How hungry you feel in the morning can be a matter of dehydration, over- or under-eating the night before, what you ate the night before and how well you slept — all things you can remedy.
During the night, a continual drop in your blood glucose stimulates the release of counter-regulatory hormones, leading to stimulation of your appetite centers. Unless you get up in the middle of the night to satisfy your appetite, you will be hungry upon arising in the morning.
Stomach pains are a normal response to hunger. Although they may signal a need for food, it is possible to experience hunger pangs in response to other situations, including dehydration, sleep loss, and anxiety. Hunger pains rarely need medical attention, as they usually go away once food is eaten.
Ghrelin is a hormone produced by your stomach. Other parts of your body, such as your brain, small intestine and pancreas, also release small amounts of ghrelin. Often known as the “hunger hormone,” ghrelin has numerous functions in addition to telling your brain you're hungry.
What are the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Polyphagia (hyperphagia) is a feeling of extreme, insatiable hunger. It's a common sign of diabetes, but it can have other medical causes, such as hyperthyroidism and atypical depression. It's important to see a healthcare provider if you're experiencing polyphagia.
“I recommend snacking on a combination of foods that contain fiber, lean protein, and some heart-healthy fats,” says Takamura. “These nutrients provide a more stable release of energy versus a sugary snack that can cause a 'rush' after consumption.” Some quick and easy snacks include: Greek yogurt.
The first warning signs of stomach tumors are often subtle and easily mistaken for indigestion, including persistent heartburn, indigestion, feeling full quickly, abdominal pain/discomfort, unexplained weight loss, nausea or vomiting, and changes in appetite, but these symptoms can also signal less serious conditions, so see a doctor if they persist or worsen.
If you have diabetes and wake up very thirsty, starving, cranky, and with an urgent need to pee, it may be because your blood sugar soared during the early morning hours. The reason for this rise in your levels could be the dawn phenomenon, which affects more than 50% of all people with diabetes at one time or another.
Early signs of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting undigested food, feeling full quickly (early satiety) or full for a long time, bloating, abdominal pain, heartburn, and poor appetite, often leading to weight loss, though symptoms vary and can be mild. These symptoms signal delayed stomach emptying, making it hard to eat normally, and can also cause blood sugar fluctuations.
Causes may include:
Signs of Fast Metabolism
The two hormones most closely associated with energy homeostasis leading to sensations of hunger and satiety are ghrelin and leptin. Any shift in the delicate balance between ghrelin and leptin drastically affects our body's ability to regulate energy demands and storage, leading to pathophysiology.
Dehydration: Paradoxically, feeling thirsty more often can lead to increased hunger. Dehydration can trick your body into thinking it needs more food, even if it just needs more fluids.
If you develop abdominal mass symptoms, they may include:
The abdominal CT scan may show some cancers, including:
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
Here's how to break the cycle: Get enough sleep by setting healthy sleep habits. Eat regular meals and choose a healthy, balanced diet. Minimize sugar intake.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C, D, iron, and magnesium, are among the most common causes of unexplained fatigue. Vitamin D deficiencies affect over 50% of the global population, and approximately 12.5% have iron deficiency anemia.
Symptoms of hyperglycaemia
Ten key warning signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, unexplained weight loss, tingling/numbness in hands or feet, frequent infections, and sometimes dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), all indicating high blood sugar levels needing medical attention.
The 4 Ps of diabetes – polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and sometimes a fourth P – are key signs of high blood sugar. These symptoms have been known for centuries as signs of diabetes mellitus. Learning about the history of these symptoms helps us understand their importance.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.