How To Increase Appetite In Adults

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Good nutrition is one of the main elements for the health of the elderly. They are more susceptible to diseases associated with the wrong regime. And an incomplete menu can lead to constant fatigue and increase the risk of digestive, lung and heart problems.

On the other hand, lack of appetite can also be detrimental. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, increases the risk of pneumonia and other serious infections. In the presence of other pre-existing diseases and mental problems, it can aggravate them.

Old people, especially the lonely ones, even if they are energetic, do not cook and are satisfied with a cup of tea and some biscuits. Such a nutrient-poor diet leads to addiction and loss of muscle mass and helplessness. Lack of appetite occurs due to the small amount of food that is taken constantly.

Ordinary things like shopping and cooking are becoming more difficult and the practice of satisfying useless foods, such as salty biscuits, toast and other ready-made products, is gaining ground. This leads to susceptibility to disease, which in turn can cause depression, and hence again a lack of appetite.

There are several physical reasons that lead to these phenomena. In the first place, this may be the presence of certain chronic diseases that can make it difficult to shop, cook and eat, as well as suppress appetite. On the other hand, certain difficulties in chewing and swallowing can become an obstacle to eating, as well as dry mouth.

Often after a hospital stay, illnesses and surgeries severely affect the elderly and then they often suffer from loss of appetite, weight and helplessness. Medications are another factor that can lead to appetite suppression. Older people, especially if they have experienced a serious illness, lose a lot of muscle mass and fat, which can lead to loss of appetite due to changes in body chemistry

To strengthen the body and to increase the appetite of the elderly, in the first place he should be provided with large doses of fresh fruits, such as apples, bananas and vegetables. It is good to include in the menu vegetable oils, nuts, cereals, fruits and cereals to yogurt.

Encourage older people to drink more water. Dehydration also plays a key role in loss of appetite. Only they should not drink more water just before meals, so as not to fill their stomachs, but during the rest of the day it is recommended to drink more water.

For satiety between main meals it is good to offer a piece of fruit, cheese, milkshake. Meals during the day should be at least 4-5.

Some older people find it very difficult to get them to eat three times a day. Therefore, it is best to rely on small meals that do not cause a feeling of heaviness. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products are good choices for the aging body. The concept of eating 3 times a day is old-fashioned, which means that a healthy diet requires a balanced food intake by adults during the day to keep the body in good condition.

Include spices in your adult relative's menu. They not only taste good food, but also stimulate the appetite. Lemon and garlic taste very good in chicken, ginger reduces nausea, nutmeg gives an amazing aroma to sweets.

Of course, older people should not overdo it with salt, sugar and spicy spices, but there are dozens of flavors that can be included in the menu and make food much tastier and more tempting to eat.

Because most older people are malnourished, they often suffer from a lack of protein, vitamin B6 and B12, folic acid, niacin, vitamin D, calcium and zinc. They should be taken in the form of dietary supplements. If the normal flora of the body returns, the appetite will inevitably be aroused.

However, it is important to note that the intake of dietary supplements should be carried out under strict control to avoid some dangerous side effects. Only a doctor can prescribe the right nutritional supplements that are tailored to the individual health of the elderly person.

In general, nutrition and appetite in the elderly it must become a social event for it to be full-fledged. Another factor that will inevitably whet your appetite is movement. It can be in any form - a walk in the park or a game with the grandchildren. Of course, it must be consistent with the physical condition of the person so as not to overload.

At both the age of 7 and 70, movement is very important, so it should not be underestimated. Moreover, moderate exercise stimulates the metabolism and thus helps to improve appetite.

It may sound strange, but for improving the nutrition of the elderly it's nice to start counting calories. Many of us associate calorie counting with a weight loss diet, but here's the opposite - the number of calories consumed in order to increase calorie intake. Older people suffering from loss of appetite and severe weight loss should eat enough food to maintain the necessary calorie balance.