Hunger and Appetite

Roz Burnham

Metabolic Clinical Nutrition

www.mysite.verizon.net/rozburnham

Hunger and Appetite

Experts feel that the majority of snacking and overeating is not due to true hunger. Biochemical imbalances in blood sugar, nutrient deficiencies and unbalanced neurotransmitters may produce a false sense of hunger or an excessive appetite.

Blood glucose levels need to be steadily maintained in the range of 80-100. A glucose meter can indicate what your blood sugar result is at any time you check blood sugar. When sugars and refined carbohydrates are frequently consumed, the blood sugar will fluctuate from high to low in a short period of time. Low blood sugar will trigger cravings for more sugars and starches, leading to a continual upset in the blood glucose levels and an increase in hunger and sugar cravings.

Deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and amino acids cause the body chemistry to be upset and can lead to food cravings and overeating.

Diets high in refined carbs or sugars and low in protein are deficient in vital nutrients. This causes an increase in appetite, as the body is seeking to replace missing nutrients.

Stress, tension, boredom, depression and anxiety all increase the desire to snack on empty calorie and comfort foods for temporary relief.

Emotional eating can occur to fill an emotional void in one’s life by

calming anxiety and dulling emotions of fear, loss or anger. Comfort foods alleviate uncomfortable feelings, but only for a short time. When these emotions resurface, the food cravings will reappear and the cyclic reaction to eat again will continue.

Neurotransmitters are chemical signals made by the brain and nervous system which govern energy, appetite, moods, cravings, stress and sleep. Unbalanced or deficient brain chemicals can upset the hunger and appetite center of the brain causing food cravings and binges.

Serotonin is made from the amino acid of L- tryptophan which calms, relaxes and induces sleep and deep rest. Stress increases the desire for more simple carbohydrates to calm the nervous system.

Dopamine is made from L-Tyrosine and increases alertness, energy and motivation. The supplement L-tyrosine and a high protein diet increase this mentally uplifting neurotransmitter.