by Betty Hoeffner
Finding tips on how to decrease your appetite so you can lose weight is easy. Magazines, newspapers and television programs are full of advice on the subject. But what about people who need to increase their appetites? There are several illnesses and/or conditions that can cause undesirable weight loss, and necessitate an understanding of how to healthfully gain weight. According to noted author/ABC News medical contributor Dr. David Katz, “with all the attention to the obesity epidemic, we may at times overlook those situations where, in essence, starvation is still a very real and present danger.”
According to Keith I. Block, MD, Medical/ Scientific Director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care in Evanston, Illinois “diet plays a significant role in the prevention and treatment of disease. And keeping the body fueled with nutritious food is imperative when someone is fighting an illness.”
To help those challenged by a loss of appetite, whether it be due to illness, or the medications used to treat it, Drs. Katz and Block put together the following six tips on how to increase your appetite and stave off malnutrition.
1. If you can eat with family members and friends, do so. Let them know that you are having difficulty with your appetite and ask for their support.
2. Serve food attractively prepared and in a pleasant atmosphere
3. Eat high nutrient food and avoid junk foods and sugar
4. Eat small meals or snacks frequently
5. Add seasoning to help flavor foods
6. Shift eating pattern to coincide with appetite. For example, eat the biggest meal of the day in the morning, if that’s what you are most inclined to do.
Studies show that increased intake of nutritious food is especially important for those suffering from cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, an astounding 20% to 40% of cancer patients die from causes related to malnutrition, not from the cancer itself.
So what kind of a diet can fight malnutrition and help a patient combat their disease? “Include cancer and inflammation-fighting phytochemicals (found in abundance in many fruits and vegetables), omega 3 fats, monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, complex carbohydrates and healthy sources of proteins,” says Dr. Block. “Eat energy dense/nutrient dense foods such as avocado; nutbutters; and soy,” adds Dr. Katz.
Both doctors agree it is extremely important to avoid “bad” dietary fats such as saturated fats found in milk, cheese, butter, red meat, pork, coconut, and poultry. Eliminate unnatural fats, called trans fat, found abundantly in margarine, hydrogenated oils, as well as many baked goods and convenience foods. Reduce or eliminate simple carbohydrates such as sugar, honey, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated sweeteners, sugary beverages, cookies, cakes, pastries, white bread, crackers and white-flour baked goods. These are high-glycemic foods that cause a sudden rise in blood sugar and ultimately increase inflammation.
Betty Hoeffner has been writing articles for various media outlets for the past 30 years. She is executive producer of the award-winning patient safety film, “Things You Should Know Before Entering the Hospital” and president of Hey U.G.L.Y., Inc. NFP, a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization that empowers teens with self-esteem building tools, to help them counter challenges such as eating disorders, bullying, violence, substance abuse and suicide. U.G.L.Y. is an acronym meaning Unique Gifted Lovable You.
