A hunger suppressant is a food or supplement that reduces one's desire to consume food. People typically use hunger suppressants, also known as anorectics, anorexics, anorexigenics, or appetite suppressants, because they need to lose weight. Some people feel compelled to lose weight because of health reasons, such as high cholesterol, or because of a general lack of physical ability as a result of being overweight. A hunger suppressant, when used improperly, can lead to a variety of health problems; hunger suppressants can place unnecessary strain on the heart or lead one to excessively low body weights.
Generally speaking, a hunger suppressant supplement works through various substances and chemicals that affect the parts of the brain and nervous system that relate to the feeling of hunger. These chemicals tend to bring about one of two different but closely-related effects. Some cause an individual to feel satiated, or full, while others simply cause one to have little or no desire to eat. Unfortunately, some individuals who use such supplements eat too little and fail to take in enough nutrients that are necessary for survival and health.
Hunger suppressant supplements work in varied ways. Many chemicals are related to amphetamines; these work by speeding up brain and body functions while suppressing appetite. Sometimes, a hunger suppressant will actually work by physically slowing down the rate at which one's stomach is emptied. When one's stomach empties at a decreased rate, one tends to feel full for a longer period of time and, accordingly, will eat less.
A hunger suppressant does not need to be a separate dietary supplement that works through chemical means; some foods and drinks serve as natural hunger suppressants. Water, for example, tends to give one a feeling of fullness without contributing any calories; it takes up volume and dilutes the digestive acids in the stomach. Soups can be consumed for similar effects; many soups are composed mostly of water and they can contain some calories and nutrients which are necessary for good health. Similarly, fruits and vegetables contain few calories, contain many different vitamins and minerals, and can make one feel full.
Overweight conditions are the result of physiological addiction to food cravings creating a sense of “false hunger”. Food cravings are an intense physiological desire for a type of food not needed or required to sustain life. Stemming from a complex combination of emotional, hormonal and biochemical factors, suppressing appetites with natural everyday common foods found in all homes, has produced staggering weight loss totals. With practical applications when used in conjunction with natural foods, motivation and commitment to improvement of present overweight conditions, natural vitamin enriched foods offers lifesaving appetite suppressant implications.
Often over-looked and not considered, there remain many foods that suppress appetites naturally. Foods high in fiber with less than 20 total calorie intake, such as apples and green leafy vegetables, are proven natural appetite suppressants.
Typically, natural food appetite suppressants are categorized into the following groups:
High in fiber, apples are filled with soluble fiber and pectin which produces a feeling of hunger satisfaction. Apples regulate glucose (blood sugar levels) and boost energy levels. The chewing effect of apples satisfies hunger cravings with physiological effect of eating meals high in calories and carbohydrates and a proven appetite suppressant. High in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, apples are also a great source of folic acid.
Green leafy vegetables are high in nutrition that will satisfy hunger for hours. When stir fried, adding onions, garlic soy and spices for flavoring, green leafy vegetables provide the required nutrients without intake of additional calories. Green leafy salads with ample amounts of lettuce, cabbage, celery and cucumbers are nutritious containing essential vitamins and minerals which also act as natural appetite suppressants. For salad dressings lemon, balsamic, vinegar and salsa are good alternatives.
The most commonly overlooked appetite suppressant is also the most readily available. Containing healthy fats to keep cholesterol levels low, nuts such as almonds are good sources of appetite suppressants which digest in the stomach longer than carbohydrates. High in fiber, almonds are considered to be the most effective appetite suppressant as a rich source of antioxidants, Vitamin B and magnesium. According to the 2006 Obesity Society Annual Scientific Meeting, almonds are the top ranked source of essential ingredients to reduce weight with proven clinical tests results. Consumed between meals, almonds have proven to be an effective appetite suppressant.
With a recent study conducted by Physiology & Behavior, spices such as cayenne pepper can boost metabolism causing the body to burn an extra 10 calories without additional physical exertion. Proven effective as an appetite suppressant is ginger which is known for amazing digestive powers. Also noteworthy, Cinnamon helps lower blood sugar levels while maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Using spices in lieu of sugar and salt for flavoring on all foods is a healthier and wiser overall decision. Capsaicin, found in hot sauce, lowers hunger inducing hormones while increasing the appetite suppressant hormone GLP-1.
Fish, including salmon, tuna and herring are high in Omega-3 fats increasing the blood levels of the appetite suppressant hormone leptin. Salmon, is an effective appetite suppressant, rich in protein, relieving hunger sensations for hours. Lean chicken eaten in appropriated amounts is a good source of lean protein. Combined with other natural food appetite suppressants, a wholesome and fulfilling meal can be prepared in less time with substantial savings in monthly food costs. A minimum of 30% lean protein should be included with all natural food appetite suppressants.
Virtually “free” and abundant, water remains the leading natural appetite suppressant. Drinking an eight-ounce (8oz) glass of water before meals suppresses hunger, maintaining the body’s natural hydration levels. Dehydration is often associated with increased hunger, the body’s natural ability to replenish depleted essential fluids. Replacing one twenty-ounce (20oz) bottle of soda with water daily, an estimated 35 pounds would be lost annually. Drinking vegetable juice before meals suppresses appetites with a reduction of 135 calories at each meal.
A thirty-two ounce (32oz) quart of natural vegetable broth may be an alternative to water. Use only organic vegetable broth not containing excitotoxins. Ecitotoxins may cause neurological disorders that overexcite and harm nerve cells. Heated organic chicken broth contains only 20 calories satisfying hunger and a good source of natural appetite suppressants.