What to take when you have no appetite

No pills, but natural products like gentian, ginger, and fenugreek.

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If the loss of appetite is temporary (due to stress, convalescence, heat, or a mild gastrointestinal disorder) and does not indicate other pathologies, there's no point wasting money waiting for the miracles promised by pills sold in abundance in pharmacies: some natural remedies can help stimulate hunger, and they have no significant side effects.

Index of topics

Gentian

Gentian has aperitif properties and is considered a "digestive bitter" because it contains extremely bitter compounds, such as gentiopicrin and amarogentin. When these compounds are perceived by the taste buds, they trigger a reflex response that can:

  • increase saliva production;
  • stimulate the secretion of gastric juices;
  • promote certain digestive secretions in the stomach and intestines;
  • prepare the digestive system for food intake.

For this reason, gentian is traditionally taken about 15-30 minutes before meals to stimulate the appetite.

This is the recipe for preparing a gentian decoction to be taken before main meals:

– Place a teaspoon of gentian roots in a large cup of water and bring to a boil.
– Simmer for about 10 minutes
– Turn off the heat and let the decoction rest for 10-15 minutes
– Drink a cup of decoction before main meals.

ZENZERO

Ginger can aid digestion and reduce nausea or a feeling of heaviness, which sometimes contribute to a lack of appetite. It can be consumed as a herbal tea, fresh, or in food preparations.

  • You can chew a small, thin slice of fresh ginger before meals, or add it to smoothies, teas, or juices.
  • Otherwise, prepare and consume this herbal tea:
  • Cut 2-5 grams of fresh root (about 1-2 cm).
  • Leave it to infuse in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
  • Drink the herbal tea 20-30 minutes before meals.

Fenugreek

The seeds of fenugreek They contain fiber, saponins, and other bioactive substances that can affect digestion and, according to some traditional observations and limited studies, promote increased food intake in some people. However, specific scientific evidence on their effect as an appetite stimulant in adults is less robust than the long tradition of use.
The simplest methods for taking fenugreek are two: soaking the seeds and preparing a decoction.

Soaking seeds is one of the easiest ways:

  • Soak 1–2 teaspoons of seeds in water for 6–8 hours (even overnight).
  • In the morning you can chew them or drink the soaking water.
  • It is generally assumed before main meals.
The decoction is also very easy to prepare.
  • 1 teaspoon of seeds in 200 ml of water.
  • Boil for 5–10 minutes.
  • Filter and drink 20–30 minutes before meals.

The taste is quite bitter and “earthy”, so some people add honey or lemon.

Medicines

There are several medications that, according to the package inserts, help restore appetite. They include cyproheptadine, megestrol acetate, mirtazapine, and even cannabis.

But they all have significant side effects:

  • Marked drowsiness (especially at the beginning)
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Possible long-term metabolic effects
  • Water retention
  • Increased risk of thrombosis
  • Hormonal changes
  • Suppression of natural hormone production

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