Tag: Sickness metabolism

According to the National Institutes of Health, the common and frequent occurrence of anorexia during infection suggests it is part of the body's acute phase response. If you've ever wondered why does your appetite change after the flu, the answer lies in the complex interplay between your immune system and metabolic processes.

Did you know your immune system burns extra calories to fight off illness, effectively increasing your metabolic rate? This heightened energy demand often triggers specific food cravings as your body seeks to quickly replenish its fuel reserves for recovery.

While a healthy person can survive for weeks without food given sufficient water, a sick patient's metabolic state is far more vulnerable, with accelerated deterioration. Understanding the critical factors that dictate how long can a sick patient go without eating is essential for caregivers and family.