I’ve noticed that with certain sicknesses, I tend to go most of the day without eating anything; if not all day. Usually just for one day though, then I get my appetite back. Normally (when I’m not sick) if I go a few hours without eating I get “hangry”. I’m used to eating quite a lot throughout the day though because I have a fast metabolism. So (for me it happens with tonsillitis or stomach bugs) why is it that when you’re sick you don’t feel inclined to eat? Doesn’t your body need food for energy to fight the sickness? And why does it seem that only certain sicknesses suppress the appetite?
In: Biology
I am not 100% sure, but the first thing that came to mind is the sympaticus/parasympaticus (maybe not the right translation, ESL). Basically, the sympaticus is the “fight or flight” mechanism which shifts your energy consumption from your complex mental processes and digestive system towards your muscles and other tissue which needs the energy more, as is the case with inflammatory reactions and infections or other dangerous situations, so the organism can deal with the threat more effectively (sped up heart rate, faster breathing etc) Similarly, the parasympatic system does the exact opposite, slowing your organism down and activating your digestive system so you can refuel/regain energy.
Again, I’m not 100% certain and I might have gone too wide with this, but that’s my assumption, to say the least.
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