5 Ways to Treat an Increased Appetite

1. Get a Specific Diagnosis

Since various reasons exist for having an abnormal appetite, your first course of action is to find out what's causing your unhealthy desire to eat. If you suffer from diabetes, for example, insulin injections or oral medications will be necessary to control your blood sugar levels. If your hunger stems from bulimia or depression, psychotherapy and prescription medication are usually recommended. In most cases, you will need a blood test and a thyroid-function exam for an accurate diagnosis.

Check whether any medication you take is causing your appetite to increase. If a drug is revving up your appetite, ask your physician whether it's permissible to decrease your dosage. Your doctor may be able to wean you slowly off a medication until you can stop taking it altogether.

2. Fill Your Water Glass Before Meals

As soon as you start to get hunger pains, drink a glass of water. An 8-oz. glass of water can help calm your urge to overeat and fill up your stomach. Wait a few minutes after you drink the water before eating. This way, your appetite won't be as great. Keep in mind that this is not a solution for overeating. It's simply a technique to relax your appetite.

3. Eat Whole Grains and Fiber-Rich Fruits

Another natural way to treat your big appetite is to watch what you eat. Stay away from refined carbohydrates like white bread. Instead, opt for whole grains and brown rice, which your bloodstream absorbs more slowly. These foods have a more gradual effect on your blood sugar levels.

The next time you're in the produce aisle, grab some oranges and grapefruits. Eating citrus fruits helps to fill you up quicker. According to nutritional research, there's even more good news about these zesty fruits. The soluble fiber stays in your stomach longer, and the sugars are released and absorbed more slowly. By making these better food choices, you can have a fuller stomach and more control over your appetite.

4. Take a Stroll in the Sun

Treat yourself to some fun in the sun. A few minutes of sunlight can brighten your spirits and squash your hearty appetite. If you work in a drab office all day, you might develop a need to eat more and snack on unhealthy foods. Healthy sun exposure also ups your body's production of vitamin D, which guards against some cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis.

5. Try Supplements and Herbal Treatments

Supplements can help increase your energy and reduce your appetite. Show some caution, though, as a number of over-the-counter weight loss supplements have side effects. Also, the jury is still out on how well a supplement can control your appetite.

You might try some red-clover supplements to control your appetite. Red-clover supplements come in capsules, tablets and in liquid-extract form. In addition, dried red clover can be brewed into teas and drinks. Overall, red clover is recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is also a good source of vitamin C, calcium, chromium and potassium. However, it is best to use it in moderation and make sure it does not interfere with the medications you're taking. Consult your doctor about any medical conditions you might have, and ask which supplements to avoid.