Do you feel that lately you don't feel like eating more often, or maybe you notice this condition in your loved ones? Long-term lack of appetite in children and the elderly may have very serious health consequences. Therefore, it is worth remaining vigilant and reacting appropriately in case of a problem - how? We answer below.
Why is a healthy appetite so important?
It's funny, but the word "appetite" is often associated with sweets or with the fact that someone is constantly unfulfilled - then we may hear sarcastic comments from loved ones. In today's article, however, we will not criticize everyone's desire for sweet foods from time to time or anything like that. In return , we will tell you what exactly a healthy appetite is and show you proven ways to restore your appetite .
Why is this topic so important to us? Let's start from the beginning, that is, with hunger - when we start to feel it, it is a sign that we need to provide ourselves with food. Moreover, the need to eat a meal is very natural, to put it simply, it helps us survive because thanks to it we know that it is time to consume the food necessary for life.
Regular diet conditions tailored to individual needs are also extremely important for maintaining full vitality and health. Along with food, the body receives important minerals and vitamins, the presence of which is necessary for the proper functioning of many metabolic processes. Food also provides us with energy, thanks to which we can undertake various activities and keep our body healthy, reducing the risk of deficiencies.
So what can happen when we stop feeling hungry? Long-term loss of appetite has really serious consequences resulting in impaired functioning of the entire body. Does this sound quite disturbing? Don't worry, as always, we are here to help, so today we will tell you what to do if you lose your appetite. First, it may be a good idea to determine the cause of your eating disorder, which will make it much easier for you to take appropriate steps later. Then get to work.
Nutritional errors causing lack of appetite - causes of impaired appetite
Where is the crux of the problem? We assure you that very often you really don't have to look for too long. In both children and the elderly, appetite problems may be caused by dietary errors. So what are the most common abnormal dietary behaviors? These practices are definitely worth avoiding:
- forcing you to eat,
- serving too large portions,
- overfeeding,
- serving too inexpressive, bland meals
- and (especially important in children) eating snacks and sweetened drinks in large quantities between meals.
Do you recognize such behavior? They certainly don't sound pleasant, right? Unfortunately, their very common effect is a significant weakening of appetite and, consequently, even loss of appetite.
You may be wondering what to do to avoid these types of unpleasant problems and help build a healthy relationship with food in your child and maintain proper eating habits in your senior. We have the answer to this - first of all, pay special attention to the individual needs of your body depending on your age and lifestyle . Of course, a healthy, varied diet is important for everyone, at all stages of life, but personalizing it correctly is a great and simple cure for lack of appetite.
Are you waiting for even more key tips? We have something else in store especially for you. We also certainly recommend trying to strike a balance between feeding and overfeeding. If a child or senior is constantly given too large portions to eat at one time, it may result in discouragement and deterioration of appetite. Regular overfeeding or forcing to eat can lead to a disturbed relationship with food in the long run.
Okay, we have already covered some fundamental issues, but of course this is not the end, because we are just getting started on our nutritional journey today.
Lack of appetite in children and seniors – differences and common features
The basic difference related to appetite in children and seniors concerns the course of metabolic processes. That's quite understandable, right? However, to be precise, let us clarify - in the case of older people, there are changes in the amount of secreted hormones responsible for the feeling of hunger and satiety. Additionally, seniors experience changes in the digestive system - we observe a reduction in the production of saliva and the content of digestive enzymes in it, changes in the functioning of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas, which results in a reduction in the secretion of bile and digestive enzymes. The result is impaired digestion and absorption of proteins and fats, as well as the absorption of many minerals and vitamins. Particularly important in the nutrition of the elderly is increasing the supply and absorption of protein due to sarcopenia (loss of muscle tissue) occurring in advanced age. In turn, the youngest family members, due to the changes and growth taking place in their young bodies, should naturally feel a greater appetite - after all, everyone probably knows such a little hungry person.
Sudden appetite problems in adults may also occur due to depression and loneliness. Unfortunately, seniors sometimes also develop memory problems that make it difficult to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is common to forget meals or grocery shopping. As you probably guessed, such behavior can be very harmful and debilitating to the body. In addition to all this, there is also a reduced amount of physical activity, which also translates into lower appetite.
Decreased appetite in children and the elderly may also have similar causes. Undoubtedly, the enemy of each of us in various areas of life is excessive monotony. In the area of diet, it manifests itself in repetitive meals that do not suit individual taste buds. Dishes that are not seasoned enough weaken the flavor of the entire dish, making it much less appetizing.
We all eat with our eyes too, right? Therefore, the unattractive appearance of a dish may also be a serious offense in everyday cooking, which should be dealt with by the diet police. Remember this point especially when cooking for little gourmets, because they can be extremely critical in this respect.
Due to our scientific interest, we also had to consider the issue of properly balancing meals, which should include, among others: appropriate amounts of vitamins A and B. Why are these chemical compounds so important? We already explain - their deficiencies may contribute to appetite problems. Of course, they also have other properties, which we describe below.
- Vitamins from group A are responsible for, among others: for the vision process, as well as the proper appearance of hair, skin and nails. Additionally, the presence of this ingredient in the diet also strengthens the immune system, supporting immunity.
- However, B vitamins ensure the proper functioning of the nervous system , which makes them so important in the daily diet.
Another solution is to enrich your diet with fruit and vegetable preparations containing digestive enzymes - they will emphasize the natural taste of the dishes and will not require special preparation. Enzymatically active fruit and vegetable preparations will also be an excellent source of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants that counteract oxidative stress, limiting the occurrence of inflammation, which is the direct cause of many diseases.
Ways to diversify meals - solutions for lack of appetite
You have already learned the most important causes and consequences of persistent lack of appetite in children and the elderly, so it's time for what everyone has been waiting for - simple and quick solutions. How to deal with lack of appetite in seniors and children? Below we offer some tips that will help you better diversify the meals you prepare.
- Make sure to season the dish appropriately. Make sure it is not too bland or overly salted.
- Suggest cooking together and ask your child or older person what they would like to eat. Close contact with prepared food and tailoring the meal to your preferences should contribute to an increase in appetite.
- Create a pleasant atmosphere when eating a meal together. It will be a good idea to turn off the TV and other distractions that may distract you from eating.
- Introduce a system of regular meals - portions may be smaller, but it is important that they are eaten at the same times every day.
- Also remember that the meals should be as varied and nutritionally balanced as possible .
Strengthening your appetite doesn't have to be difficult, and your willingness can make a difference. But what if introducing healthy habits turns out to be insufficient?
Appetite problems and a visit to the doctor
Many people believe that lack of appetite = disease. Of course, as you already know, it does not have to be like this and it is also a good idea to consider other causes of decreased appetite, but in some cases it is certainly worth considering a doctor's visit. Abdominal pain, lack of appetite and body weakness may indicate the possibility of the disease . Therefore, for the sake of your health, monitor all symptoms on an ongoing basis and, if necessary, make an appointment for a consultation.
Lack of appetite in a senior or a child may also be caused by everyday stress . If you tend to worry excessively, a visit to the doctor and a healthy diet can also help, and you probably already know something about it. However, we will tell you about other issues related to nutritious meals next time.
Bibliography:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37447292/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37195400/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36807868/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9320473/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37287736/