Snacking is a common habit for many of us, whether it’s a cookie between breakfast and lunch, a bag of chips while cooking, or a piece of chocolate in the evening. But have you ever noticed that despite eating a full meal, you still feel constantly hungry? The culprit for this feeling might be a specific ingredient that we consume on a daily basis.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the ingredient that is causing our constant hunger is salt. A high sodium intake is linked to a stronger feeling of hunger and a higher risk of weight gain in many people. The study, conducted by German and American researchers, tested different diets with varying levels of salt intake on 10 Russian astronauts in space.
The results showed that when the astronauts followed a high-salt diet, they drank less water, which is likely because their bodies were retaining more water. Additionally, they reported feeling much hungrier, even though they were consuming the same amount of calories as when they followed a low-salt diet.
So, how can we combat this constant feeling of hunger? The solution is simple: reduce the amount of salt in our diet. Instead of heavily salting our eggs or dinner, we can try using a low-sodium alternative. By doing so, we may find that our snack cravings decrease and we feel more satisfied after meals.
In conclusion, if you’re struggling with constant hunger despite eating full meals, it might be worth taking a closer look at the amount of salt in your diet. By reducing your intake of salt, you may find that your hunger levels decrease, helping you to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Remember to always check the nutrition label and opt for low-sodium alternatives when possible