05/25/2024
Great read explaining how the foods we eat can regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. If you’re trying to lose weight, definitely check this out!
Did you know that the foods we each can also influence appetite? Ghrelin and leptin are hormones that act as chemical messengers, working together to regulate the body’s hunger and fullness cues. Ghrelin stimulates appetite and promotes the sensation of hunger, while leptin signals feelings of satiety and fullness. Regulating these two hormones is key for healthy hunger levels.
Protein increases leptin sensitivity and reduces ghrelin levels. Fiber slows digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. If blood sugar levels drop rapidly, the body produces more ghrelin, which increases the sensation of hunger. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and enhance leptin sensitivity. Foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and proteins can help you feel full for longer. Magnesium aids in hormone regulation by supporting insulin function, while L-glutamine helps reduce ghrelin and supports gut health. A diet rich with these nutrients can help prevent an imbalance of ghrelin and leptin while a diet rich in processed foods can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels.
Do you notice your appetite changing in response to different dietary patterns?
Interested in learning more about the relationship between nutrition and anxiety? Order my new book Calm Your Mind with Food today! To learn even more about the gut brain connection and the foods that fight many other mental health conditions, don’t forget to read my first book, This Is Your Brain on Food and subscribe to my weekly MOOD FOODS newsletter, both at the link in my bio.
