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What Stimulates or Depresses the Appetite?

Loss of appetite can be a transient condition arising from specific circumstances and can be corrected, or it may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer. On the other hand, too hearty an appetite can also prove problematic for those who wish to lose weight. Fortunately, there are ways to tackle both situations and bring your appetite in line.

  1. High Fiber Foods

    • Foods that contain dietary fiber fill you up and make you feel full, and therefore suppress appetite. Fibrous foods like apples and oatmeal curb hunger, with the sugars entering the bloodstream more slowly and in a sustained manner over time. Certain vegetables that are high in fiber stimulate digestion and appetite. Bitter foods like arugula, radicchio and endive encourage the functioning of the gall bladder and liver, while other vegetables high in sulfur, like garlic brussels sprouts and other cruciferous plants, promote liver detoxification.

    High Protein and High Fat Food

    • Proteins make you feel satisfied, but it is fat that keeps you feeling satisfied for many hours afterward. Combining the two creates a formidable combatant against hunger, and hence, fatty fish can help you curb cravings. If you wish to stimulate appetite with proteins, leave the food out for about an hour after taking it out of the refrigerator. This will make cheeses, tuna, and other prepared dishes taste better and be more appetizing for those with faint appetite.

    Presentation

    • While it may seem hard to fool yourself into eating more or less, small "tricks" can help stimulate or dampen your appetite. A large plate and small portions can help a person with poor appetite to feel less overwhelmed and approach the food more readily. Seasonings and spices can help wake up flavors and encourage you to eat. Arrange the food in a pretty way to make the act of eating more enjoyable; playing soothing music in the background may also help. Place eating in the context of overall lifestyle changes that reduce stress; this strategy produces cortisol and other hormones that inhibit appetite.

    Drugs

    • Certain drugs, both pharmaceutical and natural remedies, can reduce or stimulate the appetite. A natural remedy is hoodia, an African herb which hunters used to stave off hunger during long expeditions. Herbs that encourage appetite are peppermint, barberry and gentian. Nutritional deficiencies could also be behind reduced appetite, such as lack of zinc, iron or magnesium. If you have access to prescription medicines, ask your doctor about appetite stimulants such as Dronabinol or Metoclopramide. Ask especially about any side effects.

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