How much you weigh depends on your hormones because they shape how much you eat and the amount of fat that your body retains. You can positively affect these hormones by making some simple changes to your lifestyle.
Insulin
Insulin is manufactured by beta cells in the pancreas. It controls how much fat is stored and how much is used for energy. Lack of insulin and increased levels of insulin can cause a variety of issues.
You can stabilize the level of insulin in your body by cutting down on sugar and following a diet that is low in carbs but high in protein. You should also ensure that you work out consistently. Consuming green tea also helps.
Leptin
Released by the fat cells, this hormone lets your brain know when you’ve had enough to eat. If this signal does not get through, your brain doesn’t realize that you’ve gained enough energy and you continue to feel hungry.
Eat foods that prevent inflammation and get some exercise every day. Stick to a proper sleep schedule as lack of sleep can reduce leptin levels.
Ghrelin
Also called the ‘hunger hormone’, the stomach uses ghrelin to let you know that you are hungry. Right after you’ve eaten, ghrelin levels will be really low. When the level doesn’t decrease, you don’t know when you should stop. Stay away from sugary beverages and ensure that all your meals contain a lot of protein.
Cortisol
The adrenal glands release cortisol whenever you are stressed. But when cortisol levels are always high, it can make you overeat and put on weight. Studies show that those who carry a lot of fat on the hips and thighs have high levels of cortisol whenever they feel stress. The best thing to do is to have a well-rounded diet which is not too low in calories. Try to do activities that reduce stress like meditation, listening to music and resting.
Estrogen
It is a vital female sex hormone as it causes the secondary sexual characteristics of a woman to emerge. When estrogen levels are increased or decreased, the body puts on weight. Consuming lots of fiber can decrease the amount of estrogen produced. Regular exercise also works.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY)
The cells belonging to the brain and the nervous system produce this hormone which makes you feel hungry, especially for carbs. It is produced in higher amounts when a person is stressed and causes binge eating. A high-protein diet, regular meals, and consuming soluble fires can help reduce the levels of NPY.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)
When food goes into the lower digestive tract, it produced GLP-1. This hormone stabilizes blood sugar and decreases your appetite. Ensure that your diet as lots of protein by eating foods like fish and yogurt. Add plenty of leafy greens and probiotics and this will increase GLP-1 levels.
Cholecystokinin (CCK)
This hormone is very similar to GLP-1 and those who have high levels of it usually see a decrease in appetite. This also requires lots of protein and healthy fats like the fat found in fish. CCK levels rise when you ingest a lot of fiber.
Peptide YY (PYY)
This hormone is also produced by the gut and helps reduce appetite. Follow a diet which contains very little carbs and lots of organic food. Consume lots of protein and fiber.
