Fever is a sign that the body is fighting an illness. While useful, this process can also have an uncomfortable effect. One of them is a decrease in appetite because everything that goes into the stomach makes you nauseous. So, is there a way to increase your appetite when you have a fever?
A decreased appetite can leave you with a lack of energy and nutrients. The body needs energy and nutrient intake to strengthen the immune system so that it can fight disease. To keep their needs met, here are several ways you can increase your appetite during a fever.
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 feel easier and more enjoyable even though the taste may not be as delicious as usual.
Several studies in the journal Appetite also found that favorite foods can make you eat more.
But keep in mind, if your favorite food is junk food, you still shouldn’t eat it in excess.
Eat small portions but often
Eating large portions will be more difficult when you have a fever. The reason, you get nauseous faster and food may taste blander.
To increase your appetite when you have a fever, you can try eating small but frequent meals.
Based on research published in The Journal Of Nutrition, eating foods high in plant protein can increase appetite. Divide 3 large meals into 5-6 smaller meals.
Between meals, alternate with foods or drinks that can help with fever recovery. For example chicken soup, ginger tea, honey, or fruit.
For example, chicken cream soup can warm and nourish the body when you have a fever.
These foods contain protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that can help maintain a healthy body.
In addition, research from Plants shows that chicken cream soup is a water-rich food so it can help maintain proper hydration and contribute to a low-calorie intake.
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, as well as speeding up the rate of metabolism.
The spices and herbs in question include garlic, tamarind, black pepper, coriander, ginger, mint, cinnamon, fennel, and cloves. You can consume these herbs and spices by mixing them as cooking spices.
Avoid long-digested food
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 are having a fever.
To increase your appetite when you have a fever, you need to avoid long-digested foods. Limit consumption of high-fiber fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, red meat, and products from whole grains and grains.
Get used to not drinking between meals
You are indeed 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 can not eat in large quantities.
Some studies have even found that drinking while eating can reduce calorie intake. So, try not to drink 30 minutes before mealtime. After you finish eating, then you can drink again as usual.
Tips to increase appetite when a fever is similar to how to increase appetite in healthy conditions. The difference is, you need to be careful in choosing the food you eat.
Choose foods that are more ‘friendly’ to the stomach, considering the digestive system is usually more sensitive when you are sick. Also limit foods that can stimulate the digestive system, especially spicy and sour foods.