Diseases and aliments can often
suppress your appetite. Studies have also revealed that not just physical problems,
but even mental fatigue can lead to loss of appetite. Therefore, depression can
also lead to loss of appetite. Let’s discuss how mental health is related to physical
health and how the digestive system reacts to a depressed mind.
Depression and Loss of Appetite:
Persistent appetite loss can
prove harmful for the health. Loss of appetite can occur due to gastrointestinal
disorders, stomach disorders, intestinal blockage, viral/bacterial infections, development
of tumors or ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, and chronic ailments like cancer,
rheumatoid arthritis, etc. In addition to this, factors such as stress and
anxiety can also cause appetite loss. The death of a loved one, distance from one’s
family and friends, anxiety prior to examinations or the diagnosis of serious
diseases like cancer can also suppress appetite. All of these examples help
reveal the mind and body relationship.
Too much stress and emotional imbalance results in depression. Nutritional deficiencies, infertility, lack of sleep, premenstrual syndrome, disabilities and chronic ailments etc., can also result in depression. Similar to the adrenal glands, pituitary, thyroid, hypothalamus, ovaries etc., the endocrine glands in the body release various hormones that play a vital role in the physical and mental health of an individual. There are different chemical reactions that take place in the body during metabolism. Chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act like hormones as well as neurotransmitters, decide the 'flight or fight' response of our body, along with hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Hormones as well as neurotransmitters act on a large area of the brain. We feel hungry when certain hormones and digestive enzymes are produced by the body. The release of hormones and enzymes within the body is managed by the brain. The hypothalamus controls the bodily functions associated with appetite. Hormones like ghrelin and leptin play an important role in regulating appetite. The hypothalamus suppresses appetite when there are high levels of leptin, and triggers appetite when there are high levels of ghrelin in the blood.
Stress causes impaired brain function, which results in poor sleep and a feeling of despair, thus causing depression. Stress and depression slow down the functioning of the endocrine system which leads to several physical as well as mental problems. Therefore, one experiences depression as well as appetite loss when the required digestive enzymes and hormones are not secreted in the right proportions by the body.
Too much stress and emotional imbalance results in depression. Nutritional deficiencies, infertility, lack of sleep, premenstrual syndrome, disabilities and chronic ailments etc., can also result in depression. Similar to the adrenal glands, pituitary, thyroid, hypothalamus, ovaries etc., the endocrine glands in the body release various hormones that play a vital role in the physical and mental health of an individual. There are different chemical reactions that take place in the body during metabolism. Chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act like hormones as well as neurotransmitters, decide the 'flight or fight' response of our body, along with hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Hormones as well as neurotransmitters act on a large area of the brain. We feel hungry when certain hormones and digestive enzymes are produced by the body. The release of hormones and enzymes within the body is managed by the brain. The hypothalamus controls the bodily functions associated with appetite. Hormones like ghrelin and leptin play an important role in regulating appetite. The hypothalamus suppresses appetite when there are high levels of leptin, and triggers appetite when there are high levels of ghrelin in the blood.
Stress causes impaired brain function, which results in poor sleep and a feeling of despair, thus causing depression. Stress and depression slow down the functioning of the endocrine system which leads to several physical as well as mental problems. Therefore, one experiences depression as well as appetite loss when the required digestive enzymes and hormones are not secreted in the right proportions by the body.
Due to a lack of hormones,
which are not released during depression, the body does not prepare itself for the
intake of food. Since essential hormones are absent, the appearance or aroma of
food is unable trigger appetite or release saliva in the mouth. Stress and
depression lead to excessive secretion of acids within the stomach, transmitting
signals of fullness to the brain.
It is important to fight
depression for the proper functioning of the body. Medications like Seroquel have
proven very effective in dealing with depression. Seroquel is an antipsychotic drug
primarily used for treating major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post
traumatic stress, insomnia and anxiety-related disorders. Patients can buy Seroquel
online from discount online
pharmacy. But, it is advisable
to consult a healthcare professional before
deciding to purchase Seroquel for treating depression.