Table of contents:
- 1. Serve the patient but don't be too forced
- 2. Offer his favorite food
- 3. Eat small amounts of food but often
- 4. Do not give food that smells strong
- 5. Take supplements or appetite enhancers
- 6. Drink a lot
- 7. Eat together
- 8. Add delicious spices
Increasing the appetite of a person who is being treated for a certain disease is not easy. Loss of appetite when you are sick is common. This is because certain medications or treatments can reduce your appetite. For example, if your loved one has had chemotherapy. However, just getting sick with the flu can also make you lose your appetite because your tongue tastes bitter. Then how do you increase your appetite when you are sick or recover? Take note of the various tricks below.
1. Serve the patient but don't be too forced
If the patient complains of not having an appetite, explain that this is a side effect of medication or the disease. Try not to yell at, scold, or force people who are sick to eat. Forcing will only make him less appetite because he sees mealtime as a torturous time.
2. Offer his favorite food
To provoke an appetite, offer the patient the favorite foods. However, always consult with your doctor what foods are taboos and what nutrients must be met.
If his favorite food happens to be unhealthy, for example junk food, deal with it by reprocessing these foods at home. For example, frying potatoes yourself at home instead of buying them at fast food restaurants.
3. Eat small amounts of food but often
In order for the patient to get the necessary nutritional intake, you should give him a little food. Don't immediately ask him to finish a plate of rice, side dishes, and vegetables. Serve food in small plates only so that the patient is not too overwhelmed to see the portions.
If he says he's full, there's no need to spend it right away. Later, in a few hours, offer another different food so you don't get bored.
4. Do not give food that smells strong
Certain foods offer an overpowering or unpleasant aroma. For example pete, jengkol, or chili paste. It's best to provide food that smells good, but doesn't sting too much. For example chicken broth soup.
5. Take supplements or appetite enhancers
If the people closest to you really don't want to eat, you should consider taking a multivitamin or appetite enhancer supplement. However, talk to your doctor first about what kind of supplements are needed. The reason is, the excess of certain vitamins may cause certain side effects for patients. Usually the doctor will also provide special drugs to increase the patient's appetite.
6. Drink a lot
Patients who are sick may lose a lot of fluids and electrolytes in the body. As a result, the patient is dehydrated. Dehydration on its own can make it even more difficult for those closest to you to eat.
So, make sure the patient drinks a lot every day. Try to get the patient to drink more than eight glasses of water. If you are nauseous, you can brew tea that tastes better on your tongue to keep the patient hydrated.
7. Eat together
To increase the appetite of a sick person, try to get you or other family members to accompany them to eat together. Eating together can help him relax and think less of the bland taste of food.
8. Add delicious spices
The tongue of a sick person may taste bitter and tasteless. So that you can increase his appetite, add the spices that are fragrant and delicious. For example garlic, onions, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon, and other natural herbs.
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