Many factors can cause loss of appetite in adults and most of the times; it can be attributed to fever or illness. Persistent loss of appetite can be alarming as it could lead to nutritional deficiency, fatigue and other health complications. Anorexia nervosa is a serious condition which causes the person to keep their body weight as low as possible. Always consult your doctor if there is no apparent reason for loss of appetite. Below are some effective home remedies to increase appetite in adults:
1. Treat underlying causes
If fever is the cause of loss of appetite, treat it first. In most cases, appetite will come back within 3-5 days. You must take adequate rest and drink plenty of fluids.
2. Stay hydrated
It is very important to keep sipping fluids. Drink hot herbal decaffeinated tea every now and then. You can also sip on lemon juice or homemade fruit juices. Avoid sugary, carbonated beverages as far as possible, and do not drink alcohol. Coconut water is also a good appetite booster for adults and kids.
3. Medicated baths
Add some bentonite clay to bath water and soak in it. This remedy will bring down fever and also help you sleep better. You can also add a cupful of Epsom salts to the bath water. Soak in the mixture for 20 minutes. The magnesium salts get absorbed in the skin and relax the muscles to provide rest. This can also help restore health and increase appetite.
4. Essential oils
Aromatherapy can be very effective in restoring appetite in adults and kids. The olfactory sense plays an important role in stimulating hunger. Ginger and peppermint essential oils are the best. You can add a few drops of these oils to bath water or diffuse them in your room. Also use these oils for a body massage or apply them to pulse points. Certain food grade oils can also be taken internally provided you dilute them well first.
5. Mint
Drink mint tea several times a day. Mint is great tonic to increase appetite in adults. It calms the digestive system and soothes indigestion.
6. Ginger
Ginger is an amazing appetite stimulant. You can eat candied ginger or drink ginger tea several times a day when suffering from low appetite. Ginger root is a wonderful remedy to increase hunger naturally as it soothes the digestive system and curbs nausea. Add some grated ginger to a cup of hot water with some lemon juice. Drink this 3-4 times a day.
7. Homeopathic remedies for loss of appetite
There are several homeopathic remedies for appetite loss in adults:
- Gentiana Lutea Q– This acts as a tonic to increase appetite and is particularly recommended for appetite loss after illness.
- Ignatia amara 30– This is for patients who have no appetite for anything.
- Lecithinum 3X– This is for patients who have no appetite for anything but tea and coffee.
- Nux vomica 200– This is for bitter taste, nausea and thick yellow coating on tongue.
- Thuja OCC 200 This remedy is for complete loss of appetite.
- Vanadium 6-It treats appetite loss caused due to drug or alcohol addiction.
8. Oranges
Oranges are a great natural medicine to increase appetite in adults. They stimulate flow of digestive juices and increase appetite. Eat at least 1-2 oranges per day.
9. Sour grapes
Sour grapes act as a natural tonic to boost appetite. Drink the juice of sour grapes by mixing it with apple cider vinegar. Use this remedy continuously for several weeks until appetite is restored.
10. Limes and lemons
These are valuable remedies to restore lost appetite. Mix equal quantities of lime juice and ginger juice. Add a bit of rock salt to the mixture. Place this mixture in the sunlight for 3 days. Eat a teaspoon of this preparation before meals to restore lost appetite in adults and kids.
11. Apples
The old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away is very true. Apples stimulate flow of pepsin a protein digesting enzyme in the stomach. This makes it a useful appetite booster for adults recovering from sickness.
12. Ice pack
An application of ice pack on the stomach for half an hour before meals along with cool hip bath twice a day can also help overcome loss of appetite.
13. Sun baths
Soaking in the early morning sun for 10-15 minutes can also do wonders. This helps replenish vitamin D3 and also uplifts mood and alleviates depression.
Use these 13 home remedies to increase appetite in adults.