Did you know that there are hormones that control hunger and satiety? They are responsible for giving a signal to our brain and informing us that we need energy and, therefore, we need to eat something. And they also inform us when we have enough food to continue the day.
They are ghrelin, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), cholecystokinin and oxyntomodulin. There are also hormones, leptin, estrogen and progesterone.
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Don't worry, there's no need to be scared by the number of names. Let's stick to what they do: they signal areas of the hypothalamus about the need to eat so that the body doesn't “shut down” due to lack of energy.
The main one is ghrelin, which is known as the “hunger hormone”. It begins to circulate in greater quantities in the blood approximately two hours after the main meals of the day. If the person doesn't eat, the hormone level only increases.
Furthermore, they also increase a lot during the night – which is why we feel hungry if we stay awake for a long time.
Now, let's get to satiety. When the stomach is full, ghrelin leaves the scene, making room for other gastrointestinal hormones, such as GLP-1, the oxyntomodulin, GIP, cholecystokinin and, mainly, leptin, which is known as “the hormone of satiety".
It tells the brain that we already have enough energy to avoid overeating.
In an interview with the Metrópoles website, endocrinologist Fábio Moura, director of the Society Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology (SBEM), stated that there are medications that control these hormones. However, there are natural ways to do it.
This involves changes in lifestyle and, mainly, in diet. Especially because, according to the doctor, foods rich in sugar and fat can disrupt the action of leptin.
So, the best way is to eat better, get quality sleep and, above all, control stress. This is because it is he who stimulates the production of cortisol, a hormone that can increase hunger and make us turn to foods rich in fat, sugar and sodium.
The endocrinologist, confirmed published by Metrópoles, recommends a diet rich in fibers and proteins, as these foods stimulate the production of leptin. It also suggests legumes, whole grains and even leafy vegetables.
Graduated in Social Communication from the Federal University of Goiás. Passionate about digital media, pop culture, technology, politics and psychoanalysis.
