Hunger - As A Physical Condition

As A Physical Condition

The physical sensation of hunger is related to contractions of the stomach muscles. These contractions, sometimes called hunger pangs once they become severe, are thought to be triggered by high concentrations of the hormone Ghrelin. The hormones Peptide YY and Leptin can have an opposite effect on the appetite to ghrelin, causing the sensation of being full. Ghrelin can be released when blood sugar levels gets low; a condition which itself can result from going for long periods without eating. The stomach contractions resulting from hunger can be especially severe and painful in children and young adults. Hunger pangs can be made worse by irregular meals; people unable to reliably afford to eat more than once a day will sometimes refuse to eat one-off additional meals even if they get the opportunity, as if they have the extra meal and then dont eat at the around the same time on the next few days, they may suffer extra severe hunger pangs. Older people may feel less violent stomach contractions when they get hungry, but still suffer the secondary effects resulting from low food intake, which include weakness, irritability and decreased concentration. Prolonged lack of adequate nutrition also causes increased susceptibility to disease and reduced ability for the body to self heal.