Why do you lose your appetite when your sick?

Answer 1

Because the bad bacteria inside your stomach which builds up day after day can, like all bacteria feed off both your internal bodily fluids and the food that is in your gut. As a precautionary measure, your gut stops producing fluids like excess saliva and produces more stomach acid, two things that it also does when you are full.

These lead your conscious mind to thing you aren't hungry. Its generally best not to eat anyway as you aren't only feeding your body, you're feeding the bug. If you must eat (anything over six hours) then eat plain brown bread, buttered if you cant handle it plain. Drink plenty of water too, this really helps your immune system.

Answer 2

When the body becomes ill, certain mechanisms within the body come into play more. For example, macrophages are sent to the site of an injury or infection to "clean up" the bad stuff and begin healing.

As well, bacteria and viruses are organisms that "consume" nutrients and "expel" waste. The waste produced often causes GI symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The nausea makes it harder to even think about eating, let alone ingest anything. Sometimes, it's hard to just drink water to take medications.

The body also recognizes we need rest, plus the organisms' toxins creates fatigue, which means we often prefer to sleep rather than even eat during the acute phase of illness. As the illness decreases, one of the first things we do though is seek food. The point when a person seeks food is often a turning point, but a place of caution. If we resume eating too fast, or too much to start, we can actually trigger other body responses that are still fighting the illness. Rather than eating an entire meal, moms, doctors, and nurses often recommend to "start slowly" with rather bland foods in smaller amounts. Doctors suggest we drink more water when ill because it helps flush out toxins from bacteria or viruses, plus it keeps the body well-hydrated during illness.

As you re-gain your appetite, avoid spicy foods including foods with a lot of salt or pepper (hard on the tummy and salt pulls fluids from cells, which need fluid particularly during illness). Avoid milk if you have a throat infection; it thickens secretions in the throat. Hot tea or even drinking hot water is good to make secretions thinner. Bland foods like dry toast (no butter or jelly) or plain white rice (no seasonings) help calm the stomach and digestive tract.

Answer 3

People have no apletite because there digasitve system is good.