Depression is a sad feeling that lasts for two weeks or more and starts to interfere with you ability to do day to day activities. Loss of appetite is one of the most important signs of depression and anxiety. Understanding the connection between your appetite and depression can aid you to deal with the symptoms effectually.
Depression Effects
Loss of appetite from depression is normally due to losing energy and interest in many things and can be helped by a natural mood boost. Some people with depression may lose interest to cook foods and some others suffer from nausea, which in turn causes loss of appetite. If you have no appetite from depression, you need to get the right treatment, as it can cause rapid weight loss.
You feel hungry when some hormones and digestive enzymes are produced by your body. The brain controls the release of these hormones and enzymes. Hormonal imbalance is the main effect of depression, which impairs the function of neurotransmitters and hormones, causing appetite loss. Loss of appetite from depression is caused, as the essential hormones and digestive enzymes are not released by your body properly.
Importance of Treating No Appetite from Depression
Losing your appetite and depression can cause many health complications. Hence, it is important to treat the symptoms before they take a toll on your life. Antidepressants can help you get relief from loss of appetite from depression, but they may increase your cravings for carbohydrates and lead you to gain weight excessively. In order to avoid this, you can try natural methods.
You can follow some simple home remedies to get rid of no appetite from depression. If you do not want to face a big meal, try eating small meals often. Make the foods look attractive to tempt your taste buds. Sometimes, the smell of hot food may make you feel sick, so you can take cold foods. Some studies show that Mediterranean diet that is rich in nuts, fruits, legumes and olives can help reduce depression symptoms, including loss of appetite. Ensure that your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals. Poor nutrition that results from your appetite and depression can exacerbate other symptoms like irritability, physical aches and fatigue.
Treating Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite from depression can be resolved with the help of a mental health professional and a dietician. Talk with the professionals about your concerns and get their help to create a well balanced healthy meal plan. If you suffer from severe depression, you may be prescribed to take nutritional supplements to prevent nutritional deficiency and weight loss.
Depression may make you lose interest or energy to prepare meals, so you need to get the help of your family members to cook your favorite food items that would stimulate your appetite. You can consider taking herbs like ginger, dandelion and slippery elm to stimulate hunger. Always chew the food well. This helps increase your appetite. Taking a glass of pomegranate juice can help boost appetite. You can also try to do some physical activities and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga and meditation to alleviate depression symptoms and improve your overall health.