Home Remedies and Herbs for Poor Appetite

Poor appetite occurs when the desire to eat food is reduced. It is often a sign or symptom of an underlying condition. The medical term for poor appetite is anorexia.¹ However, loss of appetite doesn’t mean a person is suffering from anorexia nervosa, which is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a fear of gaining weight, resulting in abnormal eating behaviors.² Anorexia nervosa is just one condition that leads to loss of appetite, though there are many others. Poor appetite is typically a short-term problem but can last long enough to lead to further complications and interventions by a team of medical professionals.

What Causes Poor Appetite?

There are literally hundreds of poor appetite causes.³ Poor appetite acts as a common symptom of various conditions. Just some common causes include:^{1, 3}

•Cancer

•Dementia

•Heart Failure

•Hypothyroidism

•Pregnancy (during the first trimester)

•Dementia

•Cold and flu

•Gastrointestinal disorders

Poor appetite may occur due to a change in smell or taste as a result of illness; dehydration; side effects of treatment; or a feeling of fullness.⁴ In some cases, there is no physical cause of poor appetite, but rather this decreased appetite is brought on by emotions like grief or depression.¹ Various medications, such as chemo drugs, morphine, and antibiotics can also decrease appetite.¹

Poor Appetite Symptoms

Poor appetite itself is a symptom of another condition, but there are signs to watch out for. These poor appetite symptoms include:⁴

•Weight loss

•No interest in food

•Refusal to eat favorite foods

Appetite may be decreased by other symptoms related to a person's illness, such as trouble swallowing, vomiting, pain, or depression.⁴

Poor appetite can be dangerous, especially when it leads to rapid weight loss and nutrient deficiencies. If poor appetite is caused by a treatable condition, appetite should return as soon as the illness is cured.¹ Treatment typically involves various ways to try to stimulate appetite or make it easier for the patient to eat. This might include:⁴

•Eating favorite foods

•Eating high-calorie, easy-to-eat foods

•Experimenting with strong flavors to see what the patient likes

•Drinking nutritious liquids like protein shakes

•Drinking between meals instead of with meals (so that you eat more during your meals)

•Eating small, frequent meals or snacks throughout the day

Taking herbal remedies may also help stimulate appetite to help patients get enough nutrients in their diet.

1.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003121.htm

2.http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/anorexia-nervosa

3.http://www.healthline.com/symptom/anorexia

4.https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/eating-problems/poor-appetite.html