The desire to consume food is the worst enemy of any person who follows a diet. But healthy hunger is a signal that your body needs “fuel” to function properly. And in this case, this fuel is food. If you have missed a meal, then hunger is a completely natural reaction of your body. But if you feel hungry shortly after eating, this is not a good sign. Here are the most common reasons why you constantly feel hungry.
1.Poor sleep
Poor sleep leads to hormonal imbalance. Even if you haven’t slept well one night, it can lead to increased levels of ghrelin (a hormone that stimulates appetite), as well as decreased levels of leptin (a hormone that causes satiety).
2. High levels of stress
When we are under stress, cortisol levels in our body increase. In fact, cortisol makes us crave sugar and high-fat foods.
3. Thyroid problems Excessive hunger is also associated with hyperthyroidism – a common disease affecting the thyroid gland, which means that it is overactive. When thyroid hormone levels are too high, the body’s vital functions are accelerated and you burn energy faster than expected. This explains the increased desire to consume food.
4. Low blood sugar
Low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia means that the glucose in your body has dropped to a very low level. This condition provokes constant hunger. Our brain needs energy to function, and glucose is the fuel it needs. So when your blood sugar goes down, so does your brain activity. Then the brain begins to send signals that the body needs fuel, which is why you begin to feel hungry.
5. Diabetes Type 1 and 2
diabetes can cause frequent bouts of hunger. Under normal circumstances, the body converts sugar from food into a fuel called glucose. But if you have diabetes, the sugar in the food you eat may not get into your tissues. This is the reason you feel constant hunger.
6. Infection with parasites
Sometimes excessive hunger, even shortly after eating, can be a telltale sign of parasite infestation. Worms, especially tapeworms and pinworms, can live in your body for a long time without suspecting their existence.
7. Premenstrual syndrome
Women who are about to menstruate may also notice an increased appetite. Ongoing hormonal changes in the body that occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle and disappear within 1 to 2 days after its onset and can make you feel hungry all the time.
8. Pregnancy
Many expectant mothers experience an increased appetite, which is not bad. In fact, increasing the appetite ensures that the baby gets enough nutrients to grow. It is normal to gain about 4 to 6 pounds in the first trimester, then 1 pound per week in the second and third trimesters.
9. Dehydration
When the body is chronically dehydrated, you may feel constant hunger. In fact, many people even confuse thirst with hunger.
10. Drinking alcohol
A glass of wine or beer with dinner can also be a reason why you constantly feel hungry. Drinking alcohol causes an increase in the hormone ghrelin, which causes a feeling of hunger, even if your stomach is full.