How to Deal with Loss of appetite on Stage 5 Kidney Failure

Loss of appetite is a common symptom of Stage 5 Kidney Failure, if you are suffering from loss of appetite, do not worry, if it treated in time, you have a lot of hope to cure it.

Routine nutritional assessments of patients new to dialysis frequently uncover individuals with large weight losses. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data show that dietary intake of patients with CKD spontaneously declines as they progress toward end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This decline may be explained by an increase in uremic symptoms, such as nausea and anorexia. Anorexia develops in 10%-25% of patients with CKD and increases in severity as the patient nears ESRD. Patients on dialysis experience appetite loss or anorexia as well.

Additionally, 45% of the hemodialysis patients are reported to be moderately, very much, or extremely bothered by a lack of appetite. Appetite has been suggested as a possible link between protein energy wasting and inflammation.
Inflammation, which is present in many patients with CKD before they start, and while they are on dialysis results in a loss of appetite. A logical extension of that connection leads to the conclusion that appetite may be a useful predictor of protein energy wasting. Nutrition parameters, hospitalization, and mortality have all been associated with loss of appetite in CKD patients.
Although measurement of many of the biochemical signs of uremic anorexia is not routinely done in clinical settings, assessment of the clinical signs is easy, and should be done on a regular basis. The signs of anorexia are food aversion, gastric problems, oral manifestations, dental problems, and weight or muscle loss.

Some simple ways to increase dietary intake and stimulate appetite are dining on small, frequent meals; eating cold foods, such as puddings or custards, which give off little aroma; and adding calorie-dense foods to meals or snacks so that every bite has nutritional value. A commonly used and effective practice is to take your daily pills with liquid nutritional supplements. Even 2-4 oz of a calorie-dense nutritional supplement can provide needed protein, micronutrients, and calories.

When diet alterations are insufficient to increase dietary intake, a trial of an appetite-stimulating medication may be warranted. Finally, if both diet alteration and medication fail to increase caloric and protein intake, you need to consider utilizing tube feeds or other methods to ensure that you are getting sufficient nutrients. The renal experts from Shijiazhuang Kidney Disease Hospital recommend that you immediately report a loss in appetite, and work with the dietitian and members of your healthcare team to achieve the optimal outcome, which is to regain a normal appetite.


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