Are you or someone you love struggling with a loss of appetite? Before rushing to the pharmacy, consider turning to nature and traditional remedies. But first, let’s explore what actually causes this common and often frustrating issue.
What Causes Loss of Appetite?
Appetite is influenced by a variety of factors, both physical and psychological. One of the key players in regulating hunger is the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for coordinating the sensations of hunger and satiety. It also plays a role in shaping our taste preferences and stimulating digestive activity, including the secretion of essential digestive enzymes and fluids. So when something disrupts its normal function, appetite can be one of the first things to go.
A lack of appetite is especially common during viral and bacterial infections. When a child—or even an adult—is sick and refuses food, it’s usually nothing to worry about. It’s actually a natural and adaptive response: the body is conserving energy to fight the illness rather than using it on digestion. Simply put, the body prioritizes healing over eating.
Think about it—when you have a sore throat, headache, stomach pain, or high fever, eating is the last thing on your mind. That’s why during illness, it’s best to offer light, easy-to-digest foods that are rich in vitamins and moisture. Soups, broths, herbal teas, and fruits can be especially beneficial.
Physiological Reasons for Loss of Appetite
Beyond illness, there are everyday physiological reasons that can cause appetite to decrease. For example:
- Lack of physical activity – If a child doesn’t move around much, their metabolism slows, and hunger signals diminish.
- Overdressing or being in a warm environment – Excess heat can suppress hunger.
- Drinking too many fluids before meals – Children have small stomachs. If they drink a lot of water or juice before eating, there might not be enough room left for food.
Sometimes, children simply dislike the way food looks. Presentation matters more than we think—the more visually appealing the dish, the more likely they are to try it. Taste plays a big role too. The food might be too salty, spicy, oily, or served at the wrong temperature (either too hot or too cold).
Another overlooked cause is food monotony. Eating the same foods over and over can get boring fast, especially for children. Some may even experience neophobia—the fear of trying new foods. It’s a real phenomenon, and parents play an important role in gently encouraging children to overcome it.
These same principles apply to adults. I can speak from personal experience.
A Personal Story
Not long ago, I went through a long and difficult illness. I tried to push through, but eventually, surgery became unavoidable. The treatment was intense and drawn out. I was exhausted, my body weakened, and my appetite virtually disappeared. The medications were taking a toll—not just physically but financially too. I couldn’t imagine adding more pills just to bring back my appetite.
That’s when I turned to folk medicine—a remedy passed down through generations.
A Traditional Remedy That Worked
Here’s the recipe that helped me—and might help you too:
- Take 200 grams of fresh dill, finely chopped.
- Add 1 liter of dry white wine (a good quality one).
- Place the mixture in a dark, cool place for a few days. Shake it occasionally.
- Once it’s ready, strain thoroughly.
Take 25 to 30 grams of this mixture, 3 to 4 times a day, preferably before meals.
This remedy not only revived my appetite but also gave me a sense of energy and balance. It felt like a gentle nudge to my system, reminding my body how to feel hunger again. While it may not replace medical treatments when they are truly needed, sometimes nature has the answers we overlook.
So if you or your child is struggling with appetite, consider what might be causing it—from infections and routine changes to food presentation and variety. And before you reach for synthetic stimulants, perhaps give dill and white wine a try. It might be just the herbal boost your digestive system needs.
