Ghrelin in Intermittent Fasting: Benefits Beyond Reducing Obesity
Ghrelin in Intermittent Fasting: Benefits Beyond Reducing Obesity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32870/e-cucba.vi25.387Keywords:
Ghrelin, intermittent fasting, obesity, orexigenic hormonesAbstract
Ghrelin is a hormone produced by the stomach, especially after prolonged periods without eating. It is known as the “hunger hormone” because it signals the brain that it is time to seek food. When we eat, ghrelin levels decrease, helping to regulate appetite. Intermittent fasting is a dietary pattern that alternates periods of eating with periods of fasting. This eating approach not only helps reduce caloric intake but also influences the body’s hormones, including ghrelin. During fasting, the body adapts and ghrelin levels gradually adjust downward. In individuals with obesity, ghrelin levels are dysregulated, which can lead to increased food cravings and difficulty in weight management. Intermittent fasting can help normalize this hormone and improve metabolism, thereby facilitating weight loss. Beyond regulating hunger, intermittent fasting enhances insulin sensitivity, promotes fat oxidation, and may reduce inflammation. Altogether, these effects make it a valuable natural strategy for combating obesity; however, it is advisable to do so with the guidance of healthcare professionals such as endocrinologists, nutritionists, and other specialists to ensure that it is safe and appropriate.
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