Loss of appetite and indigestion are two separate conditions that have to be approached individually in order to be treated. Loss of appetite can be caused by diseases such as cancer, other illnesses, certain medications, infections and stress. It could also be linked to psychological trauma or mental illnesses. A major crisis such as death or a drastic life change could bring about a loss of appetite as well. Whatever the reasons, it is important to remedy this situation as soon as possible. No appetite or lack of appetite could soon translate into weakness and a lowering of the body's immune system as it is being deprived of the essential nutrients necessary for survival.
There are herbal supplements that are believed to increase your appetite. For example, the astragalus herb contains flavonoids that can stimulate your appetite and promote smooth functioning of your digestive system. This herb can be found in 500mg capsule form and should be taken with food at least twice daily. Slippery elm bark tablets also aid the process of digestion. One 500mg capsule taken with food daily can make a world of a difference to your appetite. Yarrow flower supplements of 325mg increase your energy levels and subsequently your appetite. This tablet can be taken up to thrice a day. Dandelion flower contains insulin that increases appetite as well but care has to be taken as this herb also acts as a mild laxative.
There are various home remedies that can restore your lost appetite. Lime is an effective remedy that can stimulate your taste buds and increase your appetite. Lime juice can be mixed with a little bit of ground ginger and honey and drunk throughout the day to increase your appetite. Even just eating ginger with a little bit of salt can kick start your appetite. Garlic is said to improve the working of your digestive system. A soup made of garlic can help ease you back into eating regularly. This is found to be especially beneficially for people suffering from eating disorders such as anorexia. You can try mixing pomegranate juice with honey and salt as an effective home remedy as well. Sometimes you can lose your appetite because of bad eating habits or a poor diet. Try and eat several small meals a day instead of three large meals to help with proper digestion. Exercising regularly can also naturally improve your appetite.
Indigestion on the other hand is a stomach problem also known as dyspepsia. The symptoms of indigestion are normally discomfort after eating and a 'full' feeling. You may also experience flatulence, nausea and pain around the diaphragm and chest area. There could even be stomach pain and cramps along with heartburn. Indigestion is caused by eating too much and too quickly or eating foods that are too rich or spicy. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, eating heavy meals at night or just before sleeping can all lead to indigestion. If you suffer from stomach problems such as GERD or ulcers, gastritis or stomach cancer, indigestion can even be one of the symptoms of these illnesses. Stress can aggravate indigestion, as can too many carbonated drinks, chocolate, and coffee.
Home remedies work best for indigestion. If you suffer from chronic indigestion, drink a glass of water with lemon juice before every meal. Mix lemon juice with ginger and honey and take a teaspoon of this for quick relief from indigestion symptoms. In case you have too much gas or flatulence, stir a spoon of baking powder in a glass of water and drink it quickly. When stomach pain and abdominal discomfort are too acute, rubbing a few cubes of ice on the stomach can help. Another age old remedy for indigestion is one spoon full of cumin seeds in a glass of warm water. Strain the water before drinking for treating indigestion.
Several herbs have been used to both treat and prevent indigestion for a long time. Herbal teas like lavender, ginger, chamomile, and raspberry can stop stomach aches and reduce uneasiness due to indigestion. Peppermint provides excellent relief from indigestion and can be had raw or even in the form of tea. Try and avoid caffeine, tea, and alcohol if you are prone to indigestion as well as rich and spicy foods. Eat small meals throughout the day rather than three, heavy ones. When eating, remember to chew properly and eat slowly. It is recommended that there is an adequate gap between eating and sleeping so that the digestive system has enough time to process the meal. Some light exercises after a meal also helps. In fact, any regular exercise routine can improve your digestion. If you are suffering from acute indigestion during your pregnancy, speak to your doctor about safe remedies. Avoid popping pills to treat indigestion when you are pregnant. Lower your stress levels with meditation or yoga. There are several yoga poses that specifically target the stomach area and improve digestion such as wind relieving pose, dead man pose, cobra pose and locust pose.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.