Ghrelin is commonly referred to as the "hunger hormone" because it stimulates appetite and increases the desire for food intake. This hormone also participates in energy production, supports digestion, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and has an anti-inflammatory role.

Regulating appetite

The stomach and small intestine are responsible for secreting ghrelin. This hormone signals the brain that the body needs energy, thereby promoting eating behavior. Ghrelin levels can rise when the stomach is empty, blood sugar is low, or during stress, among other factors.

Ghrelin is closely linked to body weight as it directly influences food intake. Unhealthy dieting can elevate ghrelin levels, leading to metabolic disorders and making sustainable weight loss more challenging.

Triggering growth hormone release

Ghrelin also stimulates the body to release human growth hormone (HGH). This hormone is crucial for development and metabolism, especially in children. Reduced ghrelin secretion can lead to HGH deficiency, resulting in developmental delays and increased risk of other physical issues in children.

Energy balance

Ghrelin plays a vital role in energy metabolism, helping the body generate energy from food and maintain overall energy balance. It also aids in storing energy as fat for later use.

Maintaining blood sugar levels

Ghrelin influences blood sugar regulation through various mechanisms. When hungry, ghrelin can raise blood sugar to provide energy and prevent hypoglycemia. It also helps inhibit insulin secretion, thereby limiting the amount of glucose absorbed by cells for storage or metabolism.

Reducing inflammatory responses

Ghrelin helps reduce inflammatory responses, protects internal organs, and promotes fat burning, contributing to stable body weight.

Certain conditions can increase ghrelin production, including excessive dieting, weight loss surgery, anorexia nervosa, and Prader-Willi syndrome, leading to prolonged elevated hormone levels. Lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, or poor sleep quality also impact ghrelin secretion.

To manage ghrelin levels, adults should increase their intake of lean protein from fish, eggs, poultry, and legumes. Adequate sleep and regular exercise for about 30 minutes daily, at least 5 days a week, also help regulate this hormone. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding overly restrictive diets are crucial in limiting adverse ghrelin fluctuations.

Anh Chi (According to Very Well Health)