However, appetite loss and nausea can arise from many physical and psychological causes.
These include physical illness, psychological issues, food intolerance, medications, intense exercise, and aging.
You may have a chronic illness requiring lifelong management or an acute condition that resolves with proper treatment.
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COVID-19can cause a loss of appetite and feelings of nausea.
Food Intolerance
Food allergiesand intolerances can make you feel nauseated and lead to a loss of appetite.
Avoiding the food or ingredient you are allergic to or intolerant of helps relieve symptoms.
Some food intolerances include:
Psychological Conditions
Psychological conditions often lower your appetite and cause nausea.
Stress,anxiety,grief, anddepressionare often to blame for both problems.
Medications
Many types of medications may list anorexia and nausea as side effects.
You may also experience other GI problems, such as constipation or diarrhea.
This may or may not be accompanied by nausea.
There are several reasons this may occur.
Psychosocial factors may also cause anorexia in older people, such as feelings of depression, isolation, anddementia.
Additionally, older individuals tend to be on more medications that may contribute to low appetite and nausea.
Exercise
Long periods of intensiveexercisemay contribute to appetite loss and nausea.
Studies have shown that extended periods of activity can suppress ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry.
For some people experiencing nausea, the thought of food or eating increases feelings of sickness.
At-Home Remedies
Making lifestyle changes may be enough to restore your appetite and eliminate nausea.
Finding a way tomanage stressis essential for restoring your well-being.
There are many proven strategies for stress relief.
Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation are three stress-reducing techniques you might do at home.
Movement
Movement can be an excellent tool in increasing appetite and reducing nausea.
Try going for a 20-minute walk before your meal to help stimulate your appetite and feel less sick.
Therapy may also help if the loss of appetite is related to a psychological issue.
However, your symptoms could be signs of a more severe condition.
Getting medical care is crucial to avoid complications like hospitalization.
Should You Make Yourself Eat?
You dont want to force yourself to eat if it causes intense discomfort or symptoms like vomiting.
However, with only a few exceptions, keeping nourished is essential even if you do not feel hungry.
Stress, intense exercise, and factors associated with aging may also affect appetite.
Certain medications or treatments, especially those for cancer, may have side effects of suppressed hunger and nausea.
There are many approaches to treating a low appetite and nausea, from diet and lifestyle changes to medication.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which treatments will work best for your situation.
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