Do you feel like your appetite and hunger levels fluctuate over time? Our appetite and hunger levels are directly connected to our digestive process, our brains, and the food we consume. The food we consume is converted into energy that is later used by our body for mostly all of the processes it has to undergo. Due to this connection, our bodies need food to function and therefore will send a signal to your body when it is in need of these nutrients.
Hunger is often associated with symptoms such as a rumbling stomach, potential dizziness, emotional changes, and/or nausea depending on the severity of the hunger. Your body’s ability to signal hunger to your brain is taken on by a number of different systems including the nervous system, stomach, pancreas, and the intestinal tract.
Ghrelin and leptin are two of the hormones associated with hunger. Ghrelin, which is produced by the stomach, is responsible for sending signals to your body that you are in need of food by increasing appetite and gastric acid secretion. Whereas leptin, which is produced by fat cells, is released when your body does not require sustenance any longer and will therefore pause hunger signals.
So, how do appetite and hunger work together and how might they differ?
The Difference Between Appetite and Hunger and Why It Is Important To Know The Difference
Hunger and appetite are often confused for each other but it is important to understand and be able to identify the difference. As discussed, hunger occurs when our bodies are in need of nutrients and sustenance which can be derived from the food we consume, whereas appetite relates to your body’s impulse to want to consume a food even if it does not necessarily need the nutrients or energy at the time.
For example, have you ever finished a generous sized meal to the point of fatigue only to feel inclined to reach for that extra appetizer at the last second? This is not your body signaling hunger but rather an appetite for the food or potentially something associated with the food such as emotions. Hunger is a bodily reaction that is required for us to understand our needs. On the other hand, appetite is often a reaction to a certain emotion, external factor, or simply the desire to consume whatever is in front of us. For many, this is clear when it comes to dessert time. While you might feel full from your dinner or lunch, you always seem to find room for the dessert. This is not due to your hunger levels, but rather your appetite.
Despite the distinction between hunger and appetite, sometimes it can be challenging to understand which one you might be experiencing in a certain moment. If you think you struggle with identifying the difference, here are some ways to take control of your perception.
Ways to Identify If You Are Experiencing an Increase In Hunger or Appetite
- Take Note of Your Body’s Cues - Your body and its reactions are a great indicator of what is going on internally. If you have the general bodily reactions that are commonly associated with hunger, take note of that. Also, take note of how you might be feeling emotionally. Appetite levels rely heavily on our emotions and it is different for everyone. For example, some people who are feeling depressed or anxious might find that their appetite levels decrease whereas for other people this might drive them to participate in emotional overeating. In a similar fashion, when someone is happy or excited they might feel too emotional to eat or so excited they want to consume all the food in the world. Keep a diary of all of your reactions — both physical and emotional reactions.
- Become Familiar With Your Body’s Needs - We live with our bodies and its needs day in and day out, and yet, so many of us are so disconnected from its usual cues and desires. Take some time to identify your body’s usual needs when it comes to eating. This can also connect to your digestive system. For some, it can be hard to digest big meals at a time leading to digestive complications that can make it challenging for us to feel inclined to eat. If this sounds like you, consider eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day so that your body is consistently getting that energy it needs and your hunger levels are being met. After a while of observation, you will be better able to understand the amount of time between each meal and how much food your body generally needs to thrive.
Ways To Balance Out Your Appetite and Hunger Levels For Better Digestion
Our digestive tract is heavily impacted by what we consume and how we consume it. Our digestive system requires us to understand and respect our appetite and hunger levels to avoid complications such as bloating, constipation, or stomach pain.
The relationship between digestion and hunger/appetite levels all boils down to the connection between our brains and our guts. This gut-brain axis requires us to take care of both our emotional and physical health to thrive.
As mentioned above, our emotions greatly impact our appetite levels and can lead us into thinking we are experiencing hunger when we are not. Our emotions can even push us to the point of ignoring our hunger levels if left unmanaged. That is why it is crucial to implement mental support activities in your day-to-day routine. Find the activities that help you feel centered, at peace, and positive. Also be sure to identify the activities that are negatively impacting your mental health and work to eliminate them from your life.
Poor nutrient absorption can also contribute to high hunger levels. When your body is not properly getting the nutrients it needs despite the fact that you are eating meals, it will start to signal hunger to your body. A digestive supplement for bloating that contains gut health enzymes such as Sexy & Slim can help support nutrient absorption and in turn balance out your hunger levels.