Appetite
Appetite
,
the desire to eat, is regulated by the hypothalamus gland in the
forebrain, which also controls other functions like sleep and sexual
activity. Appetite is subject to factors other than essential bodily
needs. It can be lost just by looking at food, or after one mouthful.
Hunger plays only a small part in the appetite's demands. The sensation
of fullness takes 20 minutes to affect hunger, and appetite can continue
well after this, especially in the case of those with bulimia nervosa.
Conditioned eating habits, emotions and the amount of exercise being
taken all affect the appetite. Anorexia nervosa can seriously impair its
function, too. Appetite changes can also be experienced during
pregnancy, sometimes incorporating unusual food cravings which cease
after the birth.
Maintaining A
Healthy Appetite
Appetite and hunger are
linked and play an important role in keeping the body nourished.
Increasing
Appetite
-
Try to relax. Tension
often suppresses appetite; try some new relaxation methods.
-
Make extra effort with
presentation. Attractive food stimulates appetite.
-
Take more exercise: this
stimulates hunger and thus appetite too.
Decreasing
Appetite
-
Eat more slowly,
savouring the taste of each mouthful.
-
Stop eating periodically
during a meal and ensure that you are not still eating when the
hunger mechanism has stopped. The less you eat after hunger has
gone, the sooner your appetite will adjust.
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