Increase Appetite: Learn Natural Ways to Increase Appetite

Increase Appetite: Learn Natural Ways to Increase Appetite
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Natural Ways to Increase Appetite

Zinc

According to the Oregon State University, “as many as two billion people around the world have diets deficient in zinc”. This includes the United States; about 12% of the population is at risk and about 40% of the elderly are at risk.

A deficiency in zinc can impair taste and smell, decrease appetite, and cause weight loss.

Foods high in zinc include shellfish, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products.

Spices

Spice up your food. The following spices can increase appetite naturally:

  • nutmeg
  • mint
  • basil
  • garlic
  • horseradish
  • cayenne

The scent of food may also help your appetite. Add cloves, oregano, fennel, caraway, or other spices you find pleasant smelling to your meals.

Herbal Teas

The following herbal teas can increase appetite:

Cinnamon Tea

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 cinnamon stick (broken in pieces), cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Instead of using a cinnamon stick, you can use 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder.

Dandelion Tea

Boil 1 quart of water, reduce heat, add 2 tablespoons of fresh dandelion roots, cover, simmer for 1 minute, remove from heat, add 2 tablespoons of dandelion leaves, steep for 40 minutes, and strain.

Wormwood Tea

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried wormwood, cover, steep for 10 minutes, and strain. Wormwood has a bitter taste, so you might want to add a little honey or maple syrup to it.

Yarrow

Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried yarrow, cover, steep for 15 minutes, and strain.

Color

Eat colorful food, use colorful dishes, and eat in a colorful room. The colors red, yellow, and orange stimulate appetite and the colors blue, purple, and black suppress appetite.

Other natural ways to increase appetite include:

  • Stay well hydrated.
  • Exercise lightly before you eat meals to stimulate appetite, like taking a short, brisk walk.
  • Get a lot of rest.
  • Do not smoke.

Disclaimer

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