Lack of Appetite-Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Lack of appetite is also known as anorexia; it is a feeling wherein your hunger is reduced or absent. Most people suffering from such issues suffer from reduced appetite frequently. Most people, who are undergoing recovery phase while under prevalence of flu, may not feel hungry.

Anorexia is in fact a scientific term that is used to refer to a condition of complete loss of appetite, no interest in having food which may persist for considerably longer period of time. It should be understood that anorexia is unlike other conventional kind of appetite loss because anorexia persist for a longer period of time. Even after abstaining from food for days a patient of anorexia may not feel hungry or have no desire for eating food. Some other conditions that may influence the appetite of person may include physical maladies, medicinal effects, constipation, physical ache, mouth sores etc. Sometimes a person may refrain from eating due to psychological conditions such as depression and stress. Aged individuals who are suffering from progressed illness may also suffer from anorexia.

Causes of lack of appetite:

There are several factors that may lead to lack of appetite. Below are some common factors:

I Aging:

It is seen that lack of appetite is found in almost all aged individuals. This may be perhaps due to reduced capability of digestive system; however, the actual reason of lack of appetite in elders is uncertain. In elders due to loneliness depression, anxiety etc are commonly seen this may cause reduction in appetite.

II There are different kinds of cancerous conditions that may also lead to lack of appetite; here some such types of cancers:

• Colorectral Cancer of colon cancer

• Cancerous condition of ovary (Ovarian cancer)

• Abdomen cancer

• Pancreatic cancer

III Other common factors causing lack of appetite are as follows:

• Chronic liver issue

• Chronic kidney issue

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Chronic heart issues

• Any hepatitis

• Dementia (brain related condition)

• Hypothyreosis

• First time pregnancy

• HIV

• Use of medication such as antibiotics, morphine based drugs etc

• Use of recreational drugs such as cocaine, heroine etc.

There are other factors that may cause reduced interest in eating. For example if a person faces difficulty while swallowing food he may be disheartened and abstain from eating food. Similarly, reduced alertness may make it difficult for person to concentrate on what he or she is eating and they may also find it difficult to imbibe the food.

Lack of appetite- symptoms

• Satiation without intake of food

• Unusual eating behavior

• Dramatic reduction in intake of food

• Dramatic weigh loss

• Sudden thinning

• Infection Hay fever

• Viral infection

• Digestive issues

• Pain at certain parts of body especially stomach

• Weakness

In order to determine the symptoms of lack of appetite your health care professional will ask you some of the following questions:

• He may ask you about troubles resulted from the reduced appetite. He will also ask whether the condition is mild, modest or severe

• He may probe about the onset of lack of appetite and its duration, whether it is consistent or episodic?

• How you find relief from the condition, whether you feel good after taking certain type of food, drinks or medications etc

• Does the condition becomes severe; if yes then what factors makes its worse?

• If you have noticed weight loss then to what degree and in how much time

• It is just feeling of satiation or no desire for food or it is also associated with symptoms such as queasiness and vomiting

• Do you feel bowel pain or unusual movement in the abdomen?

Treatment for lack of appetite:

Medicinal aid:

You doctor may sometimes found that your reduced appetite issues is due to certain associated conditions, such as bowel issues, constipation, medicinal side effects, blood related chemical imbalance such as increased level of calcium etc. In such a case your doctor will suggest you medication to treat such conditions along with nutritional supplements and strategized diet plan.

Other treatment for lack of appetite:

For people who suffer from lack of appetite, green foods are helpful in stimulating hunger. Green food refers to vegetables, especially green vegetables. One of the most efficient green vegetable good for stimulating appetite is alfalfa which is a natural herb. This food will also help in restoring vitamins and minerals while also restore your appetite. You may also take alfalfa based medication on daily basis to restore your health, try to take alfalfa in different ways such as adding alfalfa powder in liquids such as soup and juice etc.

One should eat more fruits and vegetables and take nutritional supplements rich in folic acid as well as Zinc. If a person is suffering from lack of appetite due to mouth ulcer or other oral issues, one should look to treat such mouth related issues. Lack of appetite should be treated immediately before you loose significant weight and look extremely skinny; the condition may also lead to adverse medical maladies in your body.