Our bodies are complex machines that require a variety of nutrients to function properly. From the food we eat to the water we drink, every substance that enters our body affects our health in some way.

But how does our body know what nutrients it needs, and how does it communicate this information to us?.

Introducing the Hunger Hormones

The first line of communication between our bodies and our brains is a group of hormones known as ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone” because it signals to our brain when we are hungry and need to eat.

Leptin, on the other hand, is known as the “satiety hormone” because it tells our brain when we are full and don’t need to eat anymore.

These hormones work in conjunction with each other to keep our hunger and fullness signals in balance. When we haven’t eaten in a while, our ghrelin levels increase, which signals to our brain that it’s time to eat.

Once we start eating, our stomach begins to stretch and releases leptin, which tells our brain that we’re beginning to feel full. This feedback loop helps us regulate our food intake and keep our bodies in balance.

The Importance of Nutrient-Dense Foods

While ghrelin and leptin are important for regulating hunger and fullness, they don’t tell us what specific nutrients our body needs.

To get that information, we need to look at the types of foods that our body craves and the symptoms we experience when we don’t get enough of certain nutrients.

For example, if we’re craving salty foods, it could be a sign that our body is low on sodium. If we’re craving sweet foods, it could be a sign that our body is low on glucose.

By understanding our cravings and the symptoms we experience when we don’t get enough of certain nutrients, we can better understand what our body needs and make sure we’re getting the right nutrients from our food.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies

There are several nutrients that are commonly deficient in the Western diet, including:.

Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium

Symptoms of these deficiencies can include fatigue, weak bones, frequent infections, and poor wound healing.

By paying attention to these symptoms and ensuring that we’re getting enough of these nutrients from our diet, we can keep our bodies healthy and functioning properly.

Listening to Our Bodies

Ultimately, the best way to ensure that we’re getting the right nutrients is to listen to our bodies.

By paying attention to our hunger and fullness signals, our cravings, and the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, we can better understand what our body needs and make sure we’re getting the right nutrients from our food. Additionally, it’s important to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods to ensure we’re getting all the nutrients our body needs for optimal health.

Conclusion

Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, telling us what they need to function properly.

By understanding our hunger and fullness signals, our cravings, and the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, we can better understand what our body needs and make sure we’re getting the right nutrients from our food. With this knowledge, we can keep our bodies healthy and functioning properly.