Key Takeaways
Hunger serves a crucial function as a signal that alerts the body to the need for a constant supply of essential nutrients necessary for functioning. However, this mechanism can sometimes be disrupted. So, what is the cause of this hunger that refuses to be satiated?
Why do we feel hungry?
There are several mechanisms for feeling hungry. There are many hormones that are secreted by the digestive system. Insulin and glucagon are probably the most widely known hormones involved in regulating satiety, but they're not the only ones. There's also leptin, YY peptide, cholecystokinin, and a few other hormones. Gluten is largely responsible for stimulating hunger. Hunger is also felt when the stomach is empty.
Causes of constant hunger, even after a meal
If you are also hungry after a meal, perhaps the food was too small and leaves your stomach very quickly. Another possibility is that the food is not in the right composition and therefore has a low nutritional value. It is also possible that you are one of those people who eat a meal very quickly and swallow your portion before the appropriate hormones are released and inform the body that you have eaten.
Does that even indicate a constant feeling of hunger?
It's probably because you're eating too little to meet your body's energy and nutrient needs. If you've recently switched to a weight-loss diet, your body probably hasn't gotten used to smaller amounts of food yet. Hunger may also indicate that your meals are not saturated. For example, you often drink cocktails, juices, and low-fiber cereals.
How do you fight it?
Eat slowly and chew each bite thoroughly so that satiety signals have time to reach your brain. Increase dietary protein in your meals, as protein digests slowly and provides the highest satiety per calorie. Maximize meal volume with generous portions of fresh vegetables and fiber-rich fruits. Choose solid foods that require active chewing over liquid meals like smoothies and pureed soups, which empty rapidly from the stomach. Incorporate whole grains such as buckwheat, oats, and whole-wheat bread for sustained energy. Finally, never ignore persistent hunger that arises without an obvious cause, especially if accompanied by extreme thirst, fatigue, or unintended weight changes; consult a healthcare professional to rule out conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or malabsorption.