How Understanding Your Body Can Help with Weight Management
Before we begin learning about the body as it relates to hunger, it is important to understand that hunger is a normal, natural, and healthy part of our daily functioning. We feel hungry when biological changes are occurring in the body. This lets us know you need fuel to maintain your energy. Hunger is controlled by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The main role of the hypothalamus is to keep the body in a state of homeostasis, which means a healthy and balanced bodily state.
The hypothalamus is the connector between the endocrine and the nervous systems, and this connection is how it communicates feelings of hunger to the body. The endocrine system is responsible for regulating bodily functions through hormones. For this reason, individuals with endocrine conditions might experience excessive hunger. One example of a condition like this is Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, in which the body overproduces thyroid hormones. When the body is creating an excess of thyroid hormones, the following issues can take a toll on your weight loss journey:
- Hyperactivity
- Insomnia
- Constant hunger
Another example of a condition that can cause extra hunger is hypoglycemia. This is an illness in which the blood sugar levels in the body are lower than normal. Low blood sugar levels can lead to an increase in appetite that persists even with proper nutrition. If you think you have Graves’ disease or hypoglycemia, it is important to pay a visit to your doctor and get to the bottom of your troublesome symptoms.
Common Causes of Constant Hunger
There are many factors that don’t have to do with hormonal imbalances or conditions that might lead to excessive hunger. Oftentimes, you can make simple lifestyle changes to keep those pesky hunger pangs at bay. Some of these changes might include:
-Intaking sufficient amounts of protein
-Getting enough sleep every night
-Cutting back on refined carbs
-Consuming more healthy fats
-Drinking enough water – around 8 glasses a day for most people
-Consuming enough fiber
-Avoiding excessive or obsessive exercise
-Avoiding excessive alcohol use
-Avoiding drinks that are high in calories such as sugary smoothies
-Maintaining healthy cortisol levels
What Is a Metabolic Assessment?
As part of our wellness services and programs at Soza Weight Loss, we provide metabolic assessments. The goal of a metabolic assessment is to help you make the most of your workout and to serve as a catalyst to your weight loss journey. During these assessments, we will determine how effectively your body is burning carbohydrates and fats. Even those who master the art of feeding their bodies properly will not see the results they want unless they understand how their bodies are burning fat. This is just one of the many ways that Soza Weight Loss is committed to making your weight loss journey successful and rewarding.
If you are interested in a metabolic assessment or would like to learn more about our other healthy living programs, call us at (504) 475-9817 or contact us online.