Why don't I want to eat and am not hungry

When the body feels hungry, it means that the body needs to replenish energy. At this time, it is best to eat something in time to fill your stomach. If you have an irregular diet for a long time, it is easy to cause stomach problems. However, in life, some people do not feel hungry even if they do not eat for a day. If this symptom occurs in the body, you must pay attention to it, go to the hospital in time to find out the cause, and then treat it symptomatically.

Why don't you want to eat and not feel hungry?

pressure

When you are stressed, your body automatically assumes you are in danger. Your brain releases chemicals, such as adrenaline, that speed up your heart rate and inhibit digestion, which in turn affects your appetite. This reaction is called stress or stress response, and it lasts for a very short time. But if you are under long-term stress, your body will produce a hormone called cortisol, which will increase your hunger, especially your appetite for high-calorie foods.

drug

Many medications have side effects that affect appetite. The most common ones include antibiotics, antifungals, and some muscle relaxants. In addition, some antidepressants and medications for migraines, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Parkinson's disease can also affect appetite. If you are not taking any of the above medications, check with your doctor to see if any of your daily medications could affect your appetite.

Cold or flu

When you have a cold, your immune system kicks into high gear, releasing chemicals like cytokines, which can make you feel tired and lose your appetite. This is the body's self-protection mechanism, telling your body that it needs to rest so that it can have enough energy to eliminate pathogens. But certain foods, like chicken soup, can also boost your body's immune response, which studies show can reduce inflammation and make you feel better.

Pregnancy

Pregnant mothers should eat food for two, but what should they do if they have no appetite? This is because many pregnant mothers will experience pregnancy reactions, especially in the early pregnancy stage (the first 3 months of pregnancy). Although this reaction is called "morning sickness," it can occur at any time of the day. Easily digestible foods such as crusty bread may help relieve your symptoms. Eating smaller meals or snacks may also help, as an empty stomach can make you feel worse.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control the conversion of food into energy. When the thyroid hormone production is insufficient, the body's functions decline. This will lead to a decrease in the energy required by the body and a decrease in appetite. However, because the body consumes too little energy, it will cause weight gain. At this time, you need to go to the hospital for a check-up. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, you can take thyroid hormone preparations for supplementary treatment.

Migraine

A groggy brain is enough to affect your appetite. Migraines can also cause nausea and vomiting. Also, even after the headache is over, you may still have a loss of appetite, which may last for one to two days. You can take some medicine to treat it.

anemia

Anemia is when the body has insufficient numbers of healthy red blood cells. The function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen throughout the body. If the number of red blood cells is insufficient, you will feel tired, weak, and have a decreased appetite. If you have symptoms such as chest pain or headache, your doctor will do a blood test to make a diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will recommend iron or vitamin B12 supplements.

cancer

Some loss of appetite may be a side effect of cancer. Cancer itself and some of its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can cause nausea, abdominal pain, dehydration, etc. In addition, it can also affect the sense of taste and smell. If you have the above symptoms, you need to go to the hospital for examination. Alternatively, you can eat 6-8 meals a day.

senescence

About 30% of the elderly have poor appetite to varying degrees. Many problems can cause this phenomenon. As you age, your digestive system becomes less functional, so you may feel fuller for longer. Additionally, as you age, your sense of smell, taste, and vision gradually decline. These will make the food lose its appeal. Changes in hormone levels in the body, chronic diseases and some medications can lead to a decrease in appetite. At this time, you need to go to the hospital for a check-up, and your doctor will tell you what is wrong with your body.

Gastrointestinal diseases

If you have nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, you may have a stomach infection or gastroenteritis. This is caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite that infects the gastrointestinal tract. In this state, it is very likely that the last thing you want to do is eat. Once the nausea is gone, you can try bland foods like bananas, rice, or bread. And drink plenty of water to ensure your body is adequately hydrated.

Depression

For people with depression, some symptoms may include increased appetite and weight gain. For others, the opposite may happen. Depression can cause the brain to produce more corticotropin-releasing factor, which can lead to a loss of appetite. With severe depression, there is a loss of interest in both cooking and eating. So if your loss of appetite occurs after a change in mood, you need to go to the hospital for a check-up.