As autumn and winter arrive, more people catch colds. Beyond symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, or coughing, many patients also lose their appetite, showing no interest even in their favorite foods. There are three main reasons for this.
First, during a cold—especially when feverish—the digestive enzymes that promote gastrointestinal motility decrease in function. This slows down or even disrupts the natural rhythms of the digestive tract. With slowed digestion, we feel less hungry and naturally lose interest in eating.
Second, inflammatory changes during a cold—such as congested nasal mucosa and increased nasal secretions—not only cause symptoms like nasal congestion and runny nose but also reduce the sensitivity of olfactory receptors on the mucosa to odors. Certain viral infections can even directly damage olfactory nerves, hindering the brain's reception of scent signals.
Third, the human senses of smell and taste work in tandem. The reduced sensitivity to smell caused by a cold naturally affects taste perception. When taste becomes dulled, patients may find food less flavorful, leading to a loss of appetite.
Despite a lack of appetite, patients still need regular meals to provide the body with energy to fight the illness. Patients should rest adequately, drink plenty of plain water, and maintain oral and nasal hygiene. Eat light porridge and soups; if appetite is poor, eat small, frequent meals. Consume chicken, fish, eggs, and milk to supplement high-quality protein.Consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, but avoid high-fiber foods like celery, leeks, chrysanthemum greens, and corn to prevent digestive strain. Limit sweets, as they can increase phlegm production, cause bloating, and suppress appetite.