A wide variety of conditions can lead to an abnormal loss of appetite, medically termed as anorexia  – however lack of appetite and anorexia the eating disorder are considered as separate conditions, ranging from physical illnesses to mental conditions.

Most commonly a digestive problem is involved, and this may express itself through such symptoms as diarrhoea or constipation. The loss of appetite causes may include bacterial or viral infection, but some form of toxicity may also be at the root of the problem, for example an excess of a heavy metal such as zinc or copper, mercury in dental fillings, or the side-effects of certain prescription drugs. A deficiency may also be to blame, as in the case of anaemia, or in other cases the underlying problem may be a metabolic issue, in particular hypothyroidism. When the cause is not physical; stress, anxiety or depression are common triggers. Another, less obvious cause, is the failure to observe a regular routine with regard to eating times.

When loss of appetite is acute, perhaps due to overeating at a party or to the side-effects of a particular drug, or perhaps due to extremes of weather, it will generally resolve itself quite quickly, but when the problem is persistent and long-term it may be indicative of an underlying chronic condition and it needs to be investigated without delay.

According to Ayurvedic principles loss of appetite can be caused by imbalances in any of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta or Kapha. When Pitta is aggravated there is likely to be nausea, while excess Vata causes dehydration and fatigue, and excess Kapha leads to sluggishness, often causing a sweet taste in the mouth. In order to be effective Ayurvedic treatment is therefore strongly dependent on an accurate analysis of the underlying imbalances and the medicines used vary greatly according to the circumstances. If there is a mineral deficiency, for example iron, this will be supplied through the medicines used, but if the problem is simply a deficiency of digestive enzymes the approach will be to stimulate the body’s own production of enzymes through medicine rather than merely supplying supplementary enzymes.

Food items which are strongly recommended to treat loss of appetite are peppermint, lemon grass and ginger teas, and hot water with lemon or lime and some rock salt.

Yogic exercises which can be very beneficial include Uddiyana and Forward Bending (see the book ‘Yatan Yoga’ available from our online store.)

Suffering from anorexia symptoms  or loss of appetite contact Yatan Holistic Health Healing Ayurvedic Health Centre call 1300552260 for free consultation.