Hyporexia: No more risk. Appetite. 4 Tips |

Hyporexia is a common problem, especially in older people. Learn the symptoms and tips to stimulate your appetite.

Hyporexia is a very common disorder in older people, but despite being dangerous, it is not considered a disease. Therefore, the lack of appetite can be caused by many factors, both psychological and physiological.

Loss of appetite in older people is very common. As the years go by, people face different changes related to age and aging.

In older people, loss of appetite can be an indicator of a lack of nutrients or a disease that can be harmful to their health.

CAUSES:

Hyporexia can have a variety of causes, which include physical, psychological and social factors:

Physiological changes:

Decreased sense of taste and smell.
Slow movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. That is why changes must be made in the diet to alleviate the symptoms.
Decreased production of hormones that stimulate appetite.
Chronic diseases.
Side effects of medications.

Psychological factors:

In cases of depression in older people, lack of appetite often appears very easily. Anxiety is also present.
Loneliness.
Mental problems.
Diseases of old age.

Social factors:

Difficulty preparing meals.
Dental problems.
Lack of income to obtain food

SYMPTOMS:

Unintentional weight loss.
Fatigue and weakness.
Irritability or mood swings.
Difficulty concentrating.
Malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies.

CONSEQUENCES OF HYPOREXIA:

There are different consequences of hyporexia, but the main ones are malnutrition and the loss of more than 10% of body weight, which can be dangerous for health.

Gastritis. By not receiving food, gastric acid constantly irritates the stomach.
Overweight. It is derived from the lack of control of satiety, since the hungry organism consumes everything it can when the opportunity to eat presents itself after a prolonged fast.
The lack of nutrients can cause diseases such as anemia, goiter, scurvy or rickets, weakening of the immune system, among others.
Increased risk of falls and fractures.

TIPS ON HYPOREXIA:

Try to eat small portions several times a day.
Choose nutritious foods to enhance the bites and make them visually attractive to stimulate appetite.
Try to offer them preferred foods to increase interest in eating. Also serve food on small plates. 4. The environment should be calm so that mealtimes are more satisfying.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:

Avoid distractions, such as the telephone or television.
Exercise helps stimulate appetite. Likewise, a walk before meals can be beneficial.
Don’t forget to consult a specialist before doing an exercise routine.
Drink enough water during the day.
Take into account the following nutritional supplements. In this way, ensure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.
Use colorful and eye-catching dishes and cutlery.
Maintain a positive and patient attitude. Also, respect their schedules and do not force them to eat.
In severe cases of lack of appetite, use appetite-stimulating medications and they should be prescribed by a specialist.

Examples of foods you can give:

Cheese, ice cream, canned fruit, dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter with crackers, crackers with cheese, cottage cheese, and chocolate milk.
Ginger Tea: Stimulates the digestive system and relieves nausea: In this way, it can help improve appetite.
Chamomile Tea: It has calming and digestive properties. In fact, it can help relax the stomach and improve digestion.
Natural vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 help reduce fatigue and increase energy and calories.

Therefore, it is essential to attack hyporexia in older people to prevent complications and promote healthy aging. In fact, it is essential to know the causes and find solutions to ensure proper nutrition.

Remember, that somehow, you will find a way to stimulate appetite and ensure that the necessary nutrients are obtained for a better quality of life.

Seek help from a nutritionist, if you think you have hyporexia.