Giardia infection, or giardiasis, often causes the opposite of hunger: loss of appetite. This is because the parasitic infection often leads to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea, making it difficult to eat.
How Giardia Affects Appetite:
- Diarrhea: The most common symptom of giardiasis is diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration and loss of nutrients, contributing to a loss of appetite.
- Abdominal Cramps: Cramps and pain in the abdomen make eating uncomfortable and can further suppress appetite.
- Nausea: Feeling nauseous also makes it difficult to eat.
- Fatigue: Giardiasis can cause fatigue, which may make you less motivated to eat.
Note: While loss of appetite is a common symptom, not everyone with giardiasis experiences it. Some individuals might still have a normal appetite or even increased hunger due to the parasite disrupting the digestive process.
