Poor Appetite
Causes
Emotional factors such as stress, depression,
and trauma may lead to a poor appetite. Controllable factors such
as alcohol, cigarette, and drug use can result in poor appetite. As
can an undetected illness, heavy metal poisoning, and nutritional
deficiencies. To stimulate a poor appetite, the diet must be individualized
to the tolerances of the patient. Undernourished people may lose their
appetite at the sight of large amounts of food. So, frequent small
meals are better tolerated with a gradual increase in the volume of
food. Also, consider the appearance and aroma of the foods, in addition
to whether the environment is conducive to eating.
Treatment
Folk Medicine Formulas
Herbal Medicine Formulas and Recipes
Chinese Formulas
Ayurvedic Formulas
Nutrients
Multivitamin/mineral high potency complex, as directed on the label.
Vitamin A, 25,000 IU per day. Calcium, 1,500
mg. per day. Magnesium, 750 mg. per day. Vitamin
B complex, 100 mg. or more daily, (vitamin
B or liver injections may be necessary), is a high stress vitamin
that increases the appetite. Zinc, 80 mg. per day, enhances
the taste of foods. Copper, 3 mg. per day, is needed
to balance the zinc. Brewer's yeast, start with 1/2 tsp.
and work up, is rich in nutrients, especially B-complex
vitamins, and improves the appetite. Protein supplement, taken between
meals, is needed to build and repair tissue and acts as an appetite
stimulant.
Herbs
TB
- Alder
- Alfalfa
- Angelica root
- Ash, American mountain
- Balmony
- Barberry, common
- Barley sprouts
- Beech
- Birch
- Blessed thistle
- Calamus
- Capsicum
- Caraway
- Catnip
- Cayenne
- Celery seed
- Centaury, European
- Ceyenne pepper
- Chamomile
- Columbo root
- Devil's-bit
- Dill
- Fennel seed
- Ginger root
- Ginseng
- Gentian, stiff (ague weed)
- Gold thread
- Gotu kola
- Hoptree (wafer ash)
- Hyssop
- Juniper berries
- Knapweed
- Lady's mantle
- Lemon balm, leaves
- Magnolia bark
- Mint
- Mugwort
- Mustard
- Nettle leaves
- Nutmeg
- Papaya leaves
- Peppermint leaves
- Palmetto, saw, leaves
- Plantain, downy rattlesnake
- Rose hips
- Sarsaparilla
- Tarragon, wild or Russian
- Thistle, blessed
- Thistle, milk
- Thyme
- Valerian
- Winter cress
- Yarrow
- Yellow Dock
Recommendations
Do not drink liquids before or during meals.
Eat between meals: avocados, banana soy pudding, buttermilk, cheese,
chicken or tuna, custard, fruit shakes, nuts and nut butters, turkey
and yogurt. In addition to promoting weight gain, these snacks are
easy to digest, are high in protein and essential fatty acids, and
contain "friendly" bacteria.
Drink 3 or more cups a day of skim, soy or almond milk. Use a soy
carob drink and yogurt fruit shakes. Eat only whole grain breads,
rolls, macaroni, crackers, and hot and cold cereals. Use cream (soy)
soups as desired. They are usually higher in protein than broth soups.
Use the kinds that your system can tolerate.
Walking and/or moderate exercise can trigger appetite. Exercise if
possible, but avoid strenuous exercise. Some exercise helps to assimilate
nutrients better and to increase appetite.
See the doctor to rule out a physical disorder.
Suggestions
For lack of appetite, this tea is recommended in some references:
Juniper berries, Balm leaves, European centaury, Nettle leaves: Mix
in equal parts. Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup
of boiling water. Take 1/2 to 1 cup per
day, sweetened with honey, in mouthful doses.
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