Constant hunger may be a warning sign of unexpected diseases!
Many of you may have noticed that you can’t help but eat or nibble snacks or fruits until they are all gone. You have constant hunger or an insatiable appetite despite finishing eating foods. Though not having a direct adverse effect, constant hunger can be a warning sign of underlying health issues. The following are the reasons why you may feel constantly hungry.
Constant hunger due to habits and lifestyles
Occasionally, our eating habits or behaviors may be the culprit of constant, insatiable appetite. The factors are as follows.
- Consume a lower protein and higher refined carbs diet. Protein is one of macronutrients (along with carbohydrates and fat). Consuming these macronutrients in a single meal provides energy and makes you feel full. However, a diet high in carbohydrates or refined carbohydrates with no fiber and little protein or fat can spike your blood sugar, which declines rapidly a short while later, leading to renewed hunger.
- Inadequate dietary healthy fat. Many avoid consuming fat, thinking it leads to obesity. Fat is an essential nutrient. Choosing only diets with no or low fat can result in a deficiency of healthy fats, which makes you crave food high in carbohydrates and sugar as a substitute.
- Inadequate dietary fibers. Fiber expands in the stomach; therefore, it plays a role in dealing with hunger. Consuming enough fiber helps you feel full faster.
- Inadequate water intake. When you feel hungry, sometimes it is not hunger but thirst. Regularly drinking water throughout the day prevents dehydration and hungriness.
- Distractions. Mindlessly consuming food without paying attention to it, i.e., while watching a movie, series, or video, causes you to be oblivious to what or how much you are eating. You may subconsciously realize you have eaten something, but your brain does not register or feel satisfied with the food. Mindless eating makes you sense you are not getting enough to meet your needs.
- Inadequate sleep. Not getting enough sleep increases ghrelin, a hunger hormone made in the stomach.
Constant hunger due to medical conditions
Being constantly hungry can result from diseases or health conditions, including:
- Type 1 diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes lack insulin to usher glucose into cells, causing a lack of cellular glucose. Glucose can’t enter cells, remaining in the bloodstream, and will leak out through the urine. Ultimately, the body will demand more food.
- Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels may result from diabetes medications. Patients with hypoglycemia usually have confusion, slurred speech, and difficulty walking.
- Thyroid problems. The thyroid gland produces hormones that control the body’s metabolic rate. An overactive thyroid gland or hyperthyroidism causes fast heart rates, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, and thirst despite drinking water.
- Stress. Under stress or anxiety attacks, the body releases cortisol causing hunger. Stressful persons are likely to consume sugary and fatty food.
Hunger is a natural process when the body requires more energy. You may feel hungry after not having food for 2-3 hours. However, if you have a constant hunger not due to actual hunger or fasting, it is crucial to uncover the root causes and find solutions to prevent excessive eating.