Weakness poor appetite. No appetite, severe weakness. Tablets and special preparations

Mankind throughout its history treats food with such trepidation that a sudden loss of appetite is perceived by us as an alarming symptom. And not in vain. There are many disease states in which the loss of interest in food is one of the early signs of the disease. However, sometimes a decrease in appetite is a variant of the norm - unless of course it lasts too long. MedAboutMe found out under what conditions and diseases a person stops wanting to eat.

This is the most innocuous of the conditions in which there is a deterioration in appetite. Most often this happens in the first trimester, when most expectant mothers suffer from manifestations of toxicosis - nausea and vomiting. Some women cannot eat only in the morning, while others do not feel well all day. Doctors recommend in such cases to switch to soups and liquid milk porridge so that the body receives the calories it needs.

And loss of appetite during pregnancy is observed against the background of folic acid deficiency. This vitamin (B9) is also necessary for the normal development of the fetus, so loss of appetite in this case can be perceived as an alarm signal.

Decreased appetite can also indicate an iron deficiency or develop against the background of an increased level of the hormone progesterone, which blocks the feeling of hunger.

As the fetus develops, the pressure on the woman's internal organs increases. In the second trimester, the pressure of the growing uterus begins to be felt by the intestines. As a result, constipation, a general deterioration in digestion - and a decrease in appetite can be observed. And in the third trimester, the uterus already presses on the stomach, which also does not add to the desire to eat an extra piece.

However, all these nuances are very individual. Someone forces himself to eat, and someone, on the contrary, eats with appetite "for two" to the delight of those who empathize with others.

2. Stress is a moment to fight, not to eat.

When the body is in a state of stress, there is a powerful release of the hormone adrenaline, which makes the heart beat faster, but at the same time slows down digestion. Stress is a time to fight, not to stuff your stomach!

But we lose our appetite when it comes to strong short-term stress, when we need to immediately and very quickly run away or fight. And if the stress is moderate, and even prolonged, for example, the boss reprimanded at work, the child brought a deuce at home, and even quarreled with her husband, then the body produces the hormone cortisol, which, on the contrary, whets the appetite, especially in relation to high-calorie foods. As a result, a person begins to nervously absorb everything that comes to hand.

Many medications cause loss of appetite as a side effect. Among the most common are antibiotics, muscle relaxants, drugs for the treatment of fungal diseases, anti-rhinitis drugs containing phenylpropanolamine, etc. Antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs (to combat high blood pressure), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), drugs prescribed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Parkinson's disease and migraine.

This means that when discussing the causes of loss of appetite with a doctor, all medications and dietary supplements that a person is currently taking should be mentioned. Perhaps it's about them.

4. Colds and flu

When viruses that cause acute respiratory infections enter the human body, the immune system is activated. This leads to increased production of cytokines - proteins that reduce appetite and cause a feeling of fatigue. Scientists believe that in this way the body makes a person save energy to fight the disease. The maximum that a tired body can do is eat a bowl of chicken broth, and then fall asleep in anticipation of recovery.

Hypothyroidism, that is, a deficiency of thyroid hormones, is a very strange condition in relation to appetite. Paradox: a person does not want to eat, literally “starves”, but at the same time slowly but surely gains weight. This is due to the fact that the metabolism against the background of hormonal imbalance is disturbed, and water is retained in the body and edema develops. In addition, with hypothyroidism, a person's activity is reduced, calorie consumption is minimal. This means that when you try to eat normally, weight gain will occur.

6. Anemia

This condition is also called anemia, because with iron deficiency anemia, there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a drop in hemoglobin levels below normal. Decreased appetite is one of the early signs of anemia. Often this condition develops in infants and the elderly. Moreover, in the latter, loss of appetite in the initial stages of the disease leads to a progressive lack of iron and vitamins, weight loss and the development of severe disorders of the nervous and other body systems.

Nausea, vomiting and a complete lack of appetite are often symptoms of migraine - severe headaches. Much less often, in patients with migraine, the appetite, on the contrary, increases.

Another cause of headaches and loss of appetite is traumatic brain injury (TBI). A person with a mild form of TBI suffers from dizziness, nausea, up to vomiting, sometimes a temporary loss of smell develops - it is not surprising that he is not interested in food and may even cause a feeling of disgust. It should be noted that often with a mild form of TBI, other symptoms are very mild. So if a child falls, and then complains of dizziness and refuses to eat, this is a reason to see a doctor for an examination for TBI.

8. Depression

A mental disorder in which the human body actively produces the hormone corticoliberin (aka corticotropin-releasing hormone, CRH). This substance is involved in the regulation of many mental functions. In particular, it causes a person to experience fear, anxiety, suffer from sleep disorders, and also leads to loss of appetite. In addition, with depression, constipation often develops, which lasts for 4-5 days, which also does not contribute to the desire to eat.

There are, of course, atypical forms of depression, in which a person's appetite, on the contrary, increases abnormally, but they are much less common.

Finally, every third person in old age worsens appetite. This is a variant of the norm. Loss of appetite is due to the fact that aging slows down many processes in the body, including digestion, so a person feels full longer. Often the taste and smell change, the food even begins to look different - less attractive. Do not forget that the hormonal background changes (especially in women). Many older people take medication - and we talked above about drugs for hypertensive patients, etc.

If a person, regardless of age, is sick with ARVI, do not force-feed him. Refusal to eat is normal and will pass as you recover. But drinking should be available all the time - dehydration should not be allowed.
If a prolonged loss of appetite occurs during pregnancy, you should discuss this point with your obstetrician-gynecologist. Perhaps the body is missing something.
If loss of appetite is combined with chronic fatigue, drowsiness, swelling of the face, you should contact an endocrinologist and get tested for thyroid hormones.
In general, in general, an unexplained loss of appetite for a long time is a reason to see a doctor. You should not explain to yourself that this organism is so conscious and independently decided to lose weight. The decision to fight excess weight is made by the person himself and, as a rule, he has to make a lot of efforts to force himself to realize them. By itself, a living and healthy organism does not refuse food.

Take the test

What is your diet and what is the correct mode of eating? Take the test and find out what mistakes you should take note of.

To the question: "No appetite, the reasons for an adult?" there are many answers.

Nutrient deficiencies are a must affect not only well-being, but also health. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problem of their absence as soon as possible. How to increase appetite and why did it disappear?

The difference between hunger and appetite

Before diagnosing loss of appetite, you should understand this concept. Appetite is often confused with hunger, a reflex that occurs when there is no food.

The mechanism for the development of hunger is triggered by a decrease in glucose levels, due to which a signal is sent to the centers of the brain. At the time of the onset of a hungry spasm, a person has active salivation, the sense of smell improves and a pulling sensation “in the pit of the stomach” appears.

All these symptoms help a person feel hungry and go in search of food. At the same time, he has no desire to eat certain foods, he is ready to eat any dish.

The manifestation of hunger, in which a person desires certain foods, is called appetite. This feeling is influenced by many factors: time of day, country of residence, taste preferences, emotional state.

Violation of habitual taste needs, when a person does not want food at all, is called a decrease in appetite. This condition leads to anorexia and other problems.

Associated symptoms

The brain signals that the body needs to eat. It contains neurons that carry a signal to the digestive organs.

In the body of an individual experiencing a feeling of hunger, increased insulin levels and there is an active production of gastric juice. The absence of hungry urges indicates that the brain is working on other needs. Reduced appetite - protection against certain diseases of the digestive system.

There are symptoms that often accompany a person in the absence of appetite. Nausea, weakness - the most famous of them. Thanks to these signs, it is easier for doctors to determine the cause of the loss of appetite.

Causes of loss of appetite

All the reasons due to which appetite disappears can be divided into two categories: pathological and non-pathological.

Pathological causes

Most often, poor appetite in adults indicates a disease.

To forget about problems with appetite, you need professional help.

Pathological causes of decreased appetite include:

Intestinal dysbacteriosis. Beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms take part in the processes of digestion. If their balance is disturbed, the body does not receive the necessary trace elements from food.
endocrine problems. Lack of hormones leads to nausea and vomiting. As a result, the person becomes weak and loses his appetite.
Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Similar symptoms indicate a stomach ulcer, gastritis,. At the first signs of an exacerbation of the disease, preventive treatment should be taken.
Mental problems, neuroses. High workload, stress, lack of rest and moral support lead to apathy, depression. These problems are often accompanied by weakness, nausea, fatigue, and lack of appetite.
body intoxication. Harmful bacteria can provoke intoxication, as a result of which a person will feel weak and disgusted with food.
Cardiovascular diseases. The deterioration of blood vessels provokes a general weakness of the body, and high blood pressure causes nausea.
Drug addiction. The need for constant medication makes the gastrointestinal tract work hard. Because of this, gastritis, an ulcer, and pathology of the pancreas may appear.
Oncology. During the period of chemotherapy, a failure occurs in many processes, especially in the work of the digestive organs.
Viruses and infections in the body. With illness, there is often a significant decrease in appetite, as forces are directed to the fight against viruses. To prevent a large amount of toxins from leading to weakness and nausea, you should maintain water balance, namely, drink plenty of fluids.

Non-pathological causes

Natural causes cause a situation in which a person refuses to eat.

They do not depend on any disease, as they arise due to external pathogenic factors.

Distinctive features of non-pathological causes:

the duration of the symptoms does not exceed 4-5 days, then the increase in appetite occurs independently;
no need for medical care, medication;
no negative impact on health;
symptoms recur no more than once a month;
loss of appetite does not lead to sudden weight loss.

The list of non-pathological causes includes the following conditions:

Menstruation. During this period, the female body is particularly susceptible to the influence of hormones. A sharp increase in the level of estrogen and progesterone provokes weakness, loss of appetite. At the end of the cycle, abdominal cramps and headaches are often added to these symptoms.
Binge eating. Lack of proper nutrition during the day leads to an increase in appetite at night. The organs of the gastrointestinal tract were not subjected to stress all day, therefore, in the evening, when preparing the body for sleep, the food consumed can cause poor sleep, nausea and vomiting. All this will lead to a decrease in appetite.
Prolonged fasting. If a person voluntarily refuses to eat, it can cause nausea and weakness. Since food does not get in for a long time, the produced secret negatively affects the mucous membrane, irritating it. In the absence of food, working capacity decreases and weakness and loss of strength appear.

Diagnosis of poor appetite

Normal life is ensured by balance, which is the alternation of hunger and appetite. Violation of the normal state for any reason leads to a decrease in appetite, and then a feeling of hunger.

Eating high-calorie foods can increase the time between the desire to eat up to 4-5 hours.

However, if hunger does not come for more than 8 hours, this is a signal that problems have appeared in the body.

A decrease in blood glucose levels will cause dizziness, weakness, loss of strength.

To diagnose the cause that caused the loss of appetite, you should consult a doctor. He will prescribe a complete examination of the body, including the delivery of tests. If a woman has a problem with appetite, pregnancy should be excluded first.

Video - How to get better when there is no appetite?

What can increase your appetite

The causes that provoked a decrease in appetite and were identified during the diagnosis are eliminated by therapeutic methods. Parallel doctors advise the patient to adhere to the following recommendations:

Follow a meal schedule. You need to eat several times a day in small portions. Dinner should be no later than three hours before bedtime. Eating daily at a certain time will contribute to the production of saliva, prepare the body for the absorption of food.
Food should be chewed slowly, without being distracted by extraneous stimuli (TV, computer). You should apply an attractive serving, work on a beautiful design of dishes.
Food should be tasty and varied.
When fighting poor appetite, it is very important to observe the daily routine: sleep for at least eight hours, do not forget about rest. Mild physical activity is encouraged, as sport stimulates the urge to eat.
Stress, conflict situations, bad emotions should be avoided.
In order for the digestive juice to be produced more actively, you need to eat foods that stimulate this process, for example, pickled and salty dishes. Spices, spicy seasonings, herbs, sour berries, foods high in vitamins B and C, decoctions and infusions of bitter herbs contribute to an increase in appetite.

Loss of appetite in old age

Lack of need for food and persistent loss of appetite may occur in the elderly. Retirees often limit themselves to healthy and nutritious food due to financial problems. In addition, it weakens with age, or diarrhea begins, the work of receptors worsens. The body begins to digest food poorly.

The above factors affect appetite. To avoid problems with the work of the gastrointestinal tract, you need to increase the number of easily digestible foods. The menu should include stewed vegetables, cereals, fish, lean meats. Older people should avoid fatty and fried foods, not eat large portions and, if necessary, use a blender to grind food.

How to increase your child's appetite

Adults often have a problem feeding the baby because of his refusal to eat. To increase your child's appetite, you can take the following steps:

make a diet that is optimally suited to the age and characteristics of the child;
follow the diet;
spend several hours a day outdoors;
include outdoor games and sports in the daily routine;
attractively decorate children's dishes;
add fruits and dried fruits to cereals;
do not force-feed the child;
do not overfeed the baby;
reduce the number of snacks on cookies and other floury dishes;
place small portions on a plate.

If the lack of appetite lasts for several days, you should not independently look for the cause and carry out treatment. The specialist will quickly determine what the decrease in appetite is due to and prescribe medications to enhance it.

When there is no appetite, any food seems absolutely tasteless. The number of calories entering the body is very low, and therefore reserve energy reserves begin to be used up. As a consequence, weight loss occurs, and often this phenomenon has catastrophic proportions. In medicine, this disorder is called anorexia.

Symptoms

It is generally accepted that a good appetite is an indicator of good health and excellent physical shape. In this situation, hunger and satiety periodically change places, so a person can be in the optimal weight category for himself. But with poor appetite caused by anorexia, this balance is disturbed. Anorexia is caused by a number of factors. They can be both psychological and organic in nature. In certain cases, the patient may completely lose his appetite, and he does not feel hunger.

But, of course, do not panic if hunger does not appear within a few hours. This does not prove that the person is unhealthy. It is possible that a too high-calorie dish was eaten during the previous meal. Therefore, the body has made an appropriate energy reserve, and for a certain time does not need to replenish energy.

Caution should be exercised if a person does not feel hungry for five to eight hours. The fact is that during this time there is a decrease in the level of glucose in the blood, and as a result, weakness, loss of strength are felt. At this time, healthy people feel hungry, and the stomach reminds of its existence.

After a person has eaten, the level of glucose in the bloodstream rises, and the brain receives a signal that the feeling of hunger has been satisfied, it has given way to satiety. When the stomach assumes the appropriate condition, it is distended with food, and the glucose concentration is increased, hormonal interactions give the message that eating should be stopped. The peculiarity is that each person subconsciously includes in his diet exactly those products that the body needs most at a given time.

Experts have found that people who are actively involved in sports often add too much salt to their meals after training. This suggests that the body strives to make up for salt losses, since a large amount of sweat was released during physical activity. Homeostasis is observed - the regulation of internal balance. If hormonal regulation is disturbed, then appetite decreases, the feeling of hunger disappears, and body weight is quickly lost.

Causes of loss of appetite

Reduced appetite often accompanies diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract. This may be obstipation, as well as indigestion caused by the consumption of foods with excessive amounts of fat and spices. Lack of hunger can be caused by the presence of infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Usually these are gastritis, or infectious diseases, food poisoning with low-quality products. Often, the appetite disappears when a person has an individual intolerance to celiac disease, lactose, or other food components. With chronic inflammation of the intestine, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, there is also no appetite, and the patient does not remember hunger.

Another reason for the disappearance of appetite can be diseases of the pancreas, gallbladder and liver. Among them are hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, cysts and tumors of these organs.

Causes on the part of the psyche are various fears and phobias, stressful conditions. Personal problems, such as failures in love, betrayal of a loved one, and bulimia nervosa, also have a significant impact.

Other diseases include various manifestations of colds and flu, kidney and heart failure, and reduced thyroid function. The reason for the lack of appetite can be neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. Often anorexia is observed in people who abuse alcohol, use drugs and nicotine. Some medications, chemotherapy sessions in the treatment of cancer affect.

Also, a decreased sense of thirst and poor appetite occurs in old age, but experts do not name the exact reasons that explain this fact. It is possible that this is due to insufficient production of hormones, which is observed in parallel with a decrease in the metabolic rate.

What to do if you have lost your appetite

Of course, the first thing you should do in this case is to visit a doctor. Especially when not only the feeling of hunger disappears, but also the body weight “melts”. Based on your symptoms, your doctor may advise you to see other specialists as well.

It makes sense to visit an endocrinologist, a therapist, as well as a psychologist, a psychosomatic doctor.

Before starting a medical examination, the doctor will ask you in detail about the signs and symptoms. This is called history taking. The specialist will not disregard those diseases that have bothered you in the past, and may be present at the present time.

Questions asked by the doctor at the appointment

When you see a doctor complaining of a lack of appetite, you will need to describe your condition in detail and answer a series of questions.

When did you notice that your appetite worsened? Do you have a suggestion that this is related to a specific incident in your life?
Has it ever happened that the appetite disappeared, and then recovered again?
What kind of chair do you usually have?
Do you follow the diet, and how much food do you eat?
Are there additional features that you didn't mention? For example, nausea, pain, heartburn, diarrhea, a feeling of bloating in the stomach, fever?
Do you often overwork, feel emotional emptiness, sadness, experiences of stressful situations?
Are such sensations new to you, or have they been observed a certain time ago?
Do you currently have chronic diseases, and are you seeing a doctor about this?
Are you allergic to certain foods?
What medications are you currently taking?

As you can see, there are quite a lot of questions, but you should carefully answer each of them, as this will help to form a more accurate clinical picture of the existing disease. Further, taking into account the information received and based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe diagnostic procedures. Usually this is a blood test, urine and stool, as well as an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, colonoscopy. If the doctor examining you suggests that the cause of anorexia may be a mental disorder, then a specialist psychiatrist will be involved.

Treatment

If there is symptomatic weight loss, then the main treatment task is to return to normal body weight. There is also an emphasis on nutrition. The reference point is the standard formula that determines body weight. The indicator of the optimal index value is determined by the numbers 18 - 24. If the index value exceeds 25, then this is certainly obesity. At less than 17 - a clear deficiency in human body weight.

But you should know that a BMI of 13-14 is considered a life-threatening indicator. When the indicator is even lower, additional artificial nutrition is required to save a person, which is carried out either through a gastric tube or parenterally. But above all, the patient must be ready for cooperation, which is extremely important both in this treatment and in solving the problem of any other disease.

To recover, the patient must eat much more often and more than before. Preference should be given to the most high-calorie dishes, but be sure to take into account other diseases that he suffers from.

If the doctor has determined the organic cause of the loss of appetite, he will prescribe the appropriate treatment in order to eliminate it. As an addition, medications that have a positive effect on appetite can be prescribed. Such preparations contain ketotifen, therefore, the secretion of gastric juice and salivation are stimulated.

Patients who have a distorted perception of their own body, recover much longer, because for a certain time they cannot understand that they need serious treatment. Psychological treatment makes it possible for a sick person to realize what exactly the violation is, and helps to get the joy of daily eating.

Prevention

To improve your appetite, and sit down at the dinner table with pleasure, you should follow a few simple, but nevertheless very effective rules. Eat wisely, choose foods that are high in fiber and vitamins. Your stomach will always be in good shape, and will ensure proper and timely digestive functions.

Eat what you want, trust your own feelings. As already mentioned, your body knows perfectly well what it lacks at the moment. If you want sweet or salty, do not deny yourself, although, of course, there should be a measure in everything. Eat regularly, at least three times a day. Learn to savor every bite, to enjoy food. Eating right, you will be pleasantly surprised how quickly normal appetite is restored!

Usually, women who lose weight desperately dream that they lose their appetite. However, when this actually happens, even they begin to seriously fear for their health. The feeling of hunger can be dulled for completely different reasons.

If, in addition to this symptom, you experience a sharp weight loss, you should urgently consult a doctor, especially if you do not follow and have not followed any weight loss diets.

The cause of this clinical manifestation should be clarified as soon as possible. This condition should not be regarded as something normal and transient. Indeed, in some cases, this can be caused by some minor disturbance, such as weather sensitivity.

However, you should investigate in detail and find out if everything is as harmless as it seems at first glance. Remember that loss of appetite, especially if prolonged, should never be ignored.

So, what are the reasons if you lost your appetite?

Causes of loss of appetite

The feeling of hunger is a physiological reaction of the body to a lack of nutrients. When the body feels an acute shortage of them, a signal is sent to the brain about the need to replenish nutritional resources. This often occurs against the background of an elementary decrease in the level of glucose and other substances valuable for the life of the body in the blood. It is at this moment that a person wants to eat, and not selectively, but in general.

If there is a craving for a certain product without an objective feeling of hunger, this is already a psychological problem, and not a biochemical reaction of the body.

What to do if you lost your appetite? First of all, you need to determine - is it really completely gone, or do you just not want to eat what you are offered at the moment?

Loss of appetite is different:

The dulling of the feeling of hunger as such (even under the condition of an objectively old meal, when a person himself realizes that it would not hurt him to eat, but, roughly speaking, he "does not go down the throat");
Complete lack of appetite for a long time (anorexia);
Sudden change in taste preferences (for example, disgust or dislike for a particular food group).

By the way, the last symptom is also quite alarming. For example, an aversion to meat food in meat-eaters often indicates the presence of tumors in the body, and in the vast majority of cases, malignant ones. However, such drastic changes can also occur against the background, for example, of poisoning. Quite often, a person who once poisoned himself with mushrooms does not perceive them as an attractive product later. The same can be applied to other categories of food.

Objective reasons for the suppression of hunger in humans

Appetite naturally decreases when a person is sick. This applies to viral and infectious diseases, internal inflammation, intoxication. At the same time, appetite disappears and sometimes nausea. This process is connected with the natural reaction of the body to foreign microorganisms, toxins and decay products.

The body spends all its forces on their elimination or neutralization, and therefore it simply does not want to spend energy resources on digesting food and does not send appropriate impulses to the brain.

For the same reason, during an illness, a person feels tired without the slightest physical effort.

If you are sick with SARS or acute respiratory infections, and appetite suppression has befallen you, there is nothing to worry about, and you can regard this as a natural defensive reaction of your body. The same goes for food or chemical poisoning, even minor ones.

In addition, the reason, if hunger is dulled, may be hidden in the following factors:

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which appetite naturally decreases against the background of pain or discomfort;
Disorders of the endocrine system (disorders of the thyroid gland, hypothalamus and adrenal cortex);
Violations of metabolic processes in the body (most often associated with oncological processes);
Neuropsychiatric disorders, including neurotic and depressive states, psychoses, etc.

If appetite is lost during neurosis, this should also be regarded as normal, since all the functions of the nervous system suffer in this case. The feeling of hunger is dulled, and sometimes the innervation, especially of the limbs. Impulses are not emitted and are not projected in the normal mode - all processes in the body become inhibited.

True, this does not mean that it is not necessary to treat neurosis. You should contact a competent and experienced professional for help with your problem. Remember that the nervous system controls almost every process in our body, which means that its neglected disorders can provoke serious diseases and syndromes that are very difficult to cure.

Specific pathological causes

If we talk about specific diseases that provoke the suppression of hunger, the most common among them are diseases from the list:

Bronze disease (Addison's disease);
Rheumatoid arthritis;
Chronic polyarthritis;
Gastroesophageal reflux;
Depression;
stressful conditions;
dementia (dementia);
Affective disorders, in particular, seasonal;
Schizophrenia and schizophrenic personality disorders;
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
Anorexia.

People who are prone to hypochondriacal and neurotic disorders tend to immediately look for cancer and other pathologies of this kind. In fact, such behavior may indicate the presence of a neurosis rather than an actual pathology of a malignant nature.

It should be remembered that neurotic disorders can lead to serious pathologies of an internal nature, so they also cannot be written off in terms of potential health hazards.

Appetite disorders during pregnancy

Many women are interested in the question of what to do if the appetite disappears during pregnancy. In fact, it may also be due to physiological factors. For example, in the early stages of gestation, many women suffer from toxicosis.

Constant nausea simply cannot but affect appetite - who wants to eat when there is only a desire to empty the stomach? Toxicosis is also a natural reaction of the immune system to the invasion of a foreign body into the body (this is what your body considers the fetus to be).

With toxicosis, hunger is almost always dulled. And toxicosis itself can last quite a long time, although in some lucky women it is completely absent. I must say that this condition in the later stages should be regarded as relatively dangerous. In addition to the usual nausea, an increase in blood pressure and protein concentration in the urine (which leads to edema) can be added.

Preeclampsia, as late toxicosis is called, requires constant monitoring by an obstetrician-gynecologist in charge of pregnancy. Otherwise, this condition can lead to premature birth, placental abruption, stillbirth and intrauterine death of the fetus. In especially severe cases, the violation can threaten the life of the mother.

In addition to toxicosis, dulling the feeling of hunger in the first trimesters of pregnancy can be triggered by a deficiency of folic acid in a woman's body. In this case, you should urgently begin to replenish its resources, since it is vital in the process of bearing a child. This can be done by correcting the diet, as well as using multivitamin complexes. However, the latter must be prescribed by a doctor without fail - amateur performance is inappropriate here. It is also important to make sure that this is the cause of the violation.

Many people do not think that a good appetite is a sign of well-being and health. As soon as the desire to eat delicious food disappears, the question often spontaneously arises: “why”. But the reason can be various factors. If the cause of the lack of a good appetite is not eliminated 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 experience hunger have a good appetite. Alas, not everyone eats with pleasure. The manifestation of appetite is measured by the amount of gastric juice. If all human organs function properly, then the amount of enzyme to process the incoming food is sufficient. When eating in such cases, the walls of the stomach are in tension, their movements are impulsive and strong, and the secretion of juice is plentiful. 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. Slow and careful eating brings more benefit and satisfaction than hastily consumed food. No wonder 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;
an overdose of alcohol or drugs;
stressful situations;
pain sensations;
intoxication of the body;
the use of certain drugs;
overwork;
nervous and mental disorders;
endocrine and hormonal disorders;
injury and other factors.

The appearance of one focus of excitation reduces the other. This rule is.

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

Appetite doesn't just disappear. The main thing is that it would not be for long

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

The influence of the human brain on the emergence of appetite: video

…and his loss

Appetite disorder is almost always associated with violations of the food center. They may be due to organic damage to the central nervous system, but more often they are functional in nature, as they are associated with a change in the effect on the cerebral cortex, as well as with impulses from peripheral receptors for chemical homeostasis and metabolism in the body if they are involved in the pathological process.

Poor appetite implies a lack of positive emotions from the anticipation of food. This negatively affects health.

The main causes of loss of appetite

One of the significant factors affecting appetite is the occurrence of intestinal dysbacteriosis. This disease is necessarily associated with a violation of the microflora of the digestive system, which in the normal state takes an active part in the assimilation 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 causes of lack of appetite

With dysbacteriosis, after eating even dietary food, pain usually occurs due to stretching of the walls, the appearance of flatulence, the absorption of toxins, and the occurrence of inflammatory processes. The brain associates their appearance with the consumption of food, 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 lack 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 of dysbacteriosis, primarily with the onset of pain that occurs almost immediately after eating. The food center blocks the desire to eat, the unhealthy digestive system protects itself from unnecessary work using this method. As a result, a person loses interest even in their favorite dishes. Drowsiness and lethargy appear, immunity decreases.

Gastritis can cause loss of appetite

If in such a situation to listen to the "wishes" of a sick stomach, then you can bring yourself to complete exhaustion. Therefore, the occurrence of gastritis cannot be ignored. When a person, against the background of an exacerbated disease, loses more than 10 kg in weight, this condition can lead to serious malfunctions of the whole organism and to anorexia.

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

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

Initially, with allergic reactions to some food, a clear connection with the causative food is distinguished. And as a result of this, the food center in the brain sends an impulse associated with the rejection of certain foods. Gradually, there may be a loss of appetite in general. Therefore, when an allergy appears, a very important point is the timely recognition of the true causes. Allergenic food should be replaced in time with an equivalent, but non-irritating product.

Food allergies can cause you to stop eating

senile dementia

Dementia is not a single disease, but a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases that lead to the disintegration of the personality. This violates:

memory;
thinking;
speech;
logics.

Unreasonable fits of rage can be replaced by depression, hallucinations are perceived as a reality. With this senile dementia, an error in the perception of reality occurs. It often seems to patients that neighbors or relatives want to poison them. Against this background, a person refuses food. There is a decrease in appetite. In parallel, due to memory problems, older people forget about food. The condition is complicated by a violation of the day regimen, 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 deplorable and transient.

Senile dementia is often the culprit in loss of appetite.

If a person’s appetite suddenly disappears, weight decreases, and there are no obvious reasons for this, then some kind of malfunction occurs in the body. Sometimes a persistent unwillingness to eat 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, special signs of the presence of malignant neoplasms. However, against the background of loss of appetite, there may be:

constant fatigue;
long-term non-healing cuts and abrasions;
low or high body temperature for no reason;
violation of the menstrual cycle (in women);
bad breath;
frequent colds and infections;
discoloration 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 - the products of its vital activity. In addition, a malignant tumor of the internal organs has a pressing effect from the very first days of its appearance. Intoxication and a false representation 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 the refusal of food occurs at a time 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 dulling of hunger. Sometimes changes in metabolism or early satiety due to 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 (feelings of the patient himself) or signs (changes that may also be noticeable to others), so diagnostic studies should ultimately involve taking tissue samples and examining them under a microscope (biopsy), since this is the only way to prove having cancer."

M. Whitehouse

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

arterial hypertension

If, against the background of a sharp loss of appetite, a person has the following pathological symptoms at the same time, then we can talk about arterial hypertension:

frequent headaches of varying degrees of intensity, localized in the back of the head;
glare and sparks in the eyes with a sharp change in body position;
drowsiness and weakness;
increased sweating;
memory impairment;
attention disorder;
insomnia;
anxiety and distraction;
dyspnea;
decrease in working capacity;
nosebleeds;
severe pallor and / or redness of the skin of the face.

When there is no necessary and timely treatment, then nausea and vomiting, dizziness and numbness of the fingers of the extremities can join to dull the feeling of hunger.

High blood pressure and loss of appetite are linked

All these manifestations only exacerbate the loss of appetite, as a person automatically loses his main activator - a 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 a feasible manifestation of activity gradually leads to sensitization: strength and desire disappear. A sedentary lifestyle and drugs that control blood pressure lead to a worsening of the condition. In such cases, only the right self-organization will return the taste of your favorite products and the joy of life.

Nervous disorders

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

the 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, it affects the 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 an overflow of the stomach, rapid saturation from the minimum consumption of food, 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 on the background of nervous disorders. They think that refusing food is normal. First, there is a desire to lose weight, various debilitating diets are used with a restriction or exclusion from the diet of foods needed by the body. Weight loss turns into rapid weight loss when the appetite completely disappears. Then, to restore the body's working capacity, 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 the appetite disappears with oral antibiotics. These funds, killing pathogenic microorganisms, affect the microflora of the digestive system. The most dangerous drug poisoning, overdose and / or misuse. Usually, this happens with self-medication, when a person uses large doses of the drug.

Do not get involved in drugs. The difference between medicine and poison is the dose!

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

fever;
diarrhea;
jumps in blood pressure;
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 of the body to take 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, "companions" become:

memory impairment;
dryness of the skin and mucous membranes;
pressure reduction;
thirst;
drowsiness and weakness;
sensory disturbance in the extremities;
intolerance to low temperatures;
weight gain (surprisingly).

Poor appetite and simultaneous weight gain is 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 a change in taste preferences, as well as irreversible changes in the functioning of organs.

Endocrine disruption can lead to loss of appetite

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

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

Loss of appetite is a bad sign.

Worm infestations

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

Restoration of 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 establishing and eradicating the cause, you can eliminate the symptoms.

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;
study of the thyroid gland;
fluoroscopy;
HIV test;
MRI and CT - if necessary;
for women - ultrasound of the pelvic organs and pregnancy testing.

In each case, the treatment will be individual.

If it is established that the reason for the lack of appetite in a woman was pregnancy, then no special measures will be required. It is enough to make some changes in the diet and after a couple of weeks the desire to eat delicious food will return by itself.
When appendicitis or intestinal obstruction is the culprit, surgery is indispensable.
In infectious diseases, appetite is restored against the background of properly selected therapeutic treatment.
If the reason lies in senile dementia, then high-calorie nutrient mixtures are used, and, if necessary, artificial nutrition through a tube.
When medications are to blame for the pathology, sometimes it is enough to cancel or replace them. Medicines taken orally are replaced by injections.
If oncology is detected after radiation therapy or surgery, the patient's condition improves.
If loss of appetite is associated with nausea and a gag reflex, then medications such as Ondansetron, Promethazine are used.
Hormonal failures help to correct replacement therapy using artificial hormones.
When the cause of loss of appetite is depression, then antidepressants, stimulant drugs, hypnosis, acupuncture, physiotherapy, cardio loads, and vitamins are prescribed. And sometimes safe sedatives, such as motherwort tincture, and / or valerian, are enough. Their regular use relieves nervous tension and at the same time improves the activity of the digestive tract.
If arterial hypertension was the established cause, then it is enough to prescribe drugs that stabilize the situation and follow the doctor's recommendations so that the patient regains his appetite.

An exhausted body requires rest and treatment corresponding to the underlying disease.. At the same time, it is necessary to normalize the portion of food and its schedule.

Nutrition Features

To restore appetite, you should follow a special diet: meals by the hour, at regular intervals, at least five times. In this case, portions should be small. Each dish must be thoroughly chewed, spending at least 20-30 minutes eating. Snacks with sweets should be avoided, as well as 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 involved in cold and very hot food.

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

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

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

Citrus. All these southern fruits, except for some types of grapefruit, are able to activate the digestion of food.
Apples. It is better to give preference to fruits of green color. The best choice is soaked apples.
Korean carrot. 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.
Sauerkraut. It instantly accelerates appetite, but at the same time it is a product with a “minus calorie content”, since more energy is spent on digesting this product than it gives the body.
Fresh tomatoes with onions. It is impossible to get enough of this salad, however, it perfectly kindles the desire to eat.
Salted cheeses. Compensate for the lack of calcium and at the same time stimulate appetite.
Chewing gum. In the process of 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 the desire to eat tasty food.
Ginger. A natural antiseptic and a product that revitalizes the digestive system of the human body. When using it, a person begins to experience a feeling of hunger.
Pickled vegetables. They are best used in limited quantities, as these products can retain fluid. However, a small cucumber a day will not hurt, but will only stimulate the appearance of appetite.
Soy sauce. This is one of the natural flavor enhancers that will help to open 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 a single individual, in accordance with his individual needs and capabilities, taking into account the state of health.

Foods that stimulate appetite: photo gallery

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

Application of traditional medicine recipes

You can try to stimulate the appetite with various herbal decoctions, teas and infusions. Means based on chamomile, mint, lemon balm, dill will help, which 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:

Hop cones. It is used most often in the form of a decoction, but can be used as a tincture or dry powder. 1 teaspoon once a day with water.
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 from cereals in a ratio of 1:4.
Berries of black currant. It is recommended to eat fresh berries in half a glass 30 minutes before meals, or drink currant juice 2-3 times a day, 100 ml each.
Wormwood. Pour a teaspoon of chopped dry grass with one glass of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour. Drink 20 minutes before meals three times a day, 1 tablespoon.
Melissa officinalis. Pour a glass of boiling water 4 teaspoons of vegetable raw materials, let it brew for 4 hours. Drink 4 times a day for half a cup.
Anise with cinnamon. Pour 500 grams of sugar with one liter of boiling water, add 40 grams of anise seeds and 1 gram of cinnamon. Mix everything well. Insist 45 days, then strain. The resulting infusion should be taken 1 tablespoon after meals.
Onion. To increase appetite and improve digestion, it is very useful to use infused or boiled in vinegar onions.
Parsley. Pour parsley seeds (1/3 teaspoon) with a glass of cold water, steam for half an hour. After cooling, strain the broth. Take 1 tablespoon 5 times a day.
Celery. A good appetite stimulant is celery juice, it should be taken 1 teaspoon 20-30 minutes before meals.
Juniper. With loss of appetite: pour dried juniper cones into 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.
Lemon with sugar. Mix grated fruit peel with granulated sugar in a ratio of 2: 1. Take 1/2 tablespoon before meals.
Knapweed. Brew 1/2 tablespoon of flowers in one glass of boiling water. Infusion to drink half an hour before meals.
Horseradish with honey. Take 1 teaspoon of grated horseradish with sugar or honey daily before meals.
Yarrow. Pour a tablespoon of herbs with 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.
Dandelion. Pour two teaspoons of crushed plant roots with 1 glass of cold water and leave to infuse for 8 hours. Take four times a day, 50 ml half an hour before meals.
Meadow 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.

According to the prescription of the attending physician, in the diet, you can use drugs (dietary supplements) with 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
Currant - tasty and healthy, stimulates appetite Melissa will help activate appetite Anise is not only a spice, but also an appetite stimulant Ordinary onion will help to cope with lack of appetite Horseradish as a cure for lack of appetite A decoction of ordinary clover promotes appetite

Medical treatment

If the loss of appetite carries a clear threat to human 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.

Iron preparations: Ferrum lek, Sorbifer, Fenyuls.
Histamine and serotonin antagonists: Supersan, Peritol, Tsiprodin, Astonin, Vinorex and others.
Elixir Pernexin is a safe drug on a natural basis.
Anabolic steroid. To increase appetite, many tend to believe that Primobolan is the best.
Insulin. Popular among athletes who need to increase their appetite and gain weight.
Pharmacy bitters. Excellent stimulate the production of pepsin and increase appetite.
Antiemetics: Volagen, Albex, Digezan, Motilium, Peridon and others.
Dopamine blockers and digestive activity regulators: Pramin, Cerucal, Viskal, Maksolon.
Bioadditives: Limontar, Stimuvit.
Peptides: Hexarelin, GHRP-6, -2.

You can not self-medicate and use medications without a doctor's prescription.

If the 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). Indications for surgery may be the following diseases:

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

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

What to do if there is no appetite: video

Prevention

To increase the level of appetite and feel the joy of life will help: the right diet, physical activity and harmony in the family.

Many nutritionists recommend "working up an appetite." Walking along the park or the embankment is an ideal option for saturating the lungs with oxygen. This will help create the desire to eat delicious food. It would be useful to walk past a bakery or cafe, from where you can smell the pleasant smells of fresh pastries. This will help awaken your taste buds.
Physical activity in nature is a great appetite activator. Jogging, cycling, any kind of outdoor sport, and swimming is the best. Classes on the water can cause "wolf hunger." But you can not overexert yourself, because exhaustion can lead to the opposite effect. Only pleasant fatigue will certainly return the appetite lost before.
Often problems with appetite are associated with a malfunction in the daily routine and food intake. Normal sleep should be restored. Then the appetite will show itself.
There is an opportunity to restore your appetite by doing your favorite things. In a depressed state, it is worth remembering an old hobby - this is very useful.
It is worth abandoning 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 kind of pain).

Prolonged loss of appetite can lead to irreversible consequences in the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to consult specialists in a timely manner, such as:

therapist;
gastroenterologist;
oncologist;
allergist;
psychotherapist;
neurologist;
infectiologist.

Attentive attitude to yourself and your loved ones will help to timely identify and eliminate the fundamental factors in the development of such a pathology as lack of appetite.