Why do I feel hungry all the time!
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- May 18, 2019
- 3 min read
11 Reasons You Feel Hungry All the Time
Sometimes we fell hungry for no reason and this could be linked to many reasons. Here are 11 potential reasons for feeling hungry all the time.
1. FATIGUE
Proper fuel is important to boost energy level. Sometimes what you need is only sleep. Adequate sleep regulates hormones level: ghrelin and leptin that control hunger and satiety respectively. Lack of sleep raises level of ghrelin and lowers level of leptin.
2. EXERCISING WITHOUT REFUELING
Changing the intesnity of exercise or even starting workout without making changes to your diet plan could make your bodyI hungry most of times. According to studies, vigerous intensity exercise for long period boosts metabolism and then put your body on a hunger status if you are not fuelling your body. If that’s the case, try eating more filling foods, such as high-fiber fruits and veggies, to satisfy your stomach.
3. EATING TOO LITTLE PROTEIN, FAT OR FIBER:
Your body has special needs of protein, fiber and fats. If it is missing some nutrients this can lead to hunger. Protein is a satisfying macronutrient and it increases levels of the satiety hormones GLP-1 and peptide YY (appetite-reducing), while reducing your levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Fiber food activate stretch receptors that are responsible for sending signals to the brain that stomach is full. Moreover, fiber slow digestion and thus keeps you full for longer period.
4. EATING TOO MANY REFINED CARBS
Eating too much refined carbs cause a blood sugar spike followed by rapid decline. This is linked to hunger as these food dont promote satiety.
5. DRINKING YOUR CALORIES
Solid and liquid food differ in the meaning of satiety. Chewing food improves satiety as they need more time to pass by your stomach while drinks even they contain same calories dont give you that feeling, instead tdrinks leave you hungry.
6. THIRST
Hunger and thirst are controlled by the same center of hypothalamus. So if you feel hungry try one or two glasses of water to satisfy your thirst feeling. Try always to have plenty of water throughout the day to prevent consumption of empty calories as thirst is mistaken by hunger feeling.
7. CERTAIN MEDICATIONS
Hunger could be a side effect of medications.The most common appetite-inducing medications include antipsychotics, such as clozapine and olanzapine, as well as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, corticosteroids and anti-seizure drugs. Additionally, some diabetes medications, such as insulin, insulin secretagogues and thiazolidinediones, are known to increase your hunger and appetite. If you get too hungry because of certain medication, then bring it to your doctor as he/she can find alternative choices.
8. CERTAIN DISEASES
Hunger could be a sign of certain medical condition. For example, this could be a sign of diabetes in addition to excessive thirst and urination.Hunger also might be a sign of hyperthyroidism, depression, premenstrual syndrome and more. If you have this case of hunger consult your doctor to find appropriate diagnosis.
9. STRESS
Short-term stress actually can make you lose your appetite, as your body releases epinephrine and engages its fight-or-flight response. But persisting stress even minor, but frequent stressors can do just the opposite. The adrenal glands release another hormone called cortisol, and cortisol increases appetite and may also ramp up motivation in general, including the motivation to eat.
Stress trigger hunger toward: ''Comfort food" that are usually high in fat and sugar. It is better to deal with your stressor and try to find alternative ways than food.
10. MINDLESS EATING
It’s possible to be inspired to eat because you’re bored, tempted by a favorite food or in a social situation with others eating. You also might trigger an association craving, such as suddenly wanting popcorn when you watch a movie. Or you might be eating too quickly or mindlessly, not allowing your body to realize its hunger is satisfied.
Eating slower and chewing your food thoroughly allows your body and brain more time to release the ghrelin hormone as your stomach signals your brain that I'm full!!
11. RESTRICTED EATING
Restricted diet along with long time between meals have been linked to hunger. So it is better to listen to hunger/satiety cues.
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