An increased appetite may be a normal and transient occurrence or it may be indicative of an underlying health problem that requires the attention of a health care professional. Medline Plus states that an increased appetite may be caused by anxiety, bulimia, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, premenstrual syndrome and certain prescription medications. Some dietary supplements may help suppress your appetite, but you should always consult your physician before using these powerful natural substances for this health purpose.
Increased Appetite
A heightened appetite, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, may be caused by both physical and mental health conditions as well as endocrine gland disorders. An increased appetite may be temporary or chronic, depending on the underlying cause. Not all disorders that cause an increased appetite lead to weight gain, however. If you experience a serious and prolonged increase in your appetite, your doctor may question you about your eating habits, hunger patterns and any other symptoms you might be experiencing to help diagnose the cause of your ailment.
Helpful Supplements
Many dietary supplements have been used to help decrease your appetite, but not all supplements used for this health purpose may have been subjected to rigorous clinical research trials. According to certified nutritional consultant, Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," some of the most helpful dietary supplements for this health purpose include 5-HTP, GABA, L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, guarana, fennel and kola nut. Some supplements -- especially chromium picolinate and niacin -- may help reduce your sugar cravings and the amount of sugary food you consume.
Featured Supplement
Fennel may be a helpful dietary supplement in decreasing your appetite. Fennel is known for its ability to clear mucus and fat from your digestive tract and is a natural appetite suppressant. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner states that fennel has historically been used in treating indigestion, coughs and intestinal gas. Fennel has also been used in improving the functioning of your kidneys, liver and spleen.
Considerations
Because there are many possible causes of decreased appetite -- some serious, some minor -- it is always wise to visit your physician for a thorough investigation of the underlying causes of your ailment. Your doctor can perform certain tests or order further studies to properly diagnose your condition. Ask your doctor about the risks, benefits and limitations of dietary supplements before using this natural healing approach. Certain supplements may trigger allergic reactions or interfere with other medications you might be taking.
References
- MedlinePlus: Appetite - Increased
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Appetite - Increased - Overview
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
Member Comments