9 Reasons For Loss Of Appetite That You Probably Didn’t Know About

[LoShiNi]

Loss of appetite is something we tend not to pay much attention to. However, if it becomes recurrent, you need to find the cause and treat it. Here, we’ll show you the 9 most common causes of loss of appetite. In some cases, you may need to visit a doctor, since it could be a symptom of a disease.

1. Excessive heat

High temperatures can make some people experience loss of appetite. The most common cause of this is dehydration. That’s why it’s important to increase fluid intake to compensate for fluids lost through sweating.

2. Stress

Stress activates the body’s “fight response”. This causes an avalanche of released hormones that raise blood pressure and heart rate, altering the circulation. These hormones also slow down the digestive system, which is mainly caused by adrenaline.

3. Thyroid problems

The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for producing hormones that control metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes loss of appetite, fatigue, sensitivity to cold temperatures, and weight gain. Loss of appetite isn’t the main symptom of hypothyroidism, but it may exist.

4. Medication

A series of prescription medications could suppress appetite, including some anti-depressants and cancer treatments. If you’re taking medication and experience significant weight loss, see your doctor.

5. Depression

People with depression often lose interest in food. If they’ve been feeling down for a long period of time, as well as a loss of appetite, it could be a sign that it’s something more than simple sadness. Excessive hunger may also be a symptom of depression. In both cases, see your doctor.

6. Parasitic infection

Giardiasis is a rare parasitic infection of the digestive system, which causes cramps, nausea, indigestion, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It’s often caused by drinking contaminated water and can be transmitted from person to person. Diarrhea is the most common symptom of giardiasis.

7. Intestinal illness

Inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, cause inflammation of the intestines. Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, and loss of appetite. The majority of sufferers develop the illnesses in early adulthood, and the cause, in many cases, is still unknown.

8. Lack of adrenaline

Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenalism, is a rare disease, which affects the adrenal glands that are responsible for producing hormones, such as adrenaline. It is often confused with other diseases that share similar symptoms: fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, and increased thirst. Patients with this sickness have to have hormone replacement therapy for life.

9. It may be viral

Loss of appetite is one of the symptoms of hepatitis, — a viral infection of the liver, — together with abdominal pain, high fever, muscle and joint pain, and jaundice. While hepatitis C is the most common type, it’s generally only transmitted through blood contact. Hepatitis A and E, on the other hand, can be transmitted by consuming infected food and drinks.

Now that you know the causes, if you have any kind of symptom, it’s best to consult a health professional. Take care of your body!