What does lack of appetite, nausea and weakness mean? Loss of appetite: a danger to health and life What to take if you have no appetite

Many people do not think that a good appetite is a sign of well-being and health. As soon as the desire to eat deliciously disappears, the question often spontaneously arises: “why.” But the reason could be various factors. If you do not eliminate the cause of lack of good appetite in a timely manner, you can bring your body to a state where nothing and no one can help.

What is appetite?

Not all people who are hungry have a good appetite. Alas, not everyone eats with pleasure. Appetite is measured by the amount of gastric juice. If all human organs function correctly, then the amount of enzyme to process the incoming food is sufficient. When consuming food in such cases, the walls of the stomach are tense, their movements are impulsive and strong, and juice secretion is abundant. It is in such cases that a person eats food with appetite.

A good appetite is a sign of health and well-being

An integral attribute of proper nutrition and the pleasure received while eating is the beauty of the dish and the time spent on its absorption. Slowly and carefully eating food brings more benefits and satisfaction than hastily consumed food. It’s not for nothing that the French say that appetite comes with eating. The role of taste buds is important.

At the same time, appetite is influenced by various factors, both internal and external. It can be:

• chronic diseases;
• oncology;
• violation of the regime;
• overdose of alcohol or drugs;
• stressful situations;
• pain;
• intoxication of the body;
• use of certain medications;
• overwork;
• nervous and mental disorders;
• endocrine and hormonal disorders;
• injuries and other factors.

The appearance of one focus of excitation reduces another. This rule is.

If your appetite disappears, then another source of excitability has appeared. Conversely, the appearance of appetite is a sign of the retreat of the disease or some kind of stress. As they say, a good appetite is characteristic of healthy and prosperous people.

The appetite doesn't just disappear. The main thing is that it doesn’t last long

But one should not confuse a good appetite with the desire to eat something specific, that is, a dish whose taste and aroma a person can anticipate. We are not talking about satiety and proper functioning of the body here. In such cases, there is a psychological factor of satisfaction.

The influence of the human brain on the appearance of appetite: video material

...and his loss

Appetite disorders are almost always associated with disturbances in the functioning of the food center. They can be caused by organic damage to the central nervous system, but more often they are functional in nature, as they are associated with a change in the influence on the cerebral cortex, as well as with impulses from peripheral receptors of chemical homeostasis and metabolism in the body if they are involved in the pathological process.

Poor appetite implies a lack of positive emotions in anticipation of food.. This has a negative impact on health.

Main causes of loss of appetite

One of the significant factors affecting appetite is the occurrence of intestinal dysbiosis. This disease is necessarily associated with a violation of the microflora of the digestive organs, which in a normal state takes an active part in the absorption of substances necessary for the human body. When it is modified or absent, malabsorption develops, which leads to weight loss and a gradual decrease in appetite against the background of pain.

Dysbacteriosis is one of the reasons for lack of appetite

With dysbacteriosis, after eating even dietary food, pain usually occurs due to stretching of the walls, the appearance of flatulence, absorption of toxins, and the occurrence of inflammatory processes. The brain associates their appearance with food consumption, which leads to a lack of appetite. If there is no necessary treatment, and the “hunger strike” lasts for a long time, muscle atrophy occurs, leading to dysfunction of the body systems. Over time, a person gets used to the absence of food so that even if it enters the esophagus and/or stomach, it ceases to be absorbed, receiving rejection in the form of spontaneous vomiting. The result is anorexia.

With gastritis with any secretory activity, especially during periods of exacerbation, people often lose their appetite. This is due, as in cases with dysbacteriosis, primarily with the occurrence of pain that occurs almost immediately after eating food. The food center blocks the desire to eat; an unhealthy digestive system protects itself from unnecessary work using this method. As a result, a person loses interest even in his favorite dishes. Drowsiness and lethargy appear, immunity decreases.

Gastritis can cause loss of appetite

If in such a situation you listen to the “wishes” of a sick stomach, you can bring yourself to complete exhaustion. Therefore, the occurrence of gastritis cannot be ignored. When a person, against the background of an aggravated disease, loses more than 10 kg in weight, this condition can lead to serious disruptions in the functioning of the entire body and to anorexia.

Some types of food allergies may be accompanied by a decrease in appetite. Many foods can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, some of which are common:

• stomach ache;
• swelling in the oral cavity;
• numbness and swelling of the tongue;
• allergic enterocolitis;
• vomit;
• constipation;
• diarrhea.

Initially, with allergic reactions to certain foods, a clear connection with the causally significant product is identified. As a result, the food center in the brain sends an impulse associated with the refusal of certain foods. Gradually, a general loss of appetite may occur. Therefore, when an allergy appears, a very important point is the timely recognition of the true causes. Allergenic food must be promptly replaced with an equivalent product that does not irritate the body.

Food allergies can cause you to refuse to eat

Senile dementia

Dementia is not a single disease, but a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases that lead to personality decline. In this case the following are violated:

• memory;
• thinking;
• speech;
• logics.

Unreasonable attacks of rage can be replaced by depression, hallucinations are perceived as reality. With this senile dementia, an error in the perception of reality occurs. It often seems to patients that their neighbors or relatives want to poison them. Against this background, the person refuses food. There is a decrease in appetite. At the same time, due to memory problems, older people forget about food. The condition is complicated by a violation of the daily routine, when patients begin to confuse day and night. All this is happening against the backdrop of exacerbation of chronic diseases and delusional ideas. The result can be disastrous and fleeting.

Senile dementia often causes loss of appetite

If a person suddenly suddenly loses his appetite, loses weight, and there are no obvious reasons for this, it means that some kind of malfunction occurs in the body. Sometimes a persistent reluctance to eat food can be the first sign of a dangerous disease - oncology. Often in the early stages of development, cancer is asymptomatic. There is no pain, discomfort, or special signs of malignant neoplasms. However, against the background of loss of appetite, the following may be present:

• constant fatigue;
• long-term non-healing cuts and abrasions;
• low or high body temperature for no reason;
• menstrual irregularities (in women);
• bad breath;
• frequent colds and infections;
• change in color of the skin and sclera of the eyes;
• sudden weight loss;
• hair loss and brittle nails;
• causeless shortness of breath and hoarseness in the voice;
• the appearance of suspicious moles;
• sleep disturbance.

If all this continues for more than two weeks, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Early examination and timely treatment can prolong and even save lives.

The neoplasm releases toxins into the blood - products of its vital activity. In addition, a malignant tumor of internal organs exerts a pressing effect from the first days of its appearance. Intoxication and a false perception of the fullness of the stomach (this is present in cancer of the pancreas, lungs, liver and other organs located near the digestive system, as well as stomach cancer itself) causes a persistent loss of appetite - hyporexia. Often, refusal to eat occurs during the period when the tumor disintegrates and metastases spread throughout the body.

Loss of appetite is one of the symptoms of cancer. The main thing is to notice the disease in time!

Almost 80% of cancer patients with a progressive form of cancer, for various reasons, experience a decrease in appetite and a dull feeling of hunger. Sometimes changes in metabolism or early satiety due to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum (ascites) can be the reasons for the lack of desire to eat tasty food.

“There are no absolute diagnostic symptoms (what the patient feels) or signs (changes that may also be noticeable to others), so diagnostic tests must ultimately involve taking tissue samples and examining them under a microscope (biopsy), since this is the only way to prove presence of cancer."

M.Whitehouse

But there are other reasons for loss of appetite in oncology - chemical and radiation therapy. The therapeutic and at the same time poisonous effect of medications and chemicals can provoke a persistent aversion to food associated with nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating.

Arterial hypertension

If, against the background of a sharp loss of appetite, a person simultaneously exhibits the following pathological symptoms, then we can talk about arterial hypertension:

• frequent headaches of varying degrees of intensity, localized in the back of the head;
• glare and sparkles in the eyes with a sudden change in body position;
• drowsiness and weakness;
• increased sweating;
• memory impairment;
• attention disorder;
• insomnia;
• anxiety and absent-mindedness;
• dyspnea;
• decreased performance;
• nosebleeds;
• severe pallor and/or redness of the skin of the face.

When the necessary and timely treatment is not provided, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and numbness of the fingers and toes may add to the dulling of the feeling of hunger.

High blood pressure and loss of appetite are linked

All these manifestations only aggravate the loss of appetite, since a person automatically loses his main activator - full-fledged physical activity. It is the increase in pressure that prevents a person from wasting energy, which then needs to be replenished through nutrition. The absence of even feasible manifestations of activity gradually leads to sensitization: strength and desire disappear. A sedentary lifestyle and medications that control blood pressure lead to a worsening of the condition. In such cases, only proper self-organization will restore the taste of your favorite foods and the joy of life.

Nervous disorders

Very often, people lose their appetite when various nervous disorders occur. Stressful situations are varied:

• period of falling in love;
• loss of loved ones;
• shock due to a serious illness;
• problems at work;
• moving;
• discord in personal life.

And first of all, this affects physiological and mental health.

Depression is the main causative factor that can make even your favorite food tasteless and hateful. A person does not see the point in getting pleasure from eating food. Sometimes the aroma of food can cause nausea. At the same time, many, against the background of nervous disorders, experience a full stomach, rapid satiety from minimal food consumption, and even vomiting when trying to eat something.

Nervous disorders and stress can lead to irreversible consequences

As a rule, young women suffer from loss of appetite due to nervous disorders. They think that refusing food is normal. First, there is a desire to lose weight, various kinds of grueling diets are used with the restriction or exclusion from the diet of foods necessary for the body. Weight loss turns into rapid weight loss when appetite completely disappears. Then, to restore the body’s performance, hospitalization is required, since prolonged abstinence from eating food leads to severe exhaustion and the development of anorexia nervosa, which can lead to death.

Taking antibiotics and other medications

Sometimes appetite disappears when taking antibiotics orally. These agents, by killing pathogenic microorganisms, affect the microflora of the digestive system. The most dangerous are drug poisoning, overdose and/or misuse. Typically, this occurs during self-medication, when a person uses large doses of the drug.

Don't get carried away with medications. The difference between medicine and poison is the dose!

Poisoning with medications entails not only loss of appetite and signs of food poisoning. Gradually joining:

• fever;
• diarrhea;
• blood pressure surges;
• disturbance of consciousness;
• high body temperature;
• convulsions.

In such cases, emergency hospitalization is required, as the consequences can be irreversible: hearing loss, kidney failure, eye damage. So in such cases, loss of appetite is not the worst thing. This is just a protest from the body to taking medications.

Metabolic disorders and hormonal changes

It is not uncommon that hormonal disorders and metabolic disorders are accompanied by a lack of appetite. In such cases, the “companions” become:

• memory impairment;
• dry skin and mucous membranes;
• decreased blood pressure;
• thirst;
• drowsiness and weakness;
• impaired sensitivity in the limbs;
• intolerance to low temperatures;
• weight gain (which is surprising).

Poor appetite and simultaneous weight gain are one of the main signs of hormonal dysfunction. (As well as increased appetite and weight loss).

This usually happens with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and even pregnancy. Serious changes in the body can lead to changes in taste preferences, as well as irreversible changes in the functioning of organs.

Disruption of the endocrine system can lead to loss of appetite

In addition to the above, there are a large number of diseases and conditions in which a significant decrease or complete loss of appetite occurs. Among them:

• mumps (mumps);
• scarlet fever;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• pancreatitis;
• various types of fever;
• alcoholism and drug addiction;
• stomach ulcer;
• intestinal obstruction;
• stomatitis;
• hepatitis;
• appendicitis;
• liver cirrhosis and others.

Loss of appetite is a bad sign.

Worm infestations

A decrease in appetite can occur when a person is infected with worms. However, most often, with helminthic infestation, the patient loses weight against the background of increased interest in food. Helminths absorb all the nutrients that come with food. A person constantly wants to eat. Pain and weakness come at a time when the patient is hungry. Therefore, helminthic infestations cannot be called the main cause of loss of appetite.

Restoring appetite in adults

How to deal with loss of appetite? Force feeding will not lead to the desired result.

It is necessary to diagnose the disease underlying the appearance of such a symptom as lack of appetite. Only by identifying and eradicating the cause can the symptoms be eliminated.

To determine the true cause, a number of medical diagnostic procedures are performed:

• complete blood count;
• urine and stool tests;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• thyroid examination;
• fluoroscopy;
• HIV test;
• MRI and CT - if necessary;
• for women - ultrasound of the pelvic organs and pregnancy testing.

In each individual case, treatment will be individual.

1. If it is determined that the cause of a woman’s lack of appetite is pregnancy, then no special measures will be required. It is enough to make some changes to your diet and after a couple of weeks the desire to eat delicious food will return on its own.
2. When the culprit is appendicitis or intestinal obstruction, surgical intervention is indispensable.
3. In case of infectious diseases, appetite is restored against the background of properly selected therapeutic treatment.
4. If the reason lies in senile dementia, then high-calorie nutritional mixtures are used, and, if necessary, artificial nutrition through a tube.
5. When medications are to blame for the pathology, sometimes stopping or replacing them is enough. Medicines taken orally are replaced by injections.
6. When cancer is detected after radiation therapy or surgery, the patient's condition improves.
7. If loss of appetite is associated with nausea and a gag reflex, then medications such as Ondansetron, Promethazine are used.
8. Hormonal imbalances can be corrected by replacement therapy using artificial hormones.
9. When the cause of loss of appetite is depression, antidepressants, stimulants, hypnosis, acupuncture, physiotherapy, cardio exercises, and vitamins are prescribed. And sometimes safe sedatives such as motherwort tincture and/or valerian are sufficient. Their regular use relieves nervous tension and at the same time improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
10. If the established cause is arterial hypertension, then it is enough to prescribe medications that stabilize the situation and follow the doctor’s recommendations so that the patient’s appetite is restored.

An exhausted body requires rest and treatment appropriate to the underlying disease.. In this case, it is necessary to normalize the portions of food and its schedule.

Nutritional Features

To restore appetite, you should follow a special diet: meals by the hour, at equal intervals, at least five times. In this case, portions should be small. Each dish must be chewed thoroughly, spending at least 20–30 minutes eating. Snacks containing sweets should be avoided, as should foods high in fat. food should be rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, complex carbohydrates, fiber. Product tolerance must be taken into account. Do not get carried away with cold and very hot food.

If, for medical reasons, there are no restrictions on the use of spices, herbs and marinades, then it is advisable to use them as an addition to the main meal to stimulate the appetite. Every meal should start with salads made from fresh vegetables or fruits.

It is advisable to include the patient’s once favorite dishes in the diet along with fresh sweet peppers and white cabbage. A complete exclusion of carbonated sweet drinks and alcohol from the menu is required. In this case, the volume of liquid consumed should be maximum.

There are a number of foods that can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and provoke an increase in appetite:

1. Citrus. All these southern fruits, with the exception of some types of grapefruit, can activate food digestion.
2. Apples. It is better to give preference to green fruits. The best choice is soaked apples.
3. Korean style carrots. Spices combined with the taste of carrots can cause appetite. In the absence of contraindications, it is recommended to eat a small amount before the main meal.
4. Sauerkraut. Instantly accelerates appetite, but at the same time it is a product with “minus calorie content”, since more energy is spent on digesting this product than it gives to the body.
5. Fresh tomatoes with onions. It is impossible to get enough of this salad, however, it perfectly fuels the desire to eat.
6. Salty cheeses. They replenish calcium deficiency and at the same time stimulate appetite.
7. Chewing gum. During its use, a large volume of salivary fluid is produced, which, when it enters the stomach, provokes the production of gastric juice. All this provokes a desire to eat tasty food.
8. Ginger. A natural antiseptic and product that revitalizes the digestive system of the human body. When consuming it, a person begins to feel hungry.
9. Pickled vegetables. It is better to use them in limited quantities, as these products are capable of retaining liquid. However, a small cucumber a day will not hurt, but will only stimulate the appearance of appetite.
10. Soy sauce. This is one of the natural flavor enhancers that will help reveal and feel the bouquet of many dishes.

All people are different, and in any case, a separate menu is developed from those products that are allowed to be used for an individual, in accordance with his individual needs and capabilities, taking into account his state of health.

Appetite stimulating foods: photo gallery

Citrus fruits - they are so appetizing Apples can stimulate appetite Ginger, when consumed in any form, will help stimulate appetite Sauerkraut is a good appetite stimulant This product is both tasty and healthy. Salty cheese can stimulate the appearance of appetite Ripe juicy tomatoes, even externally, cause appetite One cucumber eaten before a meal will help restore appetite Chewing gum can increase the secretion of digestive juices and cause appetite Korean carrots can cause appetite in many Soy sauce will give many dishes an unforgettable taste

Application of traditional medicine recipes

You can try to stimulate your appetite with various herbal decoctions, teas and infusions. Products based on chamomile, mint, lemon balm, and dill will help, as they not only have a positive effect on appetite, but also have a calming effect on the human psyche.

With the permission of a doctor, you can use the following traditional medicine recipes:

1. Hop cones. It is most often used as a decoction, but can be used as a tincture or dry powder. 1 teaspoon once a day, washed down with water.
2. Wild chicory root. The most classic remedy for loss of appetite: brew the root and drink half an hour before meals. You can combine it with a coffee drink made from cereals in a ratio of 1:4.
3. Black currant berries. It is recommended to eat half a glass of fresh berries 30 minutes before meals, or drink 100 ml of currant juice 2-3 times a day.
4. Wormwood. Pour a teaspoon of chopped dry herb into one glass of boiling water and let it brew for half an hour. Drink 20 minutes before meals three times a day, 1 tablespoon.
5. Melissa officinalis. Pour 4 teaspoons of plant material into a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 4 hours. Drink half a glass 4 times a day.
6. Anise with cinnamon. Pour 500 grams of sugar into one liter of boiling water, add 40 grams of anise seeds and 1 gram of cinnamon. Mix everything well. Leave for 45 days, then strain. Take the resulting infusion 1 tablespoon after meals.
7. Onion. To increase appetite and improve digestion, eating onions infused or boiled in vinegar is very useful.
8. Parsley. Pour parsley seeds (1/3 teaspoon) with a glass of cold water and steam for half an hour. After cooling, strain the broth. Take 1 tablespoon 5 times a day.
9. Celery. A good appetite stimulant is celery juice; you should take 1 teaspoon 20–30 minutes before meals.
10. Juniper. If you lose your appetite: add dried juniper cones to boiling water (1 tablespoon per 2 cups of water), boil for 15–20 minutes, then strain. Take 1 tablespoon of the drink three times a day.
11. Lemon with sugar. Mix grated fruit rind with granulated sugar in a 2:1 ratio. Take 1/2 tablespoon before meals.
12. Cornflower. Brew 1/2 tablespoon of flowers in one glass of boiling water. Drink the infusion half an hour before meals.
13. Horseradish with honey. Take 1 teaspoon of grated horseradish with sugar or honey every day before meals.
14. Yarrow. Pour a tablespoon of herb into one glass of boiling water, steam for 15 minutes, then let it brew for 20–30 minutes. Cool the infusion, strain and take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day half an hour before meals.
15. Dandelion. Pour two teaspoons of crushed plant roots into 1 glass of cold water and leave to steep for 8 hours. Take 50 ml four times a day half an hour before meals.
16. Red clover. Pour 1 teaspoon of inflorescences with one glass of boiling water, leave for 5–8 minutes, strain. Drink 1 tablespoon 4 times a day.

As prescribed by your attending physician, you can use dietary supplements containing B vitamins and zinc, which increases the body’s need for food and improves the sense of smell.

Folk remedies: photo

A decoction of hop cones will help restore appetite. Chicory root stimulates appetite.
Currants are tasty and healthy, stimulate appetite Melissa will help activate appetite Anise is not only a spice, but also a medicine that stimulates appetite Ordinary onions will help cope with lack of appetite Horseradish as a medicine against lack of appetite A decoction of ordinary clover promotes appetite

Drug treatment

If the loss of appetite poses a clear threat to a person’s life and is not temporary, then the attending physician prescribes special medications. In this case, all adverse reactions and contraindications must be taken into account.

1. Iron preparations: Ferrum lek, Sorbifer, Fenyuls.
2. Histamine and serotonin antagonists: Supersan, Peritol, Cyprodin, Astonin, Vinorex and others.
3. Elixir Pernexin is a safe, natural-based drug.
4. Anabolic steroid. To increase appetite, many are inclined to believe that Primobolan is the best.
5. Insulin. Popular among athletes who need to increase their appetite and gain weight.
6. Pharmacy bitters. They perfectly stimulate the production of pepsin and increase appetite.
7. Antiemetics: Volagen, Albex, Digesan, Motilium, Peridon and others.
8. Dopamine blockers and regulators of digestive activity: Pramin, Cerucal, Viscal, Maxolon.
9. Bioadditives: Limontar, Stimuvit.
10. Peptides: Hexarelin, GHRP-6, -2.

You cannot self-medicate or use medications without a doctor’s prescription.

If lack of appetite is a pathology that has arisen against the background of diseases requiring surgical intervention, then it can only be eliminated surgically (this has already been discussed above). The following diseases may be indications for surgery:

• appendicitis;
• intestinal obstruction;
• oncology;
• stomach diseases: hernia, ulcer;
• tumors of various etiologies, including benign.

Surgery is not a cure for lack of appetite. This measure is used only when there is no other way to restore or improve the condition of the sick person.

What to do if you have no appetite: video

Prevention

The following will help increase your appetite and feel the joy of life: proper diet, physical activity and harmony in the family.

1. Many nutritionists recommend “working up your appetite.” A walk along the park or embankment is an ideal option for saturating your lungs with oxygen. This will help create a desire to eat delicious food. It would be a good idea to walk past a bakery or cafe, where you can smell the pleasant smells of fresh baked goods. This will help awaken your taste buds.
2. Physical activity in nature is an excellent appetite activator. Jogging, cycling, any outdoor sport are quite suitable, and swimming is best. Exercising on the water can cause “ravenous hunger”. But you should not overexert yourself, because exhaustion can lead to the opposite effect. Only pleasant fatigue will certainly return the previously lost appetite.
3. Often problems with appetite are associated with a disruption in the daily routine and food intake. Normal sleep should be restored. Then your appetite will show itself.
4. It is possible to restore your appetite by doing your favorite things. In a depressed state, it is worth remembering an old hobby - it is very useful.
5. It is worth giving up bad habits, as they negatively affect the entire body.

Consequences of prolonged lack of appetite

Sometimes the loss of appetite can be selective. Sometimes it is temporary, and this condition goes away on its own. However, often in the absence of appropriate therapeutic measures, a persistent lack of appetite can lead to anorexia (complete loss of desire to eat food) or sitophobia (fear of eating against the background of fear of an increase in some pain).

Long-term loss of appetite can lead to irreversible consequences in the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly contact medical specialists, such as:

• therapist;
• gastroenterologist;
• oncologist;
• allergist;
• psychotherapist;
• neurologist;
• infectious disease specialist

Attentive attitude towards yourself and your loved ones will help to promptly identify and eliminate the underlying factors in the development of pathology such as lack of appetite.

Appetite is an emotional expression of the body's needs and a person's desire for certain food. Decreased appetite is a partial or complete refusal to eat.

In medicine, there are concepts of hunger and appetite. These are different things! The feeling of hunger is a reflex that occurs when there is no food entering the body. It manifests itself by stimulating hunger centers located both in the cerebral cortex and in subcortical structures. The signal to excite the hunger centers is a decrease in the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as other nutrients. A sign of hunger is an increase in saliva secretion, heightened sense of smell, pulling, sucking sensations under the “spoon” (under the tongue and in the projection of the stomach). Appetite is more of a selective manifestation of the feeling of hunger, arising through preference for certain foods, depending on the time of day, emotional state, religious and national habits.

Changes in appetite may include:

Decreased general appetite (you don’t want anything).
Changes in appetite (taste needs for any group of foods are disrupted).
Complete lack of appetite (anorexia).

Causes of lack or decrease in appetite

The following reasons can be identified for lack or loss of appetite.

1. Intoxication of the body as a result of inflammatory processes or poisoning. In this case, during the height of illness or poisoning, the body has no time to digest food, all efforts are devoted to removing toxins and decay products.

2. Pain, discomfort, with exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Endocrine disorders - with a decrease in the functions of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, hypothalamus (subcortical structures of the brain).

4. Metabolic disorders in the body (primarily in oncological conditions)

5. Neuropsychiatric disorders (neuroses, depression).

What diseases cause loss of appetite:

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

Intoxication of the body as a result of inflammatory processes or poisoning

This cause of decreased appetite includes the onset and height of acute respiratory viral diseases and influenza.

Chronic viral hepatitis during exacerbations, kidney disease with manifestations of renal failure, intestinal infections during the acute period, rheumatic diseases during exacerbations. (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, vasculitis). Any external poisoning includes food toxins (spoiled, expired food) and chemicals, primarily alcohol substitutes, carbon monoxide poisoning, and medications

During this period, the body simply cannot cope with digesting food. There is no need to force feed the patient during the acute period. We will only do harm by adding toxins to the body as a result of incomplete digestion of food. But the introduction of fluid in a larger volume, under conditions of normal urination and the absence of a tendency to edema, will help the body cleanse itself of toxins and decay products formed during the fight against the infectious agent. Here you can use any fruit drinks; cranberries, lingonberries, and currants are especially good at removing toxins. Low-mineralized alkaline mineral water and simply boiled water are also suitable for these purposes. As soon as the patient’s body is freed from toxins, the appetite will be restored.

In the diagnosis of these diseases, anamnesis is of great importance, has there been contact with an infected person? Eliminate the possibility of poisoning.

Complete blood count - allows you to exclude inflammatory diseases; CRP and rheumatoid factor are prescribed if autoimmune inflammatory diseases (rheumatism) are suspected. In cases where there is a possibility of infectious enterocolitis (dysentery, salmonellosis, etc.), it is important to take a bacteriological stool culture test to identify the causative agent of the disease.

Pain, discomfort, with exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

When pain or dyspeptic symptoms occur (nausea, vomiting, heartburn, belching, bitterness in the mouth), which manifest themselves during exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a purely reflexive fear of eating occurs. These diseases include: esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, chronic enteritis, colitis. Help for these diseases is frequent, small portions, gentle enveloping nutrition. For example, cereals such as oatmeal, buckwheat, semolina, rice, prepared in the form of liquid porridges, with a minimum amount of salt, without adding spices. Naturally, the diet should be accompanied by traditional drug therapy prescribed in courses. To prescribe appropriate therapy, you need to promptly consult a doctor at the first manifestations of symptoms of these diseases. As the exacerbation stops, appetite is restored. But you need to stick to the diet for a long time.

Possible studies and tests for this suspected cause of lack or decrease in appetite:

A complete blood count, liver tests (transaminases AST and ALT, GGTG, bilirubin, amylase, cholesterol, PTI) allow you to check liver function; to exclude viral hepatitis, you will have to be tested for markers of hepatitis B and C. It is possible to undergo an ultrasound examination of the liver and gallbladder , pancreas if liver and pancreas diseases are suspected. FGS (fibrogastroscopy), a rather unpleasant procedure for examining the stomach using a fibrogastroscope inserted through the mouth (done exclusively on an empty stomach), is prescribed to exclude gastritis, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers. If it is impossible to clarify the diagnosis using simple methods, computer or magnetic resonance imaging of internal organs is prescribed.

Endocrine disorders.

First of all, these include a decrease in the hormonal function of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism (myxidema, Gall's disease) is characterized by a decrease in overall vitality.

Not only appetite decreases, but also blood pressure, fatigue, drowsiness, slow speech appear, all symptoms of this disease occur gradually over the course of perhaps several years. Sometimes hypothyroidism is secondary and is associated with dysfunction of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which affects the function of the thyroid gland.

Possible studies and tests for this suspected cause of lack or decrease in appetite:

Analysis of thyroid hormones - T3 and T4, as well as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), ultrasound of the thyroid gland. To exclude diseases of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, a computed tomography scan of the brain may be prescribed.

Metabolic disorders in the body.

This section primarily deals with oncological diseases. Malignant neoplasms in any organ secondarily rearrange the metabolism in the body. As a result, even in the primary stages of the disease, a decrease in appetite or a disturbance in taste occurs. A very alarming sign in terms of cancer is refusal and intolerance to meat products (if the early attitude towards meat was normal). Examinations for suspected cancer are prescribed by a doctor in accordance with the clinical manifestations accompanying changes in appetite.

Neuropsychiatric disorders (neuroses, depression).

Disorders in the psychoemotional sphere - depression. One of the leading signs of the manifestation of this disease is a change in appetite, either towards a decrease or complete absence (more common), or an increase in appetite. Lack of appetite during depression has a slightly different manifestation than for other reasons. Food seems tasteless and bland to patients; often even the smell of food or the mention of it is accompanied by a negative reaction and can cause nausea and even vomiting. Eating is not enjoyable; patients eat only because they need to eat; sometimes patients have to be forced to eat. Deterioration of appetite during depression is accompanied by a feeling of rapid satiety; with small portions of food taken, a feeling of stomach fullness, unpleasant heaviness, and nausea appears. “Anorexia nervosa” occupies a special place among neuropsychiatric disorders.

In most cases, young girls suffer from this disease. The disease is based on a pathological desire to lose weight in any way, even with an initial normal or low body weight. In the process of refusing food, a persistent aversion to it is formed; as a result of changes in the psyche, patients in some cases simply cannot get out of this state on their own. A visit to a psychotherapist and sometimes inpatient treatment are required. The attention of relatives is very important for the early diagnosis of this disease. In addition to refusing food, exhausting physical exercise, taking various means for weight loss, using enemas, and inducing an artificial gag reflex after eating are usually possible. And finally, noticeable, significant weight loss.

The basis for diagnosing these diseases is attention from relatives or people close to the patient. In a tactful form, persuasion to seek help from a psychotherapist.

Features of decreased appetite in infants.

Lack of appetite in young children can be associated with teething; this occurs in each child individually in the period from three months to three years.

Refusal to eat may also occur when stomatitis (an infectious disease of the oral cavity) manifests itself, expressed in the form of painful rashes and ulcers on the inner surface of the mouth. An ear infection in infants can also cause a decrease in appetite, since the movement of the jaws during sucking or chewing can cause pain and, accordingly, refusal to eat. In most cases, the cause of poor appetite in a child is conscientious, forced feeding by parents. The problem is that children become stubborn if they are forced and develop an aversion to food with which they have unpleasant associations. In addition, there is another difficulty: the child’s appetite changes almost every minute. For a while, a child may like purees or a new porridge, but soon this food may disgust him. The reason is the child’s rapid growth and weight gain, especially in the first year of life, and constant variability in the need for certain nutrients. The task of parents is not to force the child to eat, but to ensure that his own appetite works. Every effort should be made not to talk to your child about food in the form of threats or rewards. Naturally, to exclude diseases manifested by lack or loss of appetite, you should consult a pediatrician.

Increasing appetite with folk remedies

Herbs and herbs used in parallel with traditional methods of treating diseases accompanied by decreased or lack of appetite.

To increase appetite, the following preparations are used:

1 One teaspoon of crushed calamus is poured into two glasses of hot water and boiled for ten to twenty minutes. Take two glasses, three times a day before meals. Used to stimulate appetite in gastrointestinal diseases.
2 One teaspoon of wormwood is poured into one glass of boiling water and left for thirty minutes. Take one tablespoon three times a day 20-30 minutes before meals.
3 Two teaspoons of crushed dandelion root are poured into one glass of cold water and left for eight to ten hours. Take a quarter glass three to four times a day before meals, half an hour before meals.
4 Pour two teaspoons of raspberries into one glass of boiling water and leave for 15-30 minutes. Take warm, half a glass four times a day.
5 Pour half a tablespoon of blue cornflower flowers into one glass of boiling water. Take half an hour before meals.
6 One teaspoon of mashed anise fruit is poured into one glass of boiled water, infused for half an hour, and half a glass is taken half an hour before meals.
7 Pour half a teaspoon of parsley seeds into one glass of cold water, heat without boiling for thirty minutes, filter and take one tablespoon four to five times a day.
8 Brew one teaspoon of red clover inflorescences with one glass of boiling water, leave for five to ten minutes, filter and take one tablespoon three to four times a day before meals, 15 to 30 minutes.
10 Pour one tablespoon of red clover inflorescences with one glass of vodka or diluted medical alcohol. Infuse for ten to fifteen days. Take one teaspoon 15-30 minutes before meals (contraindicated for patients with alcoholism).

To increase appetite, you can use acupressure techniques.

We press the thumb and index finger of the opposite hand on the points near the nail of the little finger (the outer lateral surfaces of the little finger), periodically changing hands. Massage is performed several times during the day before meals. Press the points with moderate force, rhythmically, for twenty to thirty seconds.

Which doctors should I contact if there is a loss of appetite?

Depending on the accompanying symptoms, these are:

Nutritionist
- Gastroenterologist
- Psychologist
- Neurologist
- Endocrinologist

Therapist Shutov A.I.

Doctors understand a decrease in appetite as a partial or complete refusal to eat. This happens for various reasons, including serious illnesses and, in the absence of qualified assistance, leads to serious consequences.

General information

It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of hunger and appetite. Hunger is a reflex that occurs if the body does not receive food at a certain time. The mechanism of its development is as follows: the level of glucose in the blood decreases, after which a signal is sent to the hunger centers. At this moment, a person may feel increased salivation, a heightened sense of smell, and a tugging sensation in the pit of the stomach. This area is a projection of the stomach, therefore it always makes a person aware of the feeling of hunger.

note! When hunger occurs, a person does not have the desire to eat only certain foods. He eats everything.

Appetite is a special manifestation of the feeling of hunger, in which individual favorite foods are selected. It is influenced by the time of day, emotional state, nationality of a person, religion, and finally.

Decreased appetite refers to a state when a person does not want anything.. There is a concept of changes in appetite when habitual taste needs are disrupted. Doctors also diagnose a complete lack of appetite, leading to anorexia.

Causes of decreased appetite

A decrease in appetite is usually preceded by:

• Intoxication of the body due to inflammation or poisoning. Due to the fact that at such moments he spends all his energy on removing toxins, digestion of food fades into the background.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which are accompanied by pain and discomfort.
• Malfunctions of the endocrine system organs due to diabetes mellitus, hormonal imbalance.
• Oncology (stomach, colon or blood cancer).
• Autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Depression, neuroses, neuropsychic disorders.
• Side effects after taking painkillers - morphine, ephedrine.
• Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
• Pregnancy.
• Excess fatty foods in the diet.
• Metabolic disorders due to poor nutrition.
• Adaptation of the body during physical activity to which it is subjected for the first time.
• Low mobility and sedentary work.
• Individual lactose intolerance, celiac disease.
• Bad habits – smoking, alcohol, drugs.

Important! Quite harmless habits can also cause a dulling of appetite, namely: abuse of chocolate, coffee, and powerful energy drinks.

It should be noted that there are diseases in which a person also loses the desire to eat.

This is about:

• Bronze disease, or Addison's disease, is an endocrine disease associated with adrenal dysfunction.
• Still-Chauffer disease is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
• Typhoid fever.
• Dementia.
• Gastroesophageal reflux - when the contents of the stomach are thrown back into the esophagus.
• Stomach and duodenal ulcers.
• Schizoaffective disorder.

Associated symptoms

There is an opinion that a good appetite is a sign of health. Due to the fact that during the day the feeling of hunger and appetite replace each other, a person saturates his body, while remaining at the same weight. This is a kind of balance that ensures normal functioning.

If this balance is disrupted for psychological or other reasons, appetite may disappear. Sometimes the feeling of hunger disappears along with it.

Note! Lack of desire to eat for several hours is not a reason for frustration. This happens when, during a previous meal, a person eats a dish that is too high in calories. In other words, at such moments the body is provided with energy for a longer period of time.

The absence of hunger for 5 - 8 hours makes you think. By the time they expire, the blood glucose level will probably decrease, and the person will feel a loss of strength and weakness. After satiation, the stomach full of food will stretch, the glucose concentration will increase and a signal will be sent to the brain to stop saturation.

It is interesting that scientists have established: a person subconsciously chooses those products that his body needs at a given time. Athletes prefer to eat salty foods after training to replenish salt loss due to sweat.

Diagnostics

If your appetite decreases, you should consult a doctor. He will prescribe a full examination of the body, including:

• clinical blood test, analysis of sugar levels, hormones to exclude diabetes mellitus, hormonal imbalance, liver disease;
• urine test to rule out kidney inflammation;
• chest x-ray to detect pneumonia, lung cancer;
• HIV test;
• Ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract;
• pregnancy test.

What to do if you lose your appetite

If diseases that could cause loss of appetite are identified, therapy is prescribed to eliminate them. At the same time, doctors recommend adjusting the schedule and portions of food intake. In other words, they advise eating 5 to 6 small meals a day. The last meal should be 4 hours before bedtime. You should spend about 30 minutes per meal, chewing the pieces slowly.

Snacks should be avoided. Sweets should be replaced with fruits, sauces and marinades with spices, as they stimulate the appetite. For some patients, doctors prescribe vitamin B and zinc, which enhance the sense of smell. It is also important to maintain a drinking regime, especially when playing sports.

Note! Nausea during this period is relieved with Promethazine and other similar drugs. To improve the functioning of the thyroid gland, hormone substitutes are prescribed. Dementia is treated with high-calorie nutritional mixtures, inflammation with antibiotics.

How to improve your appetite

Help to return to your previous state:

• easily digestible dishes - porridge, fish, vegetables, lean meat;
• beautiful serving and appetizing presentation of dishes;
• a varied diet with the optimal amount of proteins and carbohydrates;
• healthy sleep and physical activity;
• love for pickled canned foods that stimulate the production of gastric juice;
• foods with vitamin C that improve appetite;
• special infusions and decoctions of bitter herbs that have the same properties.

Traditional medicine to improve appetite

Traditional healers offer several recipes for remedies to improve appetite, including:

• Camomile tea. To prepare it, 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured with boiling water, left for half an hour, and then taken as tea. This infusion also improves mood and relieves stress.
• Yarrow juice. To improve its taste, mix it with honey and drink a teaspoon before meals. The product is suitable for the prevention and treatment of ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, getting rid of weakness.
• Wormwood infusion. 1 tsp. raw materials are poured with 200 ml of boiling water and left for half an hour. Take 1 tbsp. l. before meals.
• Dandelion root infusion. To cook it, 2 tsp. raw materials are poured with 200 ml of boiling water and left for 8 hours. Drink 50 ml 2-3 times a day to improve appetite and boost immunity.

The prognosis depends on the reasons that provoked the loss of appetite. If the disease is successfully treated, appetite returns if all recommendations are followed. The main thing is to identify it in a timely manner. And for this you need to monitor your health and undergo regular preventive examinations.

Chumachenko Olga, medical observer

Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite, medically called anorexia, can be caused by a variety of 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 is an alarming signal that indicates serious changes in the functioning of the body. Recently, 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 link between the human body and the 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 of food for a long period of time has extremely negative consequences for the body and 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, the nutrition and appetite of preschool children 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 of the nutritional features of older people, nutrition during the post-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 his 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 can cause a serious illness - 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 maintaining 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 methods and methods that tell us how to reduce 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 of 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 sharp pains, 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 a brutal 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.
Disorders of the 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 lose excess weight is accompanied by grueling 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 if all recommendations are followed and under the supervision of nutritionists, therapeutic fasting is beneficial. 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.
The result of improper treatment and consumption of 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 drug use, smoking, abuse of weight loss products, or 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 of the body, constantly breaking into a 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:

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 prevent the child from being distracted while eating: 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 can be a symptom of serious illness.

Not only diseases lead to a decrease in appetite, but also taking various medications: drugs 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 and duodenal ulcer)
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 become too fast, the 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 symptoms of acute intestinal infection suddenly appearing exclusively loose stools;

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 of 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 thyroid hormone levels, diabetes.
6. Some types of cancer - blood cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer.
7. Autoimmune diseases - rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma.
8. Certain medications, 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 soft 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 signal serious health problems.

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. A chest x-ray can detect lung cancer or pneumonia. Among the medical procedures that diagnose the causes of poor appetite, the most common are:

complete blood count,

HIV test, abdominal examination,
testing kidney function, liver function,
barium enema,
thyroid function test,
Analysis of urine,
x-ray of the upper 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.

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.