Increased appetite is a problem that affects more and more Ukrainians. There can be many reasons for increased appetite. One of the methods of combating it can be herbs that suppress the appetite.
Causes of increased appetite.
A large, uncontrollable appetite can be the result of so-called emotional hunger. It consists in “eating” stress, deterioration of well-being or failures. Food here acts as a “comforter” and a “mood enhancer”. Emotional eaters tend to reach for foods high in sugar and fat (e.g., sweets, fast food, chips, sticks, crackers, ice cream, cakes). Their consumption stimulates the brain to release dopamine, the hormone responsible for feelings of pleasure. Unfortunately, emotional eating only brings relief for a moment and then leaves you feeling guilty.
Another reason for increased appetite can be restrictive diets for weight loss repeatedly used throughout life. Starvation, the same diets that exclude many nutrients, cause huge metabolic disorders in the human body. This is also expressed in a violation of the feeling of hunger and satiety. In people who lose weight in an unhealthy way throughout their lives, this feeling can be disturbed, leading to bouts of hunger.
Another, very dangerous cause of hunger attacks can be eating disorders associated with the so-called wolf hunger and gluttony. It is about bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating syndrome. Such attacks consist of consuming large amounts of food and calories (e.g., more than 5,000 calories) followed by an attempt to get rid of them (exercise, purging, inducing vomiting in bulimia nervosa) or occur without these attempts (as in binge-eating). Both disorders are extremely dangerous and require immediate consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Herbs to reduce appetite – which should be used?
Herbs that should be used to reduce appetite: white mulberry, raspberry leaves, dandelion root.
White mulberry can be consumed in the form of leaf tea, tablets based on infusions and leaf extracts, juices. White mulberry helps regulate blood sugar levels, thereby reducing appetite, especially for sweet and sugary foods. Especially healing effect of the use of mulberry leaf infusion: 1 g of dry mulberry leaves should be poured with 100 ml of water and infused for about 5 minutes, after which drink.
Infusion of raspberry leaves helps reduce the level of glucose and cholesterol in the blood, thereby reducing appetite. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antipyretic properties. It is also used to rinse the mouth and throat in case of inflammation. The infusion is prepared by pouring one teaspoon of dry boiling water into a glass, insisting for 5–8 minutes and straining.
Dandelion infusion also regulates blood sugar. In addition, it has a laxative, diuretic and strengthening effect on the body’s immunity. The daily permissible dose of dried dandelion roots or leaves is 4-10 g, and about 50 g of fresh raw materials. According to the British Pharmacopoeia, you can eat 0.5-2 g of dried roots every day. In order to prepare an infusion of the root, pour 2 tablespoons of the raw material into 500 ml of water, then boil for 10 minutes. Leave the resulting drink for 10 minutes and strain. Drink 2–3 times a day before meals.
Dietary fiber is also effective in reducing appetite. It absorbs water in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing its volume and thus giving a greater feeling of satiety. Good sources of dietary fiber are: vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, pods.
This article is for informational purposes only, at sovetplus.com we are not authorized to prescribe any treatment or make any diagnosis. We encourage you to consult your doctor if you experience any type of condition or discomfort.
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