Why don’t you feel hungry when you have fever?
Sometimes one does not feel like eating anything when one has fever. In common language it is called loss of appetite in Indian fever. Have you wondered why this happens? According to experts, this happening in the body is a scientific reaction. Actually, when there is infection in our body, fever starts coming. Our body increases the temperature to eliminate viral and bacterial bacteria that cause infection. In such a situation, fever starts and symptoms like headache, pain in other parts of the body and loss of appetite also start appearing.
In this condition also it is advised to eat liquid things. But most people lose their appetite and their body starts feeling more down. Why does this happen in our body, let us tell you through experts…
Why is there no appetite during fever?
Dr. Ravindra Gupta (Head of Department, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon) It is said that the cause of fever is infection. To fight infection, some chemicals are produced in our body, which we call cytokines. These cytokines suppress the hunger center in our brain. This happens so that the body’s energy can be used to attack the germs of infection rather than digesting food. In simple language, instead of spending energy on digestion, our body starts spending energy on fighting infection.
Secondly, sometimes the attack of bacteria or viruses on the liver also reduces appetite. Third, when infection reduces or destroys our smell and taste cells, appetite is also affected. In such a situation, food tastes bland and appetite automatically decreases. Apart from this, the desire to eat also dies due to problems like weakness, body pain, fatigue, nausea and throat infection.
Keep these things in mind
Dr. R. R. Dutta (HOD, Department of Internal Medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram) It is said that even though appetite may be less, the body needs nutrition more than before. Not eating for a long time can weaken the body and delay recovery. The patient should keep taking light food in small quantities.
Also read: In case of diabetes, eat these things on an empty stomach in the morning, blood sugar will remain under control throughout the day.
Adequate amount of water, electrolytes and protein should be consumed in some way or the other. In this way the body is able to recover faster. Do not take heavy meals even by mistake. Eat such things which can be easily digested and also provide nutrition.
What should be eaten during fever?
Moong Dal Khichdi
porridge or oats
Curd (if there is no throat infection and the doctor does not refuse)
Soup
coconut water
consumption of fresh fruits
boiled vegetables
Banana, Apple and Papaya
If there is no appetite for several days, high fever persists or persistent vomiting and weakness, then a doctor should be consulted without delay.
