7. Drastic Change in Appetite: The Subtle Shift in Desires
Every parent knows the dietary whims of children—one day they might love broccoli, and the next, they loathe it. But when a child’s appetite changes drastically and consistently, it might be signaling deeper issues.
Oral cancer can make eating an ordeal. The act of chewing might become painful, or the food might taste different. Slowly, the child could develop an aversion to eating, leading to a significant reduction in appetite.
Ancient civilizations often interpreted appetite changes as messages from the divine. Some believed that a reduced appetite indicated the body’s preparation for a spiritual journey or a divine communion. Today, we recognize the importance of physical health in influencing appetite.
The mouth, with its myriad taste buds and sensory receptors, dictates our dietary choices. A shift in these preferences can be more than just a fickle mind; it can be the body’s cry for help, signaling underlying issues. (7)
