The term "appetite" refers to the emotional state of nutritional needs arising from hunger. The most pronounced changes are observed in the gastrointestinal tract. Experts say that appetite is a condition upon the onset of which increases the secretion of infusion juice and there is intense production of saliva. In addition, peristalsis is accelerated. The more actively the digestive organs function, the stronger the appetite. Under the influence of various adverse factors, disturbances can occur - lack of hunger or polyphagy. In this case, you can not do without medical intervention.
What is appetite and what does it depend on
The manifestation of this condition directly depends on the excitation of the structures of the central nervous system and the general condition of the body. It is proved that positive emotions increase appetite, while unpleasant ones suppress it. The inhibitory effect is also exerted by irritation of some nerve centers (most often vomiting, as well as those responsible for defecation and urination).
It is important to know that appetite is a condition that in most cases occurs under the influence of conditioned stimuli that are directly related to food intake. A striking example is the situation or a specific period of time.
For each person, appetite fluctuations are individual. They directly depend on the daily regimen, type of professional activity, habitual diet and time of day.
In addition, it is important to know that appetite is a condition that is a kind of indicator of human health (both physical and psychological). Under the influence of various adverse factors, a chain of reactions can start. Their result can be both a pathological increase in appetite, and its decrease until its complete disappearance. In this case, consult a doctor.
It should be understood that appetite is a condition that does not always occur in the presence of a real irritant. The latter may be absent.
Hunger is a congenital condition. Appetite is acquired. For the first time, it is formed in a newborn baby after the child’s body quenches its hunger during meals.
Physiological basis
Appetite is always based on certain mechanisms. The latter are clearly manifested by a change in the activity of nerve endings, the activity of the autonomic organs, and motor reactions. The digestive system begins to function actively. Due to this, there is an intensive production of saliva and infusion juice.
It is proved that the central point of the food center is the hypothalamic region. Appetite as a subjective manifestation of its arousal is due to the functioning of not only the nerve endings of the cerebral cortex, but also the limbic system of the brain. Since this condition is directly related to hunger, one of the main causes of its occurrence is irritation of the hypothalamic receptors with liquid connective tissue, in which the amount of nutrient components is minimal. In this case, doctors use a term such as "hungry blood."
Forms of appetite
Scientists have found that under different conditions, the body reacts to food products differently. Sometimes there is an emotional reaction to food in general, and in some situations to certain types of it.
In this regard, experts distinguish two forms of appetite:
- Common. It is a variant of the norm. In other words, a person responds adequately to food.
- Selective. In this case, such a thing as “perverted appetite” often sounds. Often the cause of its formation are neuropsychiatric disorders. But in most cases, it is associated with a deficiency in the body of certain components. The electoral form is most often detected in children, pregnant women and people suffering from malignant neoplasms.
Appetite can easily convey a person’s mood. If he is good, then the individual is pleased with his physical and psychological state. As a rule, appetite disappears against the background of various experiences.
Causes of Polyphagy
Strong appetite is a condition that is often a sign of the development of any pathological process in the body. The main symptom of polyphagy is a constant desire to eat. The reasons for this may be:
- Regular high-intensity physical activity.
- Abrupt growth. During this period, the body of any child needs an increased amount of nutritional components.
- Hormonal imbalance. Most often, appetite increases during pregnancy and menstrual bleeding. But often this condition indicates hyperadrenalism or hyperthyroidism.
- Diabetes. A constant desire is associated with an increased concentration of glucose in the blood.
- Depression. In this case, the appetite either increases critically or completely disappears.
- Bulimia Most often diagnosed in women in the postpartum period.
- Taking drugs and certain medications (in particular, steroids and antihistamines).
- The use of alcohol-containing drinks.
- Damage to the meninges.
In addition, appetite control should be strict in individuals who want to quit smoking. Most often, the consequence of the rejection of nicotine is gluttony and the development of concomitant pathologies.
Lack of appetite
A person simply does not feel hunger, and contemplation of your favorite dishes does not cause a desire to eat them. Information on why there is no appetite can be provided by a doctor after a diagnosis.
The main causes of this condition:
- Certain weather conditions. For example, in the heat there is absolutely no desire.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Stay under stress.
- Violation of diet.
- PMS in women.
- Smoking
- Frequent use of alcohol-containing drinks.
- Pathologies of an infectious nature.
- Impaired functioning of the organs of the endocrine system.
- Pathology of the heart.
- Helminthiasis.
In addition, lack of appetite is a symptom of the intoxication process.
Correction methods
If excessive hunger is a sign of the disease, then treatment directly depends on the root cause of the development of polyphagy. People in a state of depression are shown psychotherapy.
In the absence of hunger, vitamins for appetite are indicated. Complexes containing ascorbic acid and vitamin B12 can help regain the desire to eat food. But doctors do not recommend forcibly trying to eat. Experts recommend decorating dishes, making them attractive, so that food interest appears gradually. In addition, it is necessary to observe the drinking regime and as often as possible to walk in the fresh air.
Finally
Appetite is an emotional state based on hunger. But under the influence of various adverse factors, eating disorders can occur.