{"id":8666,"date":"2019-07-24T05:35:51","date_gmt":"2019-07-24T05:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=8666"},"modified":"2021-04-21T15:47:58","modified_gmt":"2021-04-21T15:47:58","slug":"14-possible-causes-of-polyphagia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-possible-causes-of-polyphagia\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Possible Causes of Polyphagia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Increased appetite or excessive hunger can be a sign of several different diseases. The medical term for this is polyphagia. Polyphagia is known to be one of the three main signs that a person may have developed diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, an increase in appetite is a normal response to something normal such as strenuous activity or intensive exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, an intense increase in appetite or hunger that does not go away no matter how much you eat can be a sign that there is a more severe issue going on within the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have noticed that you have had an increase in appetite that is not the result of being physically active, it is a good idea to discuss this symptom with your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 8 possible causes of polyphagia to consider as well as when you should seek medical advice for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a person is exposed to an increased amount of stress, the stress hormone known as cortisol is released into the body. Cortisol <\/a>helps to prepare the body to deal with whatever is causing the stress by signaling for the release of glucose into the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the extra source of energy is not used by the body through physical activity, the body will then flood the bloodstream with insulin in order to remove the extra glucose from the blood. This can result in a person experiencing low blood sugar, which then results in a person feeling hungry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this occurs often enough it is referred to as polyphagia. One of the best ways to alleviate polyphagia is to make sure that you find ways to reduce stress. Exercise, personal care, and meditation are all great ways to alleviate stress and reduce the risk of developing polyphagia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Hyperthyroidism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the thyroid becomes overactive it is referred to as hyperthyroidism<\/a>. The thyroid gland is responsible for releasing hormones known as T3 and T4. These hormones are needed in order to regulate metabolism and protein synthesis. They also help to keep levels of energy up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heat intolerance, increased heart rate, weight loss, and frequent bowel movements. Hyperthyroidism can also cause the body to use up energy faster than it normally would. This can cause a person to feel hungry quite often, resulting in the person developing polyphagia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for hyperthyroidism can be difficult but is often done using radioactive iodine. This treatment may cause a person to develop hypothyroidism, which is the opposite of hyperthyroidism and requires medication to help regulate the production of hormones from the thyroid. If you are experiencing intense hunger, having your thyroid tested by a medical professional is recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Type 1 Diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A person suffering from diabetes <\/a>may experience many symptoms as a result of their blood sugar is out of balance. Polyphagia is one of the three main symptoms of type 1 diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyuria and polydipsia are the two other main symptoms of this disease. With type 1 diabetes a person\u2019s body does not produce insulin. In type 2 diabetes the body does not use the insulin that it does produce efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insulin is a hormone that is released by the pancreas and is used to transport blood sugars to the cells of the body. The cells use this glucose as a form of energy as well as for cellular function. When insulin is not properly used by the body, the blood sugars will leave the body as a waste product instead of being used for energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This leads to a low blood sugar level combined with the desire to constantly eat. A balanced diet combined with exercise can help to control and maintain blood sugar levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Sleep Deprivation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a few different ways that sleep deprivation may occur. It can be caused by a partial or complete lack of rest. Sleep apnea<\/a> refers to individuals who stop breathing during their sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The body will wake up in order to continue to breathe. Snoring and gasping for air during sleep are two of the most common signs of sleep apnea. Insomnia refers to a lack of sleep altogether. Poor quality sleep can also cause a person to become sleep deprived. In all of these cases, a person does not get the high quality sleep that they need. This can affect the body\u2019s production of hormones that help regulate hunger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When these hormones are not functioning properly, an individual becomes more susceptible to polyphagia. For this reason, it is important to make sure that you are getting a sufficient amount of sleep as not only can polyphagia develop, but other health issues may arise as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Hypoglycemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hypoglycemia <\/a>occurs when a person has low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia most often occurs in individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, anyone can develop hypoglycemia at any time. It occurs when there is a sudden drop of sugar in the blood. It can make a person develop a headache, feel dizzy, and not be able to concentrate. A person may also start to sweat, become chilled, and possibly start to shake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, changes to the personality may occur. If you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia often, it is a good idea to visit your doctor in order to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controlling your blood sugar levels through diet and exercise can help to alleviate these symptoms and keep your body healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypoglycemia can become quite dangerous if it is not properly treated, which is why seeking the advice of a doctor is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Premenstrual Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS <\/a>causes changes in hormones in a woman\u2019s body. These changes are associated with a woman\u2019s menstrual cycle. Many women find that they become extremely hungry during this time. The reason for this is because during this time there is an increase in the amount of progesterone and estrogen being produced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a decrease in the amount of serotonin produced in the body. This increase in these particular hormones combined with the decrease in serotonin production can cause a woman to have cravings for fats and carbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the other symptoms associated with PMS include mood swings, fatigue, gassiness, diarrhea, and bloating. Symptoms of polyphagia during this time of a woman\u2019s menstrual cycle is quite normal and typically nothing to be concerned about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the feelings are extremely intense and the symptoms are great, it might be worth discussing with your doctor or Obgyn to see if there is a medication that may help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One cause that you should consider if you are suffering from polyphagia is the diet <\/a>that you are choosing to eat. If you tend to eat a lot of foods that contain unhealthy fats and carbs, such as fast food or white bread, you may end up being hungry again not long after you have eaten it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is because these foods do not have nutrients that fill you up such as protein and fiber. If you are noticing that you are often eating and you are never feeling very full, some simple dietary changes can go a long way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try to add more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, and lean meats to your diet. Some other signs that you may need to make some dietary changes include fatigue, weight loss or gain, inflamed gums, bleeding gums, hair thinning or loss, and difficulty concentrating or trying to remember things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Seeking Medical Attention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being hungry all the time and not ever feeling full is not normal. If you notice that you are experiencing polyphagia <\/a>and it is accompanied by excessive urination or extreme thirst, it is important to go to your doctor as soon as possible to be tested for diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two of these symptoms together often point to diabetes being the main cause. In addition, you should discuss with your doctor any of the other possible causes of polyphagia found on this list, or if your current hunger situation has a negative impact on your life each day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for polyphagia will depend on what is causing you to experience it. Many of the conditions that cause polyphagia can be treated either with medications or some simple dietary changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important thing that you can do is to discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine the best course of action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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