Sick
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When you are sick, your body undergoes certain changes that can affect your behavior and physical state. One key aspect is the change in appetite. discusses that during illness, there's often a reduced appetite, particularly for protein-rich foods. This might be a subconscious attempt to reduce iron intake since many bacteria and other infections thrive when iron levels in the blood are high. However, this theory is largely speculative and should be approached with caution [1].
There's also a notable impact of illness on hormone levels. Illness can significantly reduce testosterone and estrogen levels in both males and females due to the release of inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, which diminish sexual desire and can interfere with hormone function [2].
Additionally, sickness behavior can involve a range of responses, such as lethargy and a general decrease in self-care activities. These behaviors are thought to help conserve energy and resources, allowing the lymphatic system to function more efficiently in fighting off infection [3]. It's interesting to note that sickness behavior shares similarities with depression, both involving elevated levels of certain inflammatory markers [4].
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