There are lots of hormones which influence the function of GIT and body’s metabolism. Two of them are leptin and ghrelin.
Leptin is a peptide hormone produced by adipose tissue in our body that tells us to stop eating (diminish appetite). It’s usually self-regulating, but in case we keep taking food even though we are not hungry, the condition leptin resistance may appear in which we won’t feel full after meal and we’ll crave more foods. This condition can be reverted by exercise and recreation. Leptin also contributes to the secretion of insulin by the pancreas and increases the storage of body fat.
Ghrelin is a polypeptide hormone made in the stomach that stimulates the release of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. It is secreted when our stomach’s empty and it makes our stomach growl and it stimulates appetite. Hehe… So, it is actually a bad habit to skip meals. Our brain will tell us to eat even more. You need to fill up your stomach to prevent this ghrelin making your stomach singing.
Find more information about leptin and ghrelin on the Wikipedia.
References: Reader’s Digest 11/06, Taber’s
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