Constantly hungry??

I found this article posted by Dr. Frank Lipman.Ive added the yogic techniques :)

This is a complaint I hear fairly frequently, especially when people are on a detox or a particular diet. Here are my thoughts/responses/tips:

1. Make sure you are actually hungry. Many people misinterpret the feeling of thirst for a sensation of hunger. They are actually dehydrated without knowing it because they don’t drink enough water and because they consume so many caffeinated beverages – sodas, coffee, tea, chocolate, etc. which have a diuretic effect.

2. Look for emotional triggers to eating….many people eat when they are angry or frustrated, need to relieve stress or comfort an emotional wound without even realizing it. Many times when people deal with the reasons they are angry, frustrated or fearful, their hunger resolves.

3. You may not be getting enough good nutrients in your food, even if you are eating a predominantly organic diet. Everyone needs trace nutrients – things like selenium, boron, copper, manganese, cobalt, chromium, germanium, molybdenum, and many others. The body will register a lack of nutrients as hunger no matter how much food is eaten. In other words, you could be “full” but your hunger not satisfied.

4. Not getting enough good nutrients in your food may also be from a digestive imbalance. The problem of feeling hungry is not always due to inadequate food intake, but poor absorption of nutrients from the digestive system. If you are not getting enough nutrients, your body will still send you messages that say it is still hungry.

5. Rule out parasites. Parasites are an epidemic (in NY anyway) and these parasites can feed off the nutrients that we eat and leave us hungry.

6. Many people are chronically tired and hungry because they have an hormonal imbalance. (This is not something that always shows up on a blood test) For instance, when people have significant drops in their blood sugar, it leaves them feeling ravenously hungry, exhausted and highly anxious

Yogic tips:

1. Breath breath breath Inhale, exhale deeply with your hand at your navel,when the need to eat arises. This will calm down your mind, clear your anxiety. The hand at the navel allows you to connect with your body, assuring it that your listening to all its needs. If its a genuine hunger call, make sure you listen carefully to what it is that your body really wants & then give it!!

2. Yoga asanas work very well in balancing the blood sugar levels, restoring calm in the body. Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) is excellent for bringing the body metabolism back to normalcy as it works on the thyriod & parathyroid glands.Thyroid manages protien synthesis, growth of muscles & bones. The chin pressing into the chest creates a lock (jalandhara bandha) which regulates the heart, reducing high blood pressure & slows breathing. This calms the mind, restoring balance.This lock also regulates the calcuim levels (parathyroid function).

2. Parasites are managed by the practise of Mayurasana (Peacock). if you cant do it, dont worry. Try getting into the posture by resting chin & toes on the floor. The elbows tucked into the stomach powerfully massages the internal organs, giving you the benefits of the pose :)

3. Forward bends like Paschimottanasana or Yoga mudra regulate the blood sugar levels preventing hypoglycemia & diabetes. Also, these poses reduce body fat by allowing you to let go of your fears. These are the "anti anger" postures as well.

4. Hormonal imbalances are mostly a result of stress & faulty eating habits. Reduce your sugar & refined starches intake as this really messes your blood sugar levels, making you crave for more of it.

5. Practise conscious chewing, focus on the food completely, taking in the colours, textures, taste. Avoid talking too much, TV viewing or any other distractions while eating. Remember that food is the nourishment of your body, so pay attention & enjoy every morsel !!