Table of contents:
- Tips to increase your appetite when you have a fever
- 1. Eat your favorite food
- 2. Eat small portions but often
- 3. Adding herbs and spices that trigger appetite
- 4. Avoid foods that are long digested
- 5. Make it a habit not to drink between meals
Fever is a sign that the body is fighting disease. While useful, this process can also have uncomfortable effects. One of them is decreased appetite because everything that goes into your stomach makes you nauseous. So, is there a way to increase your appetite when you have a fever?
Tips to increase your appetite when you have a fever
A decreased appetite can make you lack energy and nutrients. In fact, the body needs energy and nutritional intake to strengthen the body's resistance so that it can fight disease.
To keep the needs of both of them met, here are a number of ways you can increase your appetite during a fever:
1. Eat your favorite food
Fever can reduce the ability of the sense of taste so that food no longer tastes delicious. By providing a variety of favorite foods, eating will be easier and more enjoyable even though the taste may not be as delicious as usual.
A number of studies in journals Appetite also found that your favorite foods can make you eat more.
But keep in mind, if your favorite food is junk food, You still shouldn't consume it excessively.
2. Eat small portions but often
Eating large portions is more difficult when you have a fever. This is because you feel nauseous more quickly and the food may taste bland.
To increase your appetite when you have a fever, you can try to eat small portions but often.
Divide 3 large meals into 5-6 smaller meals. Between meals, alternate foods or drinks that can aid in the recovery of the fever. For example chicken soup, ginger tea, honey, or fruits.
3. Adding herbs and spices that trigger appetite
Several types of herbs and spices are believed to increase appetite naturally. These ingredients work by triggering the production of bile and digestive enzymes that cause hunger and speeding up the metabolic rate.
The spices and spices referred to include garlic, tamarind, black pepper, coriander, ginger, mint, cinnamon, fennel, and cloves. You can consume these herbs and spices by mixing them as a spice in cooking.
4. Avoid foods that are long digested
Foods that are difficult to digest will last longer in the stomach. For people who are losing weight, this is certainly beneficial because it can suppress appetite. However, not for those of you who have a fever.
To increase your appetite when you have a fever, you need to avoid foods that are long-digested. Limit consumption of high-fiber fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, red meat, and whole grain and grain products.
5. Make it a habit not to drink between meals
You are advised to drink more when you have a fever. Unfortunately, drinking water before or between meals can make you feel full faster.
As a result, you cannot eat large amounts of food.
Some studies have even found that drinking while eating can reduce calorie intake. So, try not to drink 30 minutes before mealtime. After finishing eating, then you can drink again as usual.
The tips for increasing your appetite when you have a fever are actually similar to how to increase your appetite in a healthy condition. The difference is, you need to be careful in choosing the food you eat.
Choose foods that are more "friendly" to the stomach, because the digestive system is usually more sensitive when you are sick. Also limit foods that can stimulate the digestive system, especially spicy and acidic foods.
