How many times do you think about lunchtime, afternoon coffee or a pre-dinner aperitif at the end of the day? Many people spend their long work days dreaming about their next meal. However, sometimes you can’t even muster up enough hunger to eat your favorite foods.
Why are there some days you can eat whatever they put on the table and other days you can’t even eat half of what’s on the plate? Does a loss of appetite indicate something else is wrong with your body? Or is it completely normal? The answer to why you’re not hungry sometimes depends on a lot of factors..
What is loss of appetite?
But before we understand why we sometimes feel less hungry, let’s first understand what causes a loss of appetite. Loss of appetite may be temporary or persistent and may have important consequences, the main and most significant weight loss effect. Additionally, it can lead to dehydration and can lead to psychophysical deterioration due to not consuming necessary nutrients and calories.
Once found, why do we sometimes experience a loss of appetite? “Some of the main causes are more closely related to disease“Loss of appetite, like a cold or certain gastrointestinal problems,” says Ohio State University’s Kacie Vavrek. But that’s not always the case. Here are six reasons for a loss of appetite to help you figure out whether a lack of hunger is more of a concern than what you’re worried about.believe
Be careful with your diet, as eating foods containing non-essential amino acids can cause a loss of appetite.
Causes of loss of appetite
1-Common cold
“If you have a cold, a loss of appetite is common and can even lead to weight loss.”said Dr. Jeremy Korman, medical director of the bariatric program at Marina Del Rey Hospital.
This happens when white blood cells release cytokines that help fight infection: “Cytokines are chemicals that circulate in the blood to the brain and can cause fever, fatigue and loss of appetite.”, explain. Bacterial infections such as pneumonia and strep can also cause decreased hunger. Of course, this will go away once you recover.
2-Stress and Anxiety
It’s often said that stress makes people hungry, but sometimes anxiety can also cause a loss of appetite. One reason is that stress causes the body to release a hormone called epinephrine, also known as epinephrine, which can temporarily reduce hunger., as an article in Harvard Health explains. But there is no need to worry as it is usually short-lived. Be careful with ongoing stress, as it can cause your body to release cortisol, a hormone that increases appetite and can disrupt your diet.
3-Drugs
Medications are known to come with a long list of possible side effects. Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea, are commonly found on prescription warning labels. Needless to say, these side effects can make you lose your appetite…
4-Weather
In hot weather, your appetite can be affected and what you want most is light, fresh food, such as salad or fruit. In fact, some people may even eliminate some foods during the day during high temperatures. “A hot environment will suppress your appetite, while a cold environment will increase your appetite.”Vavrek said.
5-Other diseases
Sometimes, a loss of appetite can be a sign of other health problems, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or even cancer. Each symptom occurs along with the others, but these symptoms can be subtle. If you consistently find food unpleasant or hostile, be sure to talk to your doctor.
6-Food before you are full
Of course, this can be an option. Actually, If you eat the right amounts of two key nutrients at each meal, you may not even feel hungry between meals. Those key nutrients? Protein and fiber.
Experts agree Eating at least 30 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber at each meal will help you feel full You will no longer overeat at one meal, which will keep you feeling full until your next meal.
Yes no way I’m hungry, is this a bad sign?
sometimes, Loss of appetite may be a sign of other health problems. Each symptom may be accompanied by others, but the symptoms may be subtle. If you have lost your appetite for food, be sure to talk to your doctor.
According to Vavrek, you should see your doctor if you’ve lost weight or haven’t had your appetite for three or four days. It is important to determine if an underlying health condition is the source of the problem. You also need to fix the problem quickly because your body will use stored protein for energy, causing you to lose muscle mass. “It’s easy to lose muscle, but hard to regain it,” he points out.
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Melissa Matthews is Men’s Health’s health writer, covering the latest in food, nutrition, and health.