ALBAWABA - Always feeling hungry can be attributed to various factors, according to nutrition expert Rob Hobson. Insufficient sleep, stress, chronic tension, mindless snacking, the use of antidepressant medications, and adopting an unhealthy diet are among the key reasons.
Hobson underscores the importance of getting enough sleep, as a lack of sleep can trigger an increase in appetite. Adequate sleep at night plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance of hormones that regulate appetite. Furthermore, chronic stress can lead to someone to feeling hungry more often.
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Stress activates the release of adrenaline initially, suppressing the desire to eat or causing one to forget about food entirely. However, with repeated exposure to stress, the body enters a "fight or flight" mode, leading to the secretion of cortisol (stress hormone). This results in an increase in the hunger hormone ghrelin and a decrease in the satiety hormone leptin, disrupting insulin levels in the bloodstream.
Antidepressant medications may also contribute to someone feeling hungry, although not directly. It is often a combination of factors such as lifestyle and habits that play a role. Antidepressants may affect the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is involved in regulating mood. This interference can impact appetite control, resulting in increased hunger.
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Mindless snacking due to boredom is another reason for the constant feeling of hunger. Consuming snacks frequently can perpetuate the cycle of hunger, leading to a relentless desire to eat.
Hobson emphasizes that adopting a vegetarian and plant-based diet, which primarily consists of vegetables, grains, nuts, and fruits, can contribute to persistent hunger. Such a diet may lack essential nutrients and animal proteins that take longer to digest, helping to suppress appetite for a longer duration.
It is crucial to be mindful of these reasons for constant hunger and make appropriate dietary and lifestyle choices to address the issue. Ensuring adequate sleep, managing stress effectively, being mindful of snacking habits, considering the side effects of medications, and maintaining a well-rounded diet that includes necessary nutrients and protein sources can contribute to a more balanced and satisfying approach to eating.
