Constant Feeling of Hunger Might Actually be Hiding Some Diseases!

Specialist from Yeditepe University’s Kozyatağı Hospital. Dietiitian Buket Ertaş Sefer pointed out that there may be different reasons behind the feeling of constant hunger which most people experience instead of “real hunger” and added that these reasons should be investigated thoroughly.

Stating that the physical appearance ideals imposed by society, wrong diets and long-term unnecessary hunger periods are among the reasons that increase unnecessary eating attacks in periods when people are not on a diet, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Dietician and Phytotherapy Expert Dietetitian added that, "The constant desire to eat is a situation that we unfortunately observe in a part of the society. While some hungers really occur physiologically at the moment of need, some false hungers can only be psychological."

Underlining that the reason for the hunger must be analysed thoroughly and solutions aimed at its reason need to be created, Expert Dietetitian from Yeditepe University’s Kozyatağı Hospital said that; “Am I really hungry, or do I want to eat only to make myself happy? Am I really hungry or do I need a crown jewel for my current happiness? Am I really hungry or is this only a habit? If the answers to these questions show that you are physiologically hungry then there is no problem. It would be beneficial to eat but if you had eaten just yet, if you keep getting hungry, then there might be another underlying reasons to it.”

Insulin Metabolism Disorder

Pointing out that when we observe the world generally, the feeling of constant hunger is widely seen and its prevelance keeps on increasing, Exp. Dietititian said that problems related to diabetes might be an underlying cause to this: "In cases such as insulin resistance, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, if the person is not aware that he is sick or does not use his medications regularly, the hunger-satiety mechanisms may not be regulated. In this case, a feeling of constant hunger may be experienced. For this reason, it is useful for people who experience a constant feeling of hunger to consult an endocrinologist even if they do not have a diagnosed problem."

Not Having Enough Calories in Meals

Explaining that people who want to lose weight or want to control weight may also experience a feeling of hunger due to not taking enough calories, Exp. Dyt. gave the following information on the subject: "In this case, when trying to be careful with what you eat, you may not be feeding yourself and your cells enough. When you can't create the right menu for yourself, you may naturally have the desire to eat more often. Therefore, what is important in the period of dieting should be to take the right food and the right amount at the right time. Otherwise, you may not only experience constant hunger, but also different health problems due to malnutrition."

Not Drinking Enough Water

Exp. Dyt.  said "Research shows that insufficient water intake affects the hunger mechanism," and added: "Although drinking water is actually as important a need as eating, it is always neglected. Moreover, in cases where there is a feeling of hunger, sometimes the main need is water. Therefore, when the feeling of hunger comes, it is necessary to try to drink water first. In addition, it is necessary to observe that you are drinking enough water during the day."

Disorders in Thyroid Metabolism

Pointing out that in cases of hyperthyroidism, which is the excessive activity of thyroid hormones, the person may often experience a feeling of hunger because the metabolic rate increases and the need for energy increases, Exp. Dyt. continued: "Therefore, those who have complaints such as heart palpitations, weight loss, high blood pressure, swollen thyroid gland should consult an endocrinologist as soon as possible"

Having a Diet Low on Fiber

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital’s Specialist Dyt. reminded that to prevent the sudden rise of blood sugar also meant to prevent its sudden fall, added that hunger can also be kept under control when blood sugar is kept in balance. Sefer explained that the presence of fibered (pulped) foods in meals will be of great benefit in providing this. She continued her words as follows: "Preferring pulpy foods will prolong the time the stomach remains full and this would suppress the desire to eat quickly. Vegetables, whole grain products, and legumes are some of the high-fiber foods. Neglecting vegetables, in particular, can lead to rapid hunger."

Inadequate Protein Intake

Pointing out that not taking foods with high protein content which meet the long-term satiety goal as well as their nutritional properties in sufficient quantities is one of the factors that can create a feeling of constant hunger, Exp. Dyt.. concluded her words as follows: "Proteins are the group whose digestion is the slowest among the food groups. Since they do not affect blood sugar as much as carbohydrates, they do not create an insulin imbalance. Vegetable proteins such as eggs, fat-free red meat, cheese, yogurt, fish, white meat, dried legumes are important protein sources that must be included in our weekly meal planning. So if you're constantly feeling hungry, one of the factors you can look at is whether you have enough protein on your daily diet."