How to get rid of constant hunger

It happens that a hearty breakfast, lunch and even dinner do not bring the desired satisfaction, and you experience a constant feeling of hunger even after eating. Sometimes this desire is so strong that you are ready to give up on healthy diets, beauty, a spoiled figure and plunge into gastronomic excesses, not paying attention to the day outside the window or the night.

But this can’t go on for long, can it? This must be fought. Knowing the causes of gluttony will help you competently and effectively resist this temptation.

What provokes an uncontrollable desire to absorb food without stopping, not paying attention to the volumes eaten, and how to overcome it, read our article.

What is dyspepsia and its symptoms

Bloating. Quick satiety after eating. Belching. Nausea. Vomit. Constipation or diarrhea. All this can be combined under one concept: Dyspepsia!!!
Often, due to the modern pace of life, we take for granted one or more of the above symptoms. Referring to the fact that this happens to everyone, that the food was not right or that I ate at the wrong time, that I will now go to the pharmacy and buy a “saving” remedy for “everything.”

Indeed, symptoms of dyspepsia occur in many people, regardless of age and gender, lifestyle and diet. But this should not become habitual for each of us. You just have to address your complaints to a general practitioner or gastroenterologist, and not just to a pharmacy, and you can soon forget about all these problems.

How do you understand that a constant feeling of hunger after eating did not just appear?

Boris:

Excessive hunger, especially after eating, is a signal from the body that is trying to tell you that something is wrong with it. If symptoms are ignored for a long time, the damage may become irreversible. To avoid this, you can undergo genetic testing. This is especially true for people who, due to a lack of feeling of satiety, gain extra pounds. The study determines the presence of mutations in genes that regulate eating behavior. And the results indicate a risk of obesity and autoimmune diseases.

Types of dyspepsia

It should be noted that there are two types of dyspepsia : Organic and Functional .

Organic dyspepsia

If a person has diseases such as:

• stomach ulcer
• duodenal ulcer;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease;
• diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract;
• pancreatic diseases; liver diseases;
• malignant tumors of the stomach,
• malignant tumors of the pancreas,
• colon neoplasms;
• drug-induced damage to the digestive tract - for example, after the use of antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, due to alcohol consumption;
• diabetes;
• pathology of the thyroid gland, etc.

In these cases, we are talking about organic dyspepsia, that is, we have a clear problem that we must fight.

Functional dyspepsia

If, upon a detailed examination of the patient, we do not find a single obvious cause (i.e., none of the above diagnoses), and the person suffers from belching, bloating accompanied by pain, early satiety after eating, spontaneous (unexplained) vomiting, periodic constipation and /or diarrhea, then we can safely talk about the presence, in this situation, of functional dyspepsia .

There are two main clinical variants of Functional dyspepsia:

Painful form

Epigastric pain syndrome (i.e., in the upper abdomen), previously called the ulcer-like variant. With this option, there is pain or a burning sensation in the epigastric region, which occurs periodically. These pains are not localized in other parts of the abdomen and do not decrease after defecation (stool).

Dyskinetic form of dyspepsia

Dyskinetic variant - with this variant, approximately several times a week, after eating, when taking the usual amount of food, a feeling of fullness in the epigastric region or early satiety occurs.

These two syndromes can be combined and accompanied by nausea.

In both cases, the doctor can help the patient cope with this illness.

Wolf hunger: why you constantly want to eat

A good appetite is always associated with health. But only until it develops into a “wolf” one. If a person constantly wants to eat, even after the last crumb of a full meal has been eaten, then it’s time to think about the reasons for such an appetite.

Hunger and appetite are different concepts

Initially, you need to understand that the terms “hunger” and “appetite,” although very similar, are somewhat different concepts from a physiological point of view. Hunger is an objective reaction of the body to nutritional deficiency. It occurs several hours (usually 3 hours or more) after the last meal. With the help of hunger, the body requires replenishment of energy resources (food intake).

Increased appetite is a kind of protective mechanism that is triggered in the body in response to certain irritants. Most often, psychological factors or diseases serve as irritants. Thanks to increased appetite, the body tries to create reserves for a rainy day. Fat deposits begin to appear. If a person does not strive to satisfy the body’s needs, then a feeling of hunger arises. But this is not an objective reaction, but a false feeling.

People who have a constant good appetite should definitely visit a doctor. This sign can serve as a symptom of certain diseases.

Constant hunger: 5 harmless reasons

Almost all people experience the feeling of hunger from time to time. It can be caused by a variety of reasons. Moreover, in most cases they are completely harmless and easily eliminated.

Most often, hunger occurs in response to the following points.

Water scarcity

Dehydration can masquerade as hunger. The culprit of such an error is the brain, or rather its department - the hypothalamus. It is in this zone that the centers of thirst, satiety and hunger are located.

If hunger occurs a few minutes after eating, then most likely the body is suffering from dehydration. Drink a glass of water and listen to the sensations. Most often, hunger disappears completely.

Poor nutrition

Constant hunger can torment people who exhaust themselves with strict diets or practice unhealthy eating.

Basic diet mistakes:

1. Lots of fast carbohydrates. If a person overuses sweet cakes, donuts, candies, and cookies, then the feeling of hunger becomes his constant companion. All these foods contain simple carbohydrates, which are quickly broken down in the body, causing a sharp increase in blood glucose, and then an immediate decrease. Therefore, the body immediately requires replenishment of energy. A person feels hungry.
2. Protein deficiency. Protein-rich foods (fish, meat) take longer to break down than carbohydrates. In addition, they saturate the body better. People who are constantly faced with a feeling of hunger most often eat little protein foods.
3. Low fat. A complete rejection of fats (such extremes are often practiced by dieters) leads to hunger. However, when enriching the menu with fats, you need to observe moderation. It is better to give preference to products containing healthy omega-3-, 6 fatty acids.

An improper diet can lead to a constant feeling of hunger. If the intervals between meals are too long, then the person has time to become very hungry. In this case, by the time he eats, he simply has a voracious appetite.

Lack of sleep

With chronic lack of sleep in the body, the synthesis of ghrelin (the hormone responsible for appetite) increases. At the same time, the level of leptin (a hormone that provides a feeling of fullness) decreases. A person who lacks sleep usually feels a loss of strength. To compensate for the lack of energy, the body requires an additional portion of food.

Against the background of disturbances in the synthesis of hormones, a person can abuse food even when he is not hungry.

Taking medications

Sometimes increased appetite is completely independent of external factors (diet, lack of sleep, etc.). This feeling is practically impossible to correct on your own. In this case, the reasons should be sought in the pathological processes occurring in the body. To correctly diagnose the sources of the problem, you need to see a doctor.

The following diseases can provoke the appearance of a “wolfish” appetite:

1. Diabetes. With this pathology, glucose is not absorbed by cells. The body requires energy. Therefore, the patient's appetite is constantly increased.
2. Hyperthyroidism. This is a disease in which the thyroid gland synthesizes hormones in large quantities. This disorder is often accompanied by increased appetite. A person eats a lot, but continues to lose weight.
3. Helminthiasis. If there are parasites in the intestines, the patient constantly faces increased appetite. And no matter how much a person eats, he still does not gain weight.
4. Depression. Long-term stress can lead to depression. In this case, the feeling of hunger becomes constant.
5. Hyperphagia. Pathology is an eating disorder. A person abuses food (without experiencing a deficit in energy), because such a process gives pleasure. The causes of uncontrolled overeating are caused by mental disorders.

How to deal with the problem

If the causes of increased appetite are in no way related to diseases occurring in the body, then you can take control of your desire to constantly snack. To do this, you need to reconsider your lifestyle and completely change your attitude towards food.

The following tips will help:

1. Don't practice strict diets. The body perceives food restriction as a problem that needs to be dealt with. Therefore, he will begin to intensively demand energy, causing brutal hunger.
2. Stick to your diet. You shouldn't skip meals. This leads to increased appetite and constant overeating.
3. Get enough sleep. Be sure to set aside enough time for a night's rest. To avoid feeling tired and constantly hungry during the day, you need to sleep at least 8 hours a day.
4. Eat healthy. Eliminate sweets from your diet. Do not abuse alcohol (alcoholic drinks increase appetite and cause dehydration). Eat healthy if possible. Foods rich in fiber are very useful. They satisfy hunger for a long time. In addition, fiber improves digestion. To instantly satisfy your hunger, you can eat a non-starchy vegetable (for example, cucumber, cabbage).
5. Drink water. Drink enough water throughout the day. For those people who are constantly hungry, it is recommended to initially reduce their appetite by drinking a glass of water.
6. Avoid distracting devices. While eating, you should not read books, watch TV or look at messages on your phone. The more distractions, the higher the risk of overeating. And with it comes the appearance of increased appetite.
7. Avoid foods that increase your appetite. This category includes various sauces, seasonings, and marinades. These foods can excessively increase your appetite.

To cope with increased appetite without exposing yourself to hunger, it is best to consult a doctor. In addition to examining and finding out the causes of the problem, a specialist will help develop the right diet and, if necessary, advise a competent psychologist.

Prepared by O.S. Trotskaya, doctor of the CITL laboratory diagnostics.

Diagnosis of the causes of dyspepsia

To do this, you need to contact a general practitioner or gastroenterologist and undergo a comprehensive examination, which may include:

• clinical and biochemical blood test;
• coprogram;
• gastroscopy;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
• diagnosis of H. pylori;
• An X-ray examination of the stomach and duodenum may also be required.

Once the cause of your complaints has been identified, the doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy.

You can undergo all of the above diagnostic methods in our clinic. The International Center for Health Protection has a gastroenterology department. Patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are treated by an experienced, qualified gastroenterologist. We are always happy to help you!!!

Causes of lack of appetite

Pregnancy

Due to severe toxicosis and repeated painful bouts of vomiting, pregnant women in the first trimester often refuse food. In severe forms of the disease, even the smell and sight of food provokes vomiting, so women drink only water. It is possible to lose more than 5% of body weight in a few days and become severely dehydrated, which poses a danger to the health of the mother and child. Severe toxicosis is an indication for inpatient treatment.

Anorexia nervosa

Loss of interest in food and a sharp reduction in portions are typical already at the initial stage of the disease. The manifestations are caused by a pathological desire to lose weight and constant dissatisfaction with one’s body, even if there is no apparent reason for this. At first, a person may feel hungry, but prefers to maintain strict dietary restrictions. As anorexia progresses, the feeling of hunger disappears, and patients drink only water, tea or coffee for weeks.

Lack of appetite is combined with severe weakness, drowsiness, and loss of ability to work. All systems of the body suffer, metabolic processes are disrupted, therefore, when trying to force feed a patient with anorexia, he begins to vomit, and painful cramps appear in the abdomen. This condition is dangerous to health and life and requires qualified medical care.

Psychological problems

Appetite often decreases with depression, when there is a loss of motivation and interest in life, and a person becomes indifferent to what is happening. Many patients claim that they have ceased to feel the taste of foods. Frequent skipping of meals up to the point of starvation is typical. The symptom also develops during intense acute and chronic stress and emotional shock.

Infections

A short-term lack of appetite occurs in the acute period of all infectious diseases, which is caused by massive intoxication of the body with decay products of microbial cells and the accumulation of inflammatory mediators. During the entire febrile period, patients either completely refuse to eat, or eat light, low-fat meals (thin soups, cereals) a couple of times a day.

Appetite is restored after the temperature normalizes; during convalescence, an increased feeling of hunger is noted. In the chronic or latent course of infectious processes, lack of appetite occurs against the background of other symptoms: weakness and weakness for no reason, night sweats, periodic headaches and dizziness. The main infectious factors that cause loss of appetite:

• Respiratory diseases
  : influenza, infectious mononucleosis, adenovirus and rhinovirus infections.
• Intestinal infections
  : salmonellosis, dysentery, food poisoning.
• Liver damage
  : viral hepatitis, echinococcosis, alveococcosis.
• Sluggish processes
  : tuberculosis, brucellosis, HIV infection.

Intoxication

Lack or decreased appetite is caused by various reasons: poisoning with chemical compounds and toxic industrial products, endogenous intoxication (with uremia, liver failure). The symptom becomes a consequence of damage to the autonomic centers of the brain, a general serious condition. Aversion to food as a component of asthenic syndrome sometimes persists even after detoxification measures.

Gastrointestinal pathologies

Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are accompanied by signs of constant dyspepsia, which provoke a complete absence or decrease in appetite. Sometimes patients independently limit themselves in food, since after eating the intensity of the discomfort in the stomach usually increases. Characteristic is gradual weight loss and exhaustion of patients. The most typical causes from the gastrointestinal tract, causing complete or partial lack of appetite:

• Diseases of the gastroduodenal zone
  : hypoacid gastritis, peptic ulcer, duodenitis.
• Intestinal pathologies
  : chronic enteritis and enterocolitis, dysbiosis, bacterial overgrowth syndrome.
• Damage to the digestive glands
  : pancreatitis, toxic and autoimmune hepatitis.
• Functional disorders
  : dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome.

Endocrine diseases

Hormonal imbalances lead to changes in metabolic processes, a decrease in catabolic reactions, which is why appetite decreases or is lost. The symptom is characteristic of hypothyroidism. With this disease, patients eat significantly less, but do not lose weight, and sometimes, on the contrary, gain weight. There is also coldness and swelling of the skin, constant drowsiness, weakness, and apathy.

Similar symptoms occur with hypopituitarism - insufficient function of the pituitary gland. A decrease in the production of all regulatory hormones slows down metabolism and reduces a person’s need for food. Lack of hunger is associated with concomitant damage to the brain structures responsible for the formation of appetite. The combination of loss of desire to eat with a change in skin color to “bronze” is a typical manifestation of Addison's disease.

Tumors

A complete lack of appetite, which is accompanied by unmotivated weakness, lethargy, and weight loss, is a component of the “minor signs” syndrome in cancer pathology. At first, patients need less food to feel full, then the desire to eat disappears, and the frequency of meals is reduced to 1-2 times a day. Atypical eating habits appear, for example, stomach cancer is characterized by an aversion to meat products.

Rare causes

• Autoimmune processes
  : rheumatism, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma.
• Cardiovascular pathology
  : chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, infective endocarditis.
• Neurological disorders
  : senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, consequences of severe TBI.
• Mental illnesses
  : schizophrenia, bipolar disorder.
• Complications of pharmacotherapy
  : long-term use of cardiac glycosides, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs.

2. Causes of loss of appetite

Natural causes of loss of appetite may be intoxication, high body temperature, viral and infectious diseases, blood pressure fluctuations, the first trimester of pregnancy or the first days of menstruation in women, taking certain medications, and hot weather. It should be remembered that such reasons only temporarily reduce appetite, and the feeling of hunger should be restored after leaving these states.

As a rule, you should be concerned about loss of appetite if there are no apparent reasons for this, and you don’t feel like eating for a week or more. You should be especially careful about refusing to eat if there are accompanying disorders: loss of interest in favorite activities, decreased sex drive, sleep disturbances, absent-mindedness, unmotivated crying and irritability.

The cause of loss of appetite can be various diseases:

• cardiovascular;
• diseases of the digestive system;
• oncological;
• vegetative-vascular;
• endocrine;
• autoimmune;
• liver diseases;
• severe mental disorders and dementia;
• lack of vitamin B, zinc and other micro- and macroelements;
• elderly age.

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