Hunger or thirst? What are you feeling?

Why do we feel hungry when we are actually thirsty?

What are the classic symptoms of hunger?

-??????? Growling stomach

-??????? Headache

-??????? Feeling sluggish

-??????? Nausea

-??????? Dizziness

-??????? Irritability

But interestingly, these can also be signs of thirst! The reason we often confuse thirst with hunger is that the brain processes signals for both through similar pathways.

When you're hungry, your body produces more of the hunger hormone "ghrelin," which sends signals to the brain. This hormone also increases when you're dehydrated, triggering sensations similar to hunger. Stress can intensify this response, as your body sends stronger signals when you’ve gone too long without water, which we often misinterpret as hunger. How many times have you felt a sudden pang in your stomach and instinctively grabbed the first snack you could find, without thinking about reaching for water instead?

This habit of not staying properly hydrated may also contribute to unhealthy snacking.

What can you do about this?

• Don't wait to feel thirsty—make it a habit to drink water regularly, in small amounts, throughout the day.
• When you first feel hunger, resist the urge to grab a snack immediately. Try drinking water first, and keep a bottle handy.
• On busy days when you might miss meals, carry fruit or a salad with you and sip water to prevent extreme hunger or thirst.
• Be mindful of your body’s signals. Take a moment to pause and reflect before reaching for junk food like chips or cake.

These small changes to your routine can help you stay better hydrated and might even help you overcome your unhealthy snacking habits!

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