How to Stimulate Appetite in the Elderly
During the normal aging process, the senses of smell and taste decline, contributing to a loss of pleasure in eating. This process can result in a loss of appetite in the elderly and may be compounded by physical and/or emotional diseases or conditions. Finding successful ways to stimulate the appetite of the elderly can contribute positively to their physical and mental/emotional well-being.
By stimulating the elderly person's sense of smell and taste, these natural appetite stimulant remedies may produce the positive outcome you are seeking.
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Things You'll Need
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Dried lavender flowers
- Dried peppermint leaves
- Cranberries and/or cranberry juice
Instructions
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Stimulate Appetite with Spices and Herbs
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Add cinnamon as a flavoring to dishes such as cereals and puddings, or as a tea. Cinnamon bread, muffins and rolls may be flavorful additions to a meal or as a between-meal snack.
As an alternative or an adjunct to the use of cinnamon in food or as a beverage, put one or two cinnamon sticks in a pot of water. Simmer on the stove to release the fragrance of the cinnamon.
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Ginger may used in several ways to stimulate the appetite of the elderly.
Slice a 1/4-inch piece of fresh ginger root to be chewed.
Offering ginger ale before mealtime or with a meal may stimulate appetite and reduce any stomach queasiness. Check the labels of ginger ales before purchasing, as many of the brands do not contain actual ginger.
Use a garlic press to squeeze out the juice of the fresh ginger root. One or 2 tablespoons of this juice, mixed with water (as the juice can be strong), may stimulate the appetite and reduce any nausea or queasiness.
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Make lavender tea either from a tea bag or from 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers in 1 cup of water. Boil the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, then pour into a cup. This tea may be consumed 1 to 3 times a day.
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Make peppermint tea using 1 to 2 tea bags of peppermint tea or adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of water. Boil the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, then pour into a cup. This tea may be consumed as desired daily.
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Cranberry can be used to stimulate the digestive enzymes in the mouth to stimulate appetite.
Up to 16 ounces of pure cranberry juice--not the cocktail juice--a day in divided amounts may help to increase appetite. If the pure cranberry juice is too tart, add the sweetener Stevia to taste or dilute with water.
Cook fresh cranberries and serve with a meal daily.
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Tips & Warnings
Other measures should be considered if these natural remedies do not produce an improvement in appetite. Consult a health-care provider for additional ideas.
