Tezzbuzz Desk- When fever occurs, many changes are felt in the body. Along with weakness, body ache and fatigue, a common problem is that one does not feel like eating. Many people consider it a normal thing and stop eating, but a special scientific process of the body works behind it.
According to experts, loss of appetite during fever is a natural reaction of the body. In fact, when the body is fighting an infection, its entire energy starts going towards fighting the disease.
When the body is attacked by viruses or bacteria, the immune system becomes active to eliminate them. During this period, some special chemicals are produced in the body, which are called cytokines.
According to doctors, these cytokines affect the part of the brain that controls appetite. This reduces the desire to eat. The body does this so that energy can be used to fight infection instead of being spent on the digestion process.
Sometimes viral or bacterial infections affect the ability to taste and smell. Due to this, food does not taste as tasty as before and gradually the appetite starts decreasing. Apart from this, problems like body pain, weakness, fatigue, nausea and throat discomfort can also reduce the desire to eat.
Experts say that even though appetite may decrease during fever, the body needs nutrition more than ever for recovery. Not eating for a long time can increase weakness and take longer to recover. In such a situation, instead of eating too much at one go, it is considered better to take light and nutritious food in small quantities.
During fever, one should take such foods which are easily digested and also provide necessary nutrition to the body. Moong dal khichdi, porridge or oats, light soup, coconut water, fresh fruits, boiled vegetables, banana, apple and papaya, curd (if there is no throat infection and the doctor has not forbidden)
Fever can cause dehydration from the body, so it is important to take adequate amount of fluids. Water, coconut water and electrolytes help keep the body hydrated. At the same time, one should avoid eating too much fried or heavy food during this period, because the body may have to work harder to digest it.
If there is no appetite for several days, high fever persists, frequent vomiting, extreme weakness or symptoms of dehydration in the body, one should consult a doctor without delay.
Loss of appetite during fever can be a normal process of the body, but it does not mean that food should be stopped completely. Eating the right amount of light food, adequate fluids and rest helps the body fight the infection and recovery can be faster.
