Don't Feel Hungry Even Though You Haven't Eat? Here Are 10 Causes And How To Overcome It

YOGYAKARTA Have you ever woke up in the morning without hunger at all, even though the stomach has not been filled since the night before? Conditions like this are common and often make people wonder, is the body doing well. The hunger is actually controlled by a complicated system involving hormones, the brain, and body signals. When one part is disturbed, appetite can also decrease. Check the causes along with simple steps to help restore your appetite.

Your body produces hormones such as ghrelin which play a role in causing hunger. When this hormone decreases, the hunger signal sent to the brain decreases, making you feel full even though you haven't eaten. This condition can be triggered by poor sleep patterns, stress, or irregular eating schedules. In addition, disorders in the digestive system such as acid or bloating reflectors can also suppress appetite. Hormons like ghrelin and leptin work like a hunger and saturated switch. If the balance is interrupted, you may not feel hungry at usual times,' explained dietist registered Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, reported by Health, Monday, November 3.

Some conditions such as kidney, liver, or thyroid disease can change the body's metabolism and suppress appetite. For example, hypothyroidism slows down energy burning, making the body rarely feel 'cheating' because the metabolic process is running slowly. Patients with cancer, diabetes, or chronic lung disease also often experience loss of appetite due to the effects of treatment. In the long term, lack of nutrients can worsen the condition of the body. If the decrease in appetite lasts more than a few days and is accompanied by weight loss, it is best to immediately consult a doctor, advises Dr. Jeffrey totaled, professor of medicine at Northwestern University.

When the body is fighting infection, the immune system releases a chemical called cytokine. This substance can affect the brain and suppress hunger for a while. No wonder, when you have a fever or flu, you feel you don't want to eat anything. In fact, the body still needs energy to speed up the healing process. So, try to keep consuming fluids and soft foods such as warm soup to keep your energy awake.

Some drugs such as antibiotics, pain, and chemotherapy can change the taste of food and reduce appetite. Side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, or the taste of metal in the tongue make the food taste unattractive. In this condition, the body does not need nutrients, but is more difficult to tolerate eating. Try eating in small portions but often so that energy intake remains in. If the medicine you consume makes the taste of eating change, talk to the doctor because there may be a more suitable alternative, added Palinski-Wade.

At the beginning of pregnancy, estrogen hormone levels and progesterones increased dramatically, affecting digestion and smell. Many pregnant women feel nauseous when they smell a certain food aroma, making their appetite disappear. The body actually still needs nutrients, but the nausea response makes them feel heavy. To overcome this, choose soft and non-sharp foods such as grilled bread or fresh fruit. Consumption is little but often much better than forcing large portions of food.

When stressed, the body produces cortisol hormones and adrenaline that prepares the body for 'threats'. The effect, the digestive system slows down and hunger decreases. That's why when you have a lot of thoughts, you can skip eating unconsciously. But if stress lasts a long time, the body can lose a lot of energy and lower the immune system. When stressed, the body focuses on survival, not eating, so the hunger signal can be delayed, said Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutrition psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School.

Depression affects not only the mood, but also the hunger regulator center in the brain. People who experience depression often lose interest in things that used to be fun, including eating. Food tastes bland and is not appetizing, so nutritional intake is reduced. If left unchecked, this condition can exacerbate physical and emotional fatigue. Therapy, light exercise, and social support have proven to help restore hormonal balance associated with hunger.

As you get older, the sensitivity of the sense of taste and smell can decrease. Foods that used to taste delicious now feel bland, making you less interested in eating. In addition, the slowing rate of metabolism makes the body not often send hungry signals. This condition is common in the elderly and can cause malnutrition if not overcome. Adding natural spices, soft spices, or warming food can help restore appetite.

If you often miss breakfast or dinner too late, the body's hunger system can 'confuse' and lose its rhythm. The body is used to certain habits, so when eating time often changes, the hunger signal also doesn't appear on time. In addition, insufficient sleep can affect the hormone ghrelin and leptin that regulates feeling full and hungry. As a result, you don't feel hungry in the morning even though your stomach is empty. Try to maintain a regular diet and sleep schedule, because the body likes a consistent pattern, advises Palinski-Wade.

Indras of smell and taste play a major role in reaping appetite. When both are disturbed, for example, due to colds, allergies, or side effects of drugs, food tastes bland and is not evocative. As a result, you are not excited to eat. This condition is usually temporary, but can interfere with daily nutritional intake if allowed. You can try foods with different textures and temperatures. For example, a warm soup or cold smoothie to stimulate eating interest again.

If hunger does not come, try eating a little but often so that the body gets energy. Light physical activities such as walking can accelerate metabolism and trigger natural hunger. Choose the food you like and show attractively so that Pancaindra is 'tempted.' Avoid excessive caffeinated drinks because it can suppress hunger signals. If the symptoms continue for more than a few days, it is better to consult with medical personnel to find the exact cause.

Not feeling hungry is not always a matter to worry about, but also should not be ignored. Your body may be giving a sign that there are things that need to be considered, both physically and emotionally. By recognizing the causes and taking simple steps, appetite can usually return to normal. Don't forget to keep your sleep patterns, stress management, and hydration enough to keep your body in shape. Remember, eating is not just a routine, but the way you take care of yourself every day.