Why You Lose Your Appetite When You’re Sick?

Have you ever wondered why we lose our appetites when we get sick? Well, loss of appetite is the most common concern I often get from the worried family of a patient. Whether it’s a seasonal flu or occasional stomach issue, in sickness our appetite goes for a toss! In this blog, I will be telling you all about the scientific reasons why this happens!

Losing appetite during sickness is not just human behavior, studies show that it occurs in most other animals. From your pet cats and dogs to the animals in the wild, fasting is a common phenomenon in healing.

Ayurveda too says fasting and resting are the two best medicines!

The science of Appetite Loss in Sickness

Several studies have probed why we lose our appetites when we get sick?

It is commonly argued whether you should eat or skip your meals during sickness!

Every family has its own beliefs, while some think fasting is good for healing, some feel that fuel is essential for fighting sickness. Some still go by the old saying, ‘feed a fever, starve a cold’. One common theory is that starvation is bad for bacteria or viruses than it is for the human body.

Understanding the role of appetite in sickness is essential to providing rational care that results in faster healing!

Also Read: 7 Amazing Ayurvedic Remedies for morning sickness

Loss of appetite in bacterial and viral infections 

When pathogens attack our body there are two kinds of damage that can occur. The first one is the direct damage caused by the invading microbes. And the second is the collateral damage caused by the response of our immune system. It is much like a war, whether you win or you lose, you have to bear the burden of casualties!

Our body’s initial immune response is relatively non-specific. It releases general antibodies that may or may not work on the pathogens. In an attempt to fight the pathogens, our immune response can affect other parts of the body as well.  To counter this, our tissues have a detoxification mechanism that helps to counter the damage.

Studies found that Ketone bodies, fuelled by the liver during long fasts help defend collateral damage from antibacterial immune responses. In addition to this, bacteria feed on glucose. When you stop eating, the bacteria are starved and weakened. This helps your body fight the bacteria.

While, in the case of viral infections, glucose, which is found in food helps in combating collateral damage caused by the antiviral immune response. Thus, it is advised to eat when you have a viral infection.

The diet you should choose depends largely on the kind of infections you have. That’s why the old and wise said, starve a fever and feed a cold. Maybe they already knew what to eat and when to eat!

Also Read: Simple natural remedies for seasonal sickness

Loss of appetite in sickness

Loss of appetite is a well-documented symptom in many diseases. Some studies also highlight that in sickness our bodies trigger a complex inflammatory response. This response results in the production of chemicals called cytokines in the brain. Cytokines are responsible for decreased appetite during sickness. 

Another theory is that of conservation of energy. It takes a surmounting amount of energy to digest the food we eat. Thus, giving the digestive system rest frees up a lot of energy to focus on healing.

While the loss of appetite in short-term sickness is helpful in long-lasting chronic illness, this can be detrimental. Loss of appetite can be said to be an adaptive response that promotes healing and recovery in short-term illness.

Choosing the right foods in sickness

Choosing the right food is crucial even for a healthy body. So, when you are sick it becomes more crucial to choose the right food. Always reach for food that is easy to digest and won’t aggravate your digestive system. Foods like soup and khichdi are good choices. Sipping warm tea and clear broth can also help keep your stomach calm. While junks, processed and packaged foods are the worst choices. 

A bowl of chicken soup helps with inflammation and can help in fighting cold or flu. For stomach issues, bland foods like khichdi, and plenty of fluids are good choices. It is important to focus on hydration as dehydration is one of the most common side-effects of sickness!

Your takeaway!

Loss of appetite during sickness is not a bad thing. If you are suffering from seasonal flu, cold, or infections, the loss of appetite could mean a coping mechanism. However, in critical and chronic illnesses, like cancer, loss of appetite should be treated with medications. Long-term appetite loss could result in a range of deficiency disorders. 

Apart from the aforementioned causes, loss of appetite could also be a symptom of depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism, morning sickness, infections, and other chronic diseases. Certain medications can also impair your appetite. Consult your doctor if you are suffering from loss of appetite for more than 3 days. Also, ask your doctor for dietary suggestions that will best help you heal.