A good appetite is vital for maintaining overall health and lack of one can be a sign of an underlying health condition. There are several factors that contribute to an increased or decreased appetite.
Appetite is a natural desire a person experiences to have food. It is different from hunger, which is the body’s response to not having adequate food. A person can be hungry with no appetite or have a strong appetite with no signs of hunger or be hungry with a good appetite.
Hunger is a physical feeling, while appetite is an emotional and mental feeling which causes a strong craving for a certain types of food or flavour. There are many signs to tell if a person has an appetite, the key one is feelings of hunger that show itself in several ways, including:
Cravings for food
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Light-headedness
Nausea
Stomach growls
Also Read: Loss Of Appetite Is Sign Of An Underlying Health Condition
Causes For Poor Appetite
Loss of appetite can be a temporary or long-term issue. Some of the causes for poor appetite include:
Emotional stress
Depression
Hormonal imbalance
Relationships issues
Chronic illnesses
Eating disorders
Loss of smell or taste
Try some of these home remedies for naturally increasing your appetite.
Natural Remedies For Poor Appetite
Spices
Generally, bloating or feeling satiated can reduce your appetite. Carminative herbs and spices like cinnamon, black pepper, peppermint work incredibly well to ease bloating and increase your appetite.
Sprinkle cinnamon powder on baked goods, toast, or curries, or add a blend of these herbs into your daily cooking to naturally improve your appetite.
Coriander Leaves
Coriander leaves are one of the most commonly used herbs in Indian cooking, and they are well-known for treating several digestive woes. Coriander leaves juice aids in increasing the secretion of gastric enzymes, which in turn promotes appetite.
Drink a cup of fresh coriander leaves juice on an empty stomach, repeat this on alternate days to increase appetite.
Fennel Tea
Fennel seeds work as a natural appetite booster by stimulating the production of bile in the liver and promotes a normal digestion process.
All you have to do is boil fennel and fenugreek seeds in 2 cups of water for a few minutes. Add little honey for taste and drink this tea twice daily for better results.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the incredible herbs that is mostly used as an appetite stimulant. Ginger juice works amazingly well for improving poor appetite.
Boil one cup of water, add coriander seeds and dried ginger powder boil well, until the water is reduced half. Drink this herbal concoction daily to treat all your digestive problems and improve your appetite.
Also Read: Ginger: 5 Astonishing Healing Power of This Wonder Spice-Infographic
Carom Seeds
Carom or ajwain seeds are used in several ayurvedic formulations for promoting better digestion. It is also a key ingredient in Indian cuisines. Drinking carom water once a day work remarkably well for improving the functioning of gastrointestinal system. It also acts as an anti-flatulent and antiacid that increases the secretion of digestive enzymes and stimulates your hunger.
Supplements
B complex vitamins are usually given to improve appetite in adults and children. It works by releasing energy from food and promoting a normal appetite. Deficiency of any one of the B vitamins can result in a lack of appetite and indigestion. Apart from this, fish oil supplements are also beneficial in increasing appetite and reducing bloating. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get Better At Eating Healthy?
Start by incorporating more whole foods and vegetables into your diet. Plan balanced meals and stay hydrated.
How Do We Increase Healthy Eating?
Focus on meal prepping and choosing nutrient-dense options. Avoid processed foods and practice healthy and timely eating.
What Are 5 Ways To Improve Your Diet?
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, reduce added sugars, opt for whole grains, stay hydrated, and control portion sizes.
What Are 10 Tips For Good Health?
Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, manage stress, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, practice good hygiene, maintain a healthy weight, and get regular check-ups.
What Are 10 Good Food Habits?
Eat a variety of foods, choose whole grains, incorporate lean proteins, limit processed foods, , focus on portion control, chew your food hydrate well, plan meals ahead, and practice mindful eating.
What Is The 30 Rules for Diet?
The 30 rule suggests that one should eat a balanced meal. Ideally your daily morning plate should have 30 grams of protein and 30 grams of fiber within 30 minutes of waking up.
How To Eat Food Correctly?
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to aid digestion. Balance your platter with adequate portions of proteins, carbs, and fats.
What Are The 10 Most Healthy Foods?
Leafy greens, berries, nuts, salmon, sweet potatoes, beans, quinoa, avocado, garlic, and yogurt are nutrient-dense options.
How To Improve Health Naturally?
Adopt a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, manage stress through mindfulness, and avoid toxins.
What Causes Sudden Loss Of Appetite?
Stress, illness, medication side effects, or changes in routine can lead to a sudden loss of appetite.
Why Do I Not Feel Hungry?
Emotional factors, illness, or hormonal imbalances may affect your hunger cues. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if the issue persists.
Why Am I So Tired And Not Hungry?
Fatigue and lack of appetite can result from inadequate sleep, stress, or nutritional deficiencies.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
- Loss of Appetite in Adult Patients: Effectiveness and Safety of an Appetite Stimulating Medication in an Open-Label, Investigator-Initiated Study in India
- Nagaraj
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8759923/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.14283/jfa.2022.64
