressants and sedatives in combination with psychotherapy and other treatment methods. The most common drugs include Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine, Cipramil, Paxil, but their prescription and dosage calculation must be made by a doctor.

Video – “Elkar”

How to improve appetite using folk remedies?

Can be used to increase appetite folk remedies, which act no less effectively than medications, but do not harm the body.

. The fruits and seeds of the plant contain essential oils, which have antispasmodic and antiseptic effects, and also have a beneficial effect on digestive processes. They can be added as a seasoning to dishes, or to prepare medicine. Steam a tablespoon of raw material with a glass of boiling water, leave covered for 10 minutes, then strain and drink half a glass 2-3 times after meals.
. Sweet dill is often used for colic in newborns, but few people know that remedies from this plant can increase appetite. Fennel infusion is prepared as follows: steam a teaspoon of chopped fruit with a glass of boiling water, leave for two hours, then strain. Consume 3-4 times a day, 1-2 tablespoons before meals.
. Regular dill has no less effective healing effects than its sweet counterpart. Take 100 g of dry herb or 200 g of fresh, pour into a sealed container, pour a liter of dry white wine into it, leave in a dark, cool place for a month, shaking from time to time, then filter and squeeze out the remainder. If you have loss of appetite, take the infusion 25-30 g before each meal.
Dandelion. Fresh dandelion leaves - useful supplement to a diet that improves digestive processes and appetite. The leaves should be collected in environmentally friendly places, away from roads and industrial facilities, and a medicinal remedy can be prepared from the roots of the plant. Take 2 teaspoons of dry ground root, pour 250 ml cold water, leave for 8 hours and drink ¼ glass four times a day.
. Wormwood is recommended for use by people who suffer from loss of appetite and general weakness after serious illnesses. The plant can be dried, ground into powder and taken ½ teaspoon before each meal. The second way to use the plant is as follows: take 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves, steam with a glass of boiled water, simmer in a water bath for 15 minutes and leave for 30-60 minutes. Next, the product needs to be filtered, topped up boiled water so that the total volume is 250 ml. Drink a tablespoon 3-4 times a day.
Pomegranate. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice not only has a beneficial effect on digestion, but also increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood (it is recommended even for pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia to eat pomegranate fruits), and the medicine can be prepared not only from the grains, but also from the peel. It can be ground into powder, mixed with olive oil and eaten a teaspoon twice a day.

Any means to improve appetite can be used only in cases where the underlying cause of the disease is known - without appropriate therapy, loss of appetite will become chronic, and the body’s condition may worsen significantly.

Video - What to do if you have no appetite

Loss of appetite, with medical point called anorexia, it can be caused by various conditions and diseases. Some of the conditions may be temporary and reversible, such as loss of appetite from the effects of medications. Some of the conditions may be more serious, such as from exposure to a cancerous tumor.

Not everyone can boast of a normal (healthy) appetite. In most cases, people suffer from impaired appetite followed by undereating or overeating. However, external signs: excessive thinness and excessive fatness are not the only problem that arises. Loss of appetite – alarm signal, which indicates serious changes in the functioning of the body. IN Lately, cases of loss of appetite and uncontrolled weight loss have become more frequent, which have a negative impact on health.

How dangerous is loss of appetite?
To understand how dangerous a poor appetite can become for a person, it is important to recognize the very need for food. Food is the connecting link human body With environment. In addition, it performs a number of important functions: plastic, energetic, protective, bioregulatory and adaptive-regulatory, which are involved in the reproduction and construction of new cells, serve to cover energy costs, increase the body’s resistance to disease, take part in the formation of enzymes and hormones, contribute to the normal functioning of various body systems.
There is another function of food – signaling and motivational, which boils down to stimulating appetite. The desire to eat (in Latin, appetite) appears when the concentration of nutrients in the blood decreases. In other words, it is appetite that regulates the intake of the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals into the body.
In the part of the brain (hypothalamus) there are two centers that are responsible for satiety and hunger. A decrease in blood glucose levels signals that the body needs nutrients, while the entry of an active substance (cholecystokinin) into the blood signals saturation. Thus, loss of appetite can disrupt nutritional balance - the correct ratio of nutrients in the body, including essential ones (proteins, vitamins, minerals).
Interestingly, in animals, like ancient people, the concentration of nutrients decreases during the hunt, so the need for food increases when obtaining food. In the modern world, people no longer have the need to get food in the literal sense of the word, so people eat food with the appearance of an appetite.

Consequences of poor appetite
Of course, every person experiences poor appetite at least once in their life. Our body is wise and capable of self-healing, so with a short-term decrease in appetite, nothing bad will happen. But systematic refusal to eat for a long period of time has extremely Negative consequences for the body, can cause “starvation” of all organs and tissues, including the brain.
With a balanced, rational diet, the diet corresponds to the gender, age, occupation and weight of the person. Thus, children's nutrition and appetite preschool age differs from the nutrition of schoolchildren and students. And the food of an adult, depending on the type of activity, should replenish physical activity or expended mental labor. In the same way, it is important to take into account some nutritional features of older people, nutrition after rehabilitation period, during pregnancy, etc.
If a child has no appetite, the baby may not receive enough biologically. valuable substances, vitamins, macro and microelements necessary for its normal growth and development. Poor appetite for students and people with mental activities, reduces brain activity. With a decrease in appetite, those who are engaged in physical labor experience an increase in fatigue. It’s hard to even imagine what a bad appetite of a nursing mother can mean for a baby. Exhaustion of the body, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness - all these are consequences of loss of appetite.
Refusal to eat for a long time, may cause serious disease– anorexia. The disease is manifested by partial or complete loss of appetite and is caused by psychopathological disorders. Anorexia nervosa has become especially widespread in recent years. During the course of the disease, the patient manifests a persistent desire to correct the “excesses” of the figure. In an advanced state, with anorexia, muscle atrophy occurs, disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system are noticed, the functions of entire systems and the functioning of individual organs are disrupted. A person rejects food for so long that it is no longer absorbed by the body.

What to do: Lost appetite?
Appetite control is one of the most important characteristics when following proper nutrition. Reducing appetite when overweight and stimulating appetite when exhausted are equally important for health.
In most cases, we suffer from eating poor quality food and gluttony, so there are a huge number of recommendations available ways and methods that tell you how to reduce your appetite. To be brief, they all boil down to the fact that it is necessary to eat low-calorie foods, exclude the consumption of sweets and flour products, fried and spicy foods, foods that stimulate the appetite, and engage in intensive physical exercise. Availability of information will help you choose the right diet or the most suitable way to lose weight.
For people suffering from lack of weight, it is necessary to increase appetite, that is, to arouse the desire for food. If you have lost your appetite, you don’t need to despair, but you shouldn’t put off solving the problem either.

Any persistent symptoms of lack of appetite should be assessed by a professional gastroenterologist.

Loss of appetite nausea

With heart failure, loss or change in appetite or nausea may occur. Some people feel a heaviness in their stomach even if they have eaten very little. They may also experience pain or tenderness in the abdomen.

These symptoms often occur because fluid accumulates around the liver and intestines, interfering with digestion. If you notice any changes in appetite or digestive problems, this may mean your heart failure is getting worse and you should see your doctor or nurse.

Loss of appetite and nausea are also common side effects some medications.

In order not to risk your own health once again, do not trust traditional methods, but consult a doctor.

Weakness loss of appetite

Lack of vitamin B causes loss of appetite, weakness and apathy, increased irritability, insomnia, weight loss, the appearance of vague dull and acute pain, mental depression and constipation. In children, this often leads to growth retardation. In cases of severe thiamine deficiency, beriberi disease may occur. Since B is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, its deficiency manifests itself in the loss of ankle and knee reflexes, neuritis, or muscle weakness of the legs, calves and thighs. Psychological symptoms of deficiency include disturbances of mental balance, poor memory, unaccountable fears, stiffness and persecutory delusions.

The mystery of scientists around the world remains the relentless tendency for man to self-destruct his body. Contrary to common sense, the almost ideal mechanism of a human being is destroyed due to improper lifestyle and nutrition. Often shameless intemperance in eating gives rise to beastly appetite. On the other hand, despite the natural appearance of appetite, a person rejects food, preventing the body from receiving nutrients that are so necessary for normal functioning. Here are the main reasons that cause poor appetite.
Disruption gastrointestinal tract(GIT)
Gastritis, cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis can be accompanied by pain, toxicosis, weakness, this often leads to poor appetite and severe exhaustion.

Wrong diet
With poor nutrition, when the desire to get rid of excess weight accompanied by debilitating diets that limit or exclude the consumption of a certain category of foods, loss of appetite is one of the problems that arise. Rapid weight loss develops into uncontrolled weight loss and without the intervention of qualified specialists, can lead to complete or partial loss of appetite (anorexia).

Starvation
There are several methods of fasting, which, as a rule, are accompanied by a long or one-day refusal of food. It should be noted that, subject to all recommendations and under the supervision of nutritionists, therapeutic fasting benefits. However, failure to comply with the conditions and rules of fasting, or the presence of diseases for which fasting is contraindicated, can lead to a complete loss of appetite. Fasting includes voluntary refusal of food and as a protest.
Result of improper treatment and use harmful products

Long-term use of medications, herbal infusions or potent drugs, without the advice of doctors or due to an erroneous diagnosis, is one of the reasons for poor appetite. Refusal to eat can be caused by eating narcotic substances, smoking, abuse of weight loss drugs, use of low-quality medications.
Improper (irrational) nutrition
Untimely eating, as well as poor quality food lead to the formation of poisons and toxins, which lead to loss of strength and poor appetite. In addition, the diet must maintain the correct combination of food products from different groups (vitamins, proteins, fats).

Psycho-emotional state
One of the reasons for a person’s refusal to eat includes psychological and emotional disorders associated with the loss of loved ones or animals, quarrels and other troubles. Often, the resulting depression and feeling of inferiority are the cause of isolation and refusal to eat.

Since loss of appetite leads to weight loss, timely consultation with a doctor will help avoid problems such as exhaustion or anorexia.

Temperature loss of appetite

In most cases, all this occurs during poisoning of the body. After all, infectious poisoning always has symptoms of incessant vomiting and diarrhea, and with all this, there is weakness in the body, constantly throwing into the cold sweat. But if vomiting is accompanied, then at the time of all this you will need to drink about two liters of water to cleanse your intestines of infection. But after all this, you need to take the patient to the infectious diseases department of the clinic. After a series of droppers and gastric lavage, the acid-base balance is restored in the body. And with all the weakness of the body will go away a little. In case of poisoning, the patient will need to go on a strict diet and take special antibiotics in order to eliminate all the infections that caused the disease.

But if the patient experiences malignant histiocytosis, then it is accompanied by weight loss, and also with it, increasing weakness occurs and a high temperature rises. But diarrhea is also common with it.

But with stomach diarrhea, symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, weakness of the whole body, and dry mouth also occur. But you may even experience dizziness, loss of appetite and bloating, which will turn into sharp pain.

But diarrhea is very dangerous for the body because when the body becomes dehydrated, the water-salt balance is disturbed, which can lead to death if left untreated. Vitamins we need, such as calcium and magnesium, which are very necessary for the normal functioning of the body, are removed from the body.

After all, every rise in temperature and diarrhea, which leads to weakness of the body, is not an ideal human condition.

On the contrary, it is considered not a very useful condition, because any infection in the human body can lead to a number of different diseases. And all these symptoms should be treated only under the supervision of a therapist. Since proper treatment can prevent dehydration and loss of salts and essential minerals from the body, which contribute to the proper and efficient functioning of the body. Because not every disease can be cured on your own and at home.

Loss of appetite in a child

Picky eating can persist in school-aged children

Parents very often believe that their children are picky or capricious when it comes to nutrition. Indeed, in a study of eating behavior in young children, it was shown that up to 50% of parents consider their children to be fussy eaters.

While picky eating doesn't last long for some children, it becomes an ongoing problem for others. According to one study, in 21% of cases, parents characterized their children aged 4-5 years as picky eaters. Another study found that some children's picky eating habits persisted until they were 9 years old.

Typical behaviors of picky eaters include the following:

They eat very little;
so much for certain types of food;
eat few fruits and vegetables;
refuse to try new types of food;
interrupt or delay food intake.

Excessive pickiness in nutrition can lead to gaps in your child’s diet:

Picky children often receive significantly less protein and energy than children with a normal appetite;
In addition, picky children often receive insufficient amounts of certain vitamins and minerals compared to children with a normal appetite.

Potential dangers observed in children with constant food whims and poor appetite:

Differences associated with nutrient intake;
reducing consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber;
decreased consumption of certain microelements;
growth disorder;
slowing of mental development.

Tips: how to cope with a child’s picky eating habits and improve appetite:

Try to ensure that the child is not distracted while eating: he should eat in a calm environment;
Take a neutral position in relation to food-related behavior: avoid excessive praise, criticism, stimulation and coercion;
feed the child at the correct intervals and avoid “snacking” in order to increase the child’s appetite: feed him at intervals of 3-4 hours and do not give anything in between;
limit the duration of meals: meals should last 20-30 minutes, and if the child does not eat - 15 minutes;
use products according to the child’s age;
introduce new foods one at a time and offer the child the same food up to 5 times before you agree that he will not eat it;
encourage your child to eat independently;
Accept that while eating, your child does additional research typical for his age.

How to know if a child is in danger

Talk to your child's doctor about his picky eating behavior. This is especially important if the child:

Loses weight or has stopped gaining weight;
grows slower than expected;
looks tired or lacks energy;

Dear parents, do not risk the health of your children, consult a doctor.

Symptoms of loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is a partial or complete refusal to eat. Loss of appetite is a protective reaction of the body. This reaction involves slowing down the digestion process to prevent substances from entering the body that could interfere with healing. Loss of appetite may be a symptom serious illnesses.

Not only diseases lead to a decrease in appetite, but also various medications: preparations containing digitalis; antibiotics; cold medicines containing PPA (phenylpropanolamine); painkillers; diabetes medications; anesthetics; drugs for chemotherapy.

Loss of appetite may be a symptom of the following diseases

Addison's disease (Bronze disease)
Still's disease (Chronic polyarthritis in children)
Still-Choffard disease (Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gastroesophageal reflux)
Dementia (Dementia)
Depression
Peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer and duodenum)
Cancer
Seasonal affective disorder
Schizoaffective disorder
Anorexia

Treating a disease at an early stage is always much easier and faster, so don’t put it off until tomorrow, consult a doctor now!

Diarrhea loss of appetite

Typically, a series of wave-like muscle contractions propel food through the digestive tract. If they get too fast colon cannot absorb as much liquid from food as it should. This leads to diarrhea.

Diarrhea can be acute or chronic; The frequency of loose stools can vary from day to day and varies from person to person. The stool may be bloody, contain mucus or pus, or both.

Along with diarrhea, a person usually experiences pain or cramps in the abdomen, he may have nausea, vomiting, weakness, and loss of appetite. Depending on the cause of diarrhea, the type of stool and other symptoms vary.

Diarrhea and other acute symptoms intestinal infection
suddenly arising exclusively loose stool;
strong stool odor;
painful and sensitive stomach;
nausea;
heat;
chills;
weakness;
poor appetite;
weight loss.

Diarrhea and other symptoms of colon cancer
bloody diarrhea interspersed with pencil-thick stools;
abdominal pain;
loss of appetite;
weight loss;
weakness;
depression.

Diarrhea due to painful intestinal sensitivity
In this case, diarrhea can alternate with constipation and normal stool.
a painful, tender, or swollen belly;
stomach upset;
nausea.

Diarrhea and other symptoms ulcerative colitis:
recurring bloody diarrhea containing pus or mucus;
spasmodic pain in the lower abdomen;
mild fever;
loss of appetite;
sometimes nausea or vomiting.

Since diarrhea can mean not just a stomach disorder, but a very serious illness, do not self-medicate, but consult a doctor immediately.

Loss of appetite and weight

A healthy appetite is a sign of good health. But even minor physical or psychological problems can affect a healthy person's appetite. Loss of appetite can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from digestive problems to serious illnesses. In this article we will look at the causes and treatment of loss of appetite.

Causes of loss of normal appetite.
1. Serious liver diseases: chronic renal failure, cirrhosis.
2. Serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, acute heart failure.
3. Pneumonia, HIV, hepatitis, kidney infections, influenza.
4. Inflammation of the intestines, digestive canal or pancreatitis.
5. Endocrine problems, low level hormone thyroid gland, diabetes.
6. Some types of cancer - blood cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer.
7. Autoimmune diseases– rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
8. Certain medical supplies, antibiotics, anesthetics, chemotherapy, diabetes medications.
9. Drugs digitalis, Demerol, morphine, sympathomimetics - for example, ephedrine.
10. Mental disorders: anorexia nervosa, depression, schizophrenia.
11. Pregnancy.
12. Certain types of dementia - for example, Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, some bad habits Also cause loss of appetite: drinking non-alcoholic sweetened drinks or sweets between meals. Sometimes, overeating heavy meals rich in saturated fat can cause loss of appetite. In addition to this, many more reasons can be named. And in some cases it happens that it is simply impossible to identify the cause.

Diagnosis of loss of appetite.

If there is a gradual loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss, a medical examination is necessary - these symptoms may indicate serious problems with health.

During a medical examination, a number of tests are performed to determine the causes of poor appetite. Using a blood test, they determine whether the cause lies in hormonal imbalance, diabetes, or liver disease. A urine test can detect kidney infections. X-ray chest makes it possible to detect lung cancer or pneumonia. Among the medical procedures that diagnose the causes of poor appetite, the most common are:

Full blood analysis,
HIV test,
examination of the abdominal organs,
testing kidney function, liver function,
barium enema,
thyroid function test,
Analysis of urine,
x-ray upper sections gastrointestinal tract,
pregnancy test.

Consequences of long-term lack of appetite.

If a lack of appetite persists for several weeks, the result may be exhaustion of the body, a lack of nutrients necessary for its normal functioning. Many consequences depend on the cause of the loss of appetite. Thus, diabetes can lead to disruption of the functioning of various internal organs (kidneys, nervous system, eyes), and cancer can lead to death.

Treatment for loss of normal appetite.

Treatment largely depends on the cause of this condition. As a rule, appetite is restored after the disease that caused poor appetite is completely cured.

If the loss of appetite is associated with pregnancy, then no treatment is required as such; after a few weeks, the appetite will recover on its own.
If loss of appetite is caused by nausea, then the main treatments used are drugs such as ondansetron or promethazine.
If loss of appetite is caused by appendicitis, surgery will be required.
People suffering from dementia are prescribed high-calorie nutritional formulas or even artificial nutrition through a gastrostomy tube.
If loss of appetite is associated with low levels of thyroid hormone, special hormone replacement medications are prescribed.
If the cause of lack of appetite is infectious diseases, treatment is carried out with antibiotics.
The main methods of treating cancer are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Getting rid of bad appetite at home.

At home, including nutritious meals, snacks, and drinks rich in proteins in your diet will help you cope with loss of appetite.
Yeast, along with vitamin B complex, is one of the most effective nutritional supplements. Green vegetables are also very good at stimulating appetite. A lack of the mineral zinc affects the sense of smell and touch, and this negatively affects a person’s appetite.
You can stimulate your appetite with herbal infusions if you drink them half an hour before meals. For loss of appetite caused by emotional problems, you should consume herbal infusions based on chamomile, lemon balm, dill, peppermint. Healing properties These herbs will not only help calm the psyche, but also stimulate the appetite.

Since there can be many reasons for loss of appetite and weight, we still advise you not to self-medicate, but to undergo an examination program.

Video about loss of appetite

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At first glance, it seems that stress and depression cause disturbances only in the nervous system. Any nervous disorder provokes a malfunction of all body systems, the autonomic nervous system.

55% lose their appetite and food seems less tasty.
In 30%, emotional distress provokes functional disorders intestines and digestion.
For 10%, unpleasant thoughts about life’s problems distract them from eating.
Less than 5% experience nausea or vomiting on nervous soil.

Lack of appetite can result in undesirable consequences due to stress, which already has a negative effect on the body.

What to do if a person has experienced a mental disorder and refuses to eat? We'll tell you in the article.

You will need:

Why there is no appetite during stress

Any disorder provokes nervous exhaustion, emotional overload, and fatigue.
When stressed, the autonomic nervous system, which controls the functioning of internal organs, suffers.
Neurosis and depression are a provoking factor of general tension, spasm of the gastrointestinal tract, which is manifested by loss of appetite and altered perception of the taste of food.
Being, the metabolism and secretion of hormones changes.
Low levels of leptin and estrogen, sharp changes cortisol due to stress is one of the main causes of nervous loss of appetite.

Negative thoughts and experiences completely fill thoughts, pushing into the background the need for regular food intake.

What could be the consequences?

Without treatment, the risk of rapid weight loss and nervous exhaustion very big.

A long-term lack of appetite can result in sleep disturbances and insomnia.
A common complication of nervous weight loss in women is menstrual irregularities.
In children's and adolescence there is a high risk of vitamin deficiency, sharp decline immunity, impaired formation of the musculoskeletal system, susceptibility to colds and viral diseases.
A dangerous consequence of neurosis and depression is rapid weight loss to the point of exhaustion.
Loss of appetite is accompanied by headache, severe drowsiness and weakness, muscle pain, arrhythmia, muscle spasms, and impaired intestinal motility.

For any nervous disorder nutrition - important factor to maintain body functions.

How to recover from an eating disorder

Appetite regulates the function of the body's intake of nutrients, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The center of hunger and satiety is located in the hypothalamus. If your blood glucose level drops, it sends a signal to eat and increase your energy balance.

With an unbalanced diet and the habit of snacking on sweets, the body does not receive the required amount of nutrients.

You can recover from an eating disorder by following three simple rules:

You should eat at least three times a day.
In your diet you need to adhere to the formula of 50% carbohydrates, 25% proteins and 25% fats.
Consume sweets in small quantities (up to 100 g) as a snack between main meals, and never eat on an empty stomach.

Replenishing the lack of amino acids

The cause of poor sleep and appetite, fatigue and malaise may be a lack of amino acids. The amino acid tryptophan is essential for humans and is involved in the regulation of vitamin B3 synthesis and appetite. You can fill the deficiency with certain products:

Soybeans and legumes, lentils, chickpeas, peas.
Dairy products, yogurt, milk, fermented baked milk, kefir.
All nuts contain tryptophan. It is enough to consume up to 50 g of almonds, walnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts per day.
Mushrooms and dried fruits, dates, raisins, figs.
Meat and fish, especially sea fish.

B vitamins

Essential vitamins in food:

Walnuts contain sufficient amounts of vitamin B1, B5 and B6.
Bananas are rich in vitamin C and B5-6.
Almonds and cashews are a source of a whole complex of group B - B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9.
Avocados and oats are rich in vitamins B1, B5 and B6.
Spirulina, spinach, asparagus and pumpkin are rich in vitamins B12 and B6.

Foods rich in zinc

In the body, zinc takes part not only in the metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and enzymes, but also promotes sexual development and functioning immune system and the work of the pancreas with the synthesis of insulin.

You can compensate for the lack of zinc with the following products:

Barley and buckwheat groats;
lean turkey, rabbit and duck meat;
peas, beans and chickpeas;
low-fat cheese and cottage cheese;
pine nuts, peanuts.

Medicines to increase appetite

First of all, you need to make sure the reason eating disorder, since the methods of treating psychoemotional disorders are extremely different from the treatment of somatic diseases.

Antidepressants

Restores appetite in anorexia nervosa syndrome, depression and neurosis.

Drugs with antiserotonin action

Indirectly affect appetite and improve psycho-emotional state.

Hepatoprotectors and restoratives

Regulate metabolism and increase tone.

L-carnitine

Participates in metabolic processes and restores the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, thereby regulating eating behavior and appetite.

The importance of diet

Regular nutrition not only enriches the body with essential nutrients, but also sets the rhythm of functioning of all digestive and metabolic organs. At the same time, it is important to eat regularly and in a balanced manner, observing the intake of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Four or five meals a day are optimal.

Breakfast should be in the first 2 hours after waking up, in a ratio of 2:1 carbohydrate and
The first snack can be between breakfast and lunch. Fruits, light salad, dairy products are suitable.

Lunch should contain at least 40% protein, 30% fat and 30% carbohydrates. Share simple carbohydrates– flour and sweet, should be one third less than the amount complex carbohydrates(cereals, cereals, legumes).
The optimal second snack is protein products (eggs, cottage cheese), nuts, 1 fruit of your choice, vegetables in any form.
Dinner should be light, mostly protein with enough vegetables and fiber. Carbohydrates before bed are not recommended.

Appetite stimulants - spices and seasonings

Some foods especially increase hunger and appetite, and can rightfully replace medications.

Marinades, pickles, canned and lightly salted cucumbers and tomatoes.
Herbal spices - basil, cilantro, dill, red paprika and chili.
Ground black and white pepper.
Horseradish, mustard, ginger and wasabi.
Fresh sour berries or fruit drinks from cranberries, lingonberries, lemon and pomegranate juice.

However, if you have a stomach disease, gastritis or peptic ulcer, it is prohibited to stimulate your appetite with peppery, salty and sour foods. This can provoke inflammation of the gastric mucosa and exacerbation of the underlying disease.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Why do you want to eat when you're stressed?

During constant, prolonged stress, the adrenal glands increase the release of the hormone cortisol. The more of this substance in a person’s body, the more he wants to eat. When a person is in a sudden stressful situation (life-threatening, strong pain), then a large concentration of another hormone is released into the plasma - adrenaline, which, on the contrary, discourages a person’s appetite.

What to do during nervous hunger?

Rapid weight loss during nervous exhaustion is a bad sign and can lead to anorexia. To prevent this, you should reduce your normal portion, under no circumstances force food into yourself, but regularly eat light foods: soup, broth, fruits, vegetables. You can support the body with sedatives or antidepressants. Walking in the fresh air and sunlight - vitamin D - also help. After two to three months, your appetite should return.

Why do people lose weight due to nervousness?

During stress, the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine are released into the blood. As a result, metabolism increases, and the composition of fatty acids, on the contrary, decreases. Norepinephrine is also responsible for arterial pressure, which increases due to nervousness, forcing systems in the body to work more actively, and therefore nutrients are consumed faster. As a result, the person loses weight.

What can cause loss of appetite?

Loss of appetite for the following reasons:
This may be the body’s reaction to nervous fatigue and stress, when more adrenaline enters the blood, thereby speeding up metabolism, so a person loses appetite and loses weight;
Appetite may decrease due to a decrease in the body's calorie needs due to old age, heat outside, or an insufficiently active lifestyle;
I also don’t want to eat when I have ARVI, flu, or other illnesses.

Weight loss with nervousness, why?

Severe shock or frequent stressful situations lead to greater calorie consumption by the body. Nervousness negatively affects metabolism. Stress causes gastrointestinal spasms, which interfere with normal digestion and reduce appetite. Therefore, a person does not feel like eating, any food causes a gag reflex and, thus, the person rapidly loses weight.

Is it possible to lose weight due to nervousness?

During nervous stress, the body is saved by the release of the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine into the blood. All systems begin to function faster, more energy is consumed, and metabolism increases. Since the body is not accustomed to this pace of work, it digestive functions are disrupted, appetite decreases, and as a result the person loses weight.

What to do with anorexia due to nervousness?

Anorexia nervosa determined by an obsession with losing weight and refusal to eat. To treat the disease, the doctor determines a personal diet, taking into account the missing amount of nutrients. The patient is also prescribed medications that support the human body as a whole: vitamins, if fragile bones, hormones for amenorrhea, antidepressants. Psychologists work with the patient from the very beginning.

What to do if there is no appetite after surgery?

After the operation, the body uses up its energy and does not have enough strength to normalize the functioning of the digestive system, and metabolism is disrupted. Often a person loses his appetite after taking antibiotics, which are prescribed after surgery. These drugs disrupt the intestinal microflora. To restore the desire to eat, the doctor draws up a personal menu and diet for the patient. Prescribed to stimulate appetite different decoctions from herbs. Moderate physical exercise and walks outside restore normal metabolism and restore appetite.

What is psychogenic loss of appetite?

Psychogenic loss of appetite is associated with psychological problems person that lead to the disease – anorexia. This disease is more common among young girls and teenagers who think they are too fat. Loss of appetite due to nervousness leads to excessive weight loss in a short time.

What to do if you feel sick due to nervousness?

A stressful situation forces the body to turn on all systems. The alarm signal is transmitted to the nerve endings, and the organs, in defense, try to get rid of the excess - hence the gag reflex. In general, when the stressful situation passes, then the malaise will pass. This will be helped breathing exercises to calm the nervous system, also light physical exercise will force hormones to be redirected to muscle work. Reception sedatives and drinks made from herbal infusions will calm your nerves.

Why does it occur increased appetite and drowsiness under stress?

Constant, prolonged stress causes the body to release the hormone cortisol into the plasma, which increases appetite. Drowsiness by nature occurs when the brain needs oxygen, but the body does not release it. Stress leads to spasms of muscles and blood vessels, which causes tension, and it does not allow blood to flow to the brain. Often in stressful situations Blood pressure decreases, which also induces sleep.

Conclusion

Loss of appetite may not be the only manifestation of emotional overstrain and stress. To prevent nervous exhaustion and anorexia during depression, you should not resort to methods of increasing appetite without the advice of a doctor. Nowadays, an experienced neuropsychiatrist can easily identify the causes of poor appetite and prescribe the most appropriate treatment and remedies that will not cause harm to the body.

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When appetite is disturbed, not all people perceive this as an alarming symptom. And in vain: a change in appetite may be one of the signs (although not unambiguous) of diseases of the stomach and/or duodenum. An appetite imbalance is also observed in other pathologies, for example:

infections of various types;
intoxication (poisoning);
problems with the endocrine system;
diseases of the nervous system, mental disorders;
vitamin deficiencies, anemia and other depletions.

Increased and decreased appetite: main reasons

Increased appetite is observed in patients during the recovery period, and this syndrome often accompanies. Classic examples of perverted appetite are observed during pregnancy in women, as well as against the background of various mental disorders.

The symptom “no appetite” may be a sign characterized by a decrease in pancreatic secretion. With cancer (), patients often experience a rejection of a certain type of food, mainly meat and its derivatives, as well as a decrease in appetite up to anorexia - complete indifference to food. Sometimes experienced doctors correctly diagnose cancer based on a single symptom: when the patient complains for a long time of poor appetite, lack of pleasure from eating even his favorite food, as well as a perversion of taste.

A special condition that should be distinguished from loss of appetite is sitophobia, refusal of food. This may be a consequence mental illness or an established fear of pain that worsens after eating - for example, in chronic ulcers. A perverted appetite with a desire to eat chalk, coal and similar substances is observed not only in pregnant women, but also in patients with gastritis with reduced or absent acid formation (achylic form).

Pathologies of the stomach and intestinal tract (duodenum) are extremely rarely accompanied by increased appetite; They are more likely to have a poor appetite. Syndrome that occurs when peptic ulcer, should be interpreted rather as a need for frequent appointments food than as an increase in appetite: it is provoked by pain that occurs one and a half to three hours after eating (the so-called late pain) or after 5-6 hours (“hunger” pain). The desire to eat as quickly as possible, and in a supine position, is also typical for patients with disorders that arose after gastric resection; first of all, with the development of hypoglycemia - a complex symptom complex based on an imbalance of plasma glucose levels.

What is appetite?

The Latin word appetitus is translated as “desire, desire” and means the pleasure that a person receives in the process of eating. From a medical point of view, appetite is a special physiological mechanism that forces a person to provide his body with nutrients in a timely manner.

Appetite is a complex and multi-valued concept. It is directly related to the work of a set of special brain structures called the food center; its most active sections are located in the cortex of both cerebral hemispheres and the hypothalamus. So, we want to eat, first of all, with our heads!

What determines the presence or absence of appetite?

All information related to food comes to the food center of the brain and is processed:

how and in what quantities it arrives;
how is it absorbed?
what are the nutritional conditions;
How are food reserves used in the body?

Appetite does not arise when our body’s food resources are already exhausted, but in advance; This is a proactive system. Therefore, when there are changes in the established diet, the brain can give an “alarm signal”, and appetite-forming stimuli will begin to act differently, causing a decrease or increase in appetite.

Factors that affect appetite:

how intermediate metabolism occurs in the body, what is the level of its products in the blood;
how well/badly metabolic products are absorbed by cells;
how much water is contained in body tissues;
whether sufficient fat reserves have been accumulated.

Appetite is stimulated when the stomach is empty and its walls contract. To a person with low temperature the body also wants to eat. Works to increase appetite external factors, to which the body has developed a conditioned reflex: for example, the sight of a tasty dish, its smell (it’s not for nothing that thrifty housewives always go to the store after lunch). Even the sight of a wall clock marking the start of the lunch break can be an irritant!

Appetite gradually slows down during eating: the food taken stretches the gastric walls, its digestion begins, the breakdown products are absorbed, absorbed by the body, and changes accordingly hormonal background, and the food center gives the command - that’s enough, the person is full!

Types of appetite and its disorders

There are types of appetite:

general, or simply “I want to eat!”, when a person is ready to take any food;
specialized forms, when appetite is directed towards a particular type of product and is dictated by the body’s need for a specific group of substances: proteins or carbohydrates, fats, vitamins or minerals, etc.

On the one hand, appetite ensures that the right type of food enters the body in certain quantities. On the other hand, it “turns on” the mechanisms necessary for its absorption: salivation, secretion of gastric digestive juice. This is a well-established system by nature itself, and its impeccable operation most often indicates that a person is prosperous in both body and soul: a good level of appetite has at all times been considered a sign of health. But loss of appetite, on the contrary, signals the ill health of a particular system or organ. Anorexia (no appetite) or bulimia (pathological increase in appetite) often indicates problems with digestive tract, endocrine disorders, vitamin deficiency, mental disorders and even brain tumors. To return normal appetite, it is necessary to establish the correct eating schedule and, of course, begin to treat the underlying disease.

One of the most powerful factors that stimulates appetite is a change in blood sugar levels, especially if it occurs abruptly. To modern man It’s very easy to provoke this: just eat a handful of candies in a few minutes, drink a bottle of soda in one gulp on a hot day, or go have a snack in a restaurant fast food. Then everything goes according to the established scheme:

excess sugar appears in the blood (its level can increase by 100-200%);
the body “sounds the alarm” and triggers a mechanism for accelerated conversion of sugar into fat deposits;
the sugar level drops sharply below normal, and the food center again assesses the situation as critical - you need to eat urgently!
the person experiences a new attack of appetite.

Appetite disorders of all types are sometimes combined under the general term dysrexia. There are clear subgroups of pathologies:

hyporexia – decreased appetite;
anorexia – when a person has no appetite at all;
hyperrexia – pathological increase in appetite;
bulimia – an extreme version of hyperrexia, uncontrollable gluttony, “voracious appetite”;
pararexia – any perversion of appetite.

Sometimes disorder is confused with its pseudoforms; There is even a special term - pseudodissection. Thus, a very hungry person can “eat like a wolf,” and someone who has had a very heavy breakfast may experience a decrease or lack of appetite at traditional lunch time.

Gluttony and anorexia

Excessive, uncontrolled appetite is colloquially called gluttony. This pathology is characterized by a constant desire to eat and the inability to stop eating food even after the body is full. Gluttony leads to betrayal, obesity and all related problems, often very serious. Gluttony is a disease that needs to be treated!

Lack and loss of appetite (anorexia) these days can develop against the background of a strict diet that involves maximum restriction of calories consumed by a person. The situation is traditional for women and some men who have a “fad” - they consider themselves too plump, even if in fact they are more likely to be thin. The situation gets worse if, considering diet to be an insufficient remedy, a person begins to take medications (laxatives, diuretics) for the same purpose - to lose weight. And here is the result: the activity of the food center was disrupted - appetite disappeared, the body lost almost all of its fat reserves, and exhaustion set in (not only of the body, but also of the psyche). It all ends with a bunch of serious diseases, and sometimes real starvation. Similar cases were noted several years ago, during the period of “fashion” for super-thin figures of top models, advertised by the American and European media.

With bulimia, many patients find, as it seems to them, the ideal way to “fight” the disease: after eating, they induce vomiting or take powerful laxatives. The logic is simple - a large amount of food can make you fat, so you just need to reject it until it is absorbed by the body. Hence the habit of most patients with bulimia to eat alone, arranging real feasts with an incredible number of dishes and subsequent cleansing of the stomach. The danger of this situation is that a person does not consider himself sick (because he does not gain excess weight) and does not seek medical help. It happens that bulimia is " reverse side» anorexia, developing in a person after a long period of complete lack of appetite.

What to do if your appetite is impaired or lost?

Any violation of the usual relationship with food - a decrease or absence of appetite, a sudden change in it - is a symptom of the body’s troubles, which requires consulting a doctor! The following can help determine the causes of appetite pathologies and help restore it:

psychotherapist;
nutritionist;
specialist in gastroenterology;
endocrinologist

If you find it difficult to choose which doctor to see, first consult with a therapist or family doctor.

To understand the cause of poor appetite, it would be good to know when this very appetite comes to us. This sensation depends on enzymes and gastric juice. When the required level of these substances accumulates in the stomach, a person begins to want to eat. Judging from the opposite, a person loses his appetite when enzymes and gastric juice poorly produced or not produced at all. It also happens that bile is thrown into the stomach from the liver, and it suppresses the acidity of the stomach and thereby suppresses appetite.

Sometimes loss of appetite is caused by overindulgence in foods rich in saturated fats or sweets.. Smoking and alcohol can also reduce appetite in some people. Heredity plays a big role in the amount of food eaten, so sometimes “little people” fall into the category of people with poor appetite. And in some cases, the cause of decreased appetite cannot be determined. Most likely, it will be in the field of psychosomatics.

Causes of poor appetite

First of all, appetite may decrease or disappear due to serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, chronic liver diseases, kidney infections and hepatitis. Another reason for this phenomenon is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the intestines, as well as cancer of the stomach and colon. With acute respiratory diseases, flu and colds, this can also happen, because it is with these diseases that the body wants to direct all its strength to fight the disease. Another group of diseases that occur with loss of appetite: diabetes mellitus, decreased levels of thyroid hormone, and endocrine problems. Disorders of the immune system, psyche and nervous system can also be accompanied by an aversion to food.

Sometimes the reason for lack of appetite lies in. If there are signs such as poor sleep, lethargy and nervousness, this may be due to a lack of vitamin B1. An organism that does not receive vital substances, microelements and vitamins simply refuses poor food - this can be called self-defense.

In addition, loss of appetite can occur due to medications such as anesthetics, antibiotics, diabetes medications, and chemotherapy.

How to get your appetite back

If the loss of appetite is not caused by serious illnesses, then you can try to correct this situation. First, you can increase the acidity of your stomach juices with foods that help produce digestive enzymes and stimulate your appetite. This includes hot seasonings, for example, horseradish, mustard, pepper, as well as herbs (greens). Juices of plantain, garden cabbage, infusions of bison grass and St. John's wort will also help.

It will also help improve your appetite the right combination dishes during meals and their proper distribution. For example, contrary to tradition, the meal should begin with the second course, and soup should be eaten ten minutes after the second course. Then the gastric juice that is in the stomach will not be diluted with liquid soup, and it will be easier for it to digest solid food. You can also slightly acidify the food with vinegar or salt well.

Cooking for a person who has a poor appetite must follow certain rules. So, it is better to fill the cereal with water and keep it like that for a while, and then just cook it. Do not cook the meat and potatoes completely, leave them as if undercooked or undercooked. It’s better to cook the fish longer.

You can include mini meals and nutritious snacks that are rich in protein in the diet of a person with poor appetite. Or try drinks containing high amounts of protein. Another way is to take nutritional supplements in the form of yeast, which includes vitamin B. Green vegetable salads, with large amounts (especially those containing zinc) can also restore lost appetite.

To increase appetite, decoctions and infusions of herbs are sometimes prescribed who drink half an hour before meals. These remedies will help stimulate appetite, which has disappeared during psycho-emotional disorders and stress. These are healing chamomile teas, peppermint, lemon balm or dill. They tidy up nervous system, and at the same time interest in food returns.

Signs of poor appetite

How to determine whether loss of appetite is caused by a serious reason or is it a temporary phenomenon? Let's look at the points:

Loss of appetite is accompanied by weight loss, this process occurs gradually and steadily. These signs may indicate the presence of serious diseases and you need to go to the clinic for examination. Sometimes the cause can be determined by a blood or urine test. These indicators can identify liver disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalance. A urine test can help identify an infection in the kidneys. A chest x-ray can check your lungs for pneumonia and other illnesses. An ultrasound will help check the abdomen and also examine the function of the liver, kidneys and thyroid gland.

If a person is sick and has lost his appetite, it is better not to force himself to eat. We know that some people cure such diseases much faster with the help of fasting. The fact is that the body spends a lot of energy on digesting food. Illness is an additional burden, which means additional energy is needed. So the body refuses food in order to direct all its strength to fight the disease. Here you can remember wise animals who refuse food and even drink when unwell.
Severe stress can also cause loss of appetite. During stress, the walls of the esophagus spasm, the body understands that food simply will not pass into it, and refuses it. In this case, you need to overcome the effects of stress by any means and try to eat liquid food. Gradually, the body will understand that nothing threatens it, and it can safely accept any food. But if such stresses are repeated frequently or a person constantly lives amid them, then the problem may turn out to be chronic. A favorite activity, walks in nature (preferably near water), meditative music, a massage or a bath will help you get rid of stress. Everyone can also find their own way. However, the most effective way is to get rid of the source of stress.
Lack of a clear or at least some kind of daily routine, full breakfasts and lunches can throw the body off rhythm and worsen appetite. Eternal snacking on sandwiches, coffee and a cigarette can stress the entire digestive system, and it will refuse food. Treat yourself to home-cooked dinners at least occasionally so you don’t completely forget what it’s like a good appetite and healthy intestines.
The desire to lose weight and following various diets can cause psychological aversion to food. This is already a problem in the field of medicine and psychiatry, and it is not easy to overcome. Therefore, we need to understand why we need this or that diet, and love ourselves for who we are. And don’t walk around the clinic looking for lost appetite. After all, even famous models who shone on the catwalk for many years could not always cope with this problem and died from anorexia.

Anyway, Whatever the reason for loss of appetite, you cannot put up with it. A lack of nutrients, vitamins and minerals can ultimately lead to depletion of the body and new diseases. Therefore, it is simply necessary to find out the reason and get rid of it.