If you're “not exactly a spring chicken” like me, you might remember a '60s TV show called The Beverly Hillbillies. It was a comedy about the Clampetts, a poor family from the Ozarks who moved to Beverly Hills after striking oil on their land.

The characters were hilarious and made for some very funny storylines. One of the most memorable was the Clampetts' nephew, Jethro Bodine, who had an ENORMOUS appetite and was always hungry!

Well, that's a reality for many people, and it can contribute to unwanted weight gain and other health concerns.

But what you may not realize is that feeling hungry constantly isn't necessarily a matter of “willpower.”

There are some surprising factors that could be working behind the scenes to trigger your hunger, and you might not even know it!

Here are 10 little-known reasons you may always feel hungry—and what you can do about them.

1. You're thirsty

Sometimes, what feels like hunger may actually be thirst.

Here are a few ways to tell if you might need more water:

Next time you feel hungry between meals, try drinking a large glass of water and see if your hunger subsides.

If your urine is consistently dark yellow, other than first thing in the morning, it could be a sign that you're not drinking enough water.

And if you can't remember the last time you drank water for any reason other than taking medication, and your beverages of choice are coffee, beer, wine, and soda, trust me... you could probably use some water!

Make sure you're drinking filtered water regularly throughout the day.

2. You're eating too many refined carbs and too much salt

Refined carbohydrates (like white bread, pastries, and breakfast cereals) can cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, potentially leaving you feeling hungry again shortly after eating.

And while most people associate excessive salt intake with thirst, some research suggests that high salt intake could also influence hunger and appetite.

Ultraprocessed and fast foods are notorious for containing large amounts of refined carbohydrates, added sugar, and salt. Plus, many are low in the fiber and protein that help keep you satisfied.

So stick to wholesome, real foods whenever possible, skip the center aisles of the grocery store, and drive right past the drive-thru!

3. You're not eating enough protein, fat, or fiber

Diets low in protein can leave you feeling hungry because protein helps regulate appetite-related hormones, including ghrelin, your body's “hunger hormone.”

Fats can help slow digestion and contribute to lasting energy and satiety (that satisfying feeling of fullness after eating).

And fiber slows digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer—in addition to keeping you “regular!”

Choose healthy proteins like meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and full-fat dairy, fats like butter and lard, and high-fiber foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

4. You're stressed

Your body's biological response to stress, whether physical or mental, is the familiar “fight or flight” reaction.

Your adrenal glands release adrenaline, which raises your heart rate, increases the availability of glucose in your bloodstream, and speeds up your breathing to prepare you to respond to a stressful situation.

Cortisol also plays an important role in your body's stress response, helping to maintain energy availability. And when cortisol levels remain elevated, they can increase your appetite.

It's one thing if your stress is temporary and short-lived. But when you're stressed day in and day out, your body's stress-response system can become dysregulated, potentially leaving you with a nagging appetite.

If chronic stress is a problem for you, it's important to do something about it. Measures like regular exercise, prayer, acupuncture, and yoga can all be helpful.

And if it's a job or relationship that's causing your stress, well, it may be time to consider a change.

5. Side effects of your medications

Certain medications can cause increased appetite, including some allergy medications, insulin, steroids, certain blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.

If you're taking any medications, check the accompanying literature to see whether increased appetite is a possible side effect.

If so, talk to your doctor about your options. Depending on the medication, an adjustment or alternative treatment may be appropriate.

6. You're not getting enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep has been linked to changes in appetite-regulating hormones, including higher levels of ghrelin, which can make you feel hungrier.

Plus, when you're sleep-deprived, you may be more likely to reach for sugary foods and refined carbohydrates for a quick burst of energy.

Unfortunately, those choices may leave you feeling hungry again before long, perpetuating a cycle of cravings and snacking.

Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep per night, so be sure you're getting the amount that works best for you!

And if you're consistently coming up short, it may be time to hit the hay a little earlier.

7. Your thyroid is overactive

While most people are familiar with an underactive thyroid (and the tiredness and weight gain that can accompany it), an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, can rev up your metabolism and increase your appetite.

Other possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a racing heart, changes in menstrual patterns, hair loss, tremors, excessive sweating, and fatigue.

If you suspect an issue with your thyroid, see your doctor for testing. Blood tests measuring thyroid function, including TSH and thyroid hormone levels, can help determine whether your thyroid is functioning properly.

8. Diabetes could be a factor

Having undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes can make it difficult for your body's cells to use glucose (blood sugar) effectively for energy.

As a result, even when there's plenty of glucose in your bloodstream, your cells may not be getting the energy they need.

And—you guessed it—this can trigger increased hunger.

If you haven't had routine bloodwork in a while, see your doctor about having your blood glucose levels checked.

9. You're undergoing hormonal changes

Changes in hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can affect your body's appetite-regulating systems and leave you feeling hungrier than usual.

This can be especially noticeable with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), when hormonal fluctuations, including changes in progesterone levels, may contribute to increased appetite and food cravings.

So if you notice that your hunger seems to follow a monthly pattern, your hormones could be playing a role!

10. You're lacking essential nutrients

Your body's appetite-regulating systems are complex, and hunger isn't simply a matter of how much food is in your stomach.

The nutritional quality of your meals can also play a role in how satisfied you feel after eating.

For example, a diet can provide plenty of calories while still falling short on essential nutrients, protein, or fiber. And meals that aren't nutritionally balanced may leave you feeling less satisfied and reaching for more food.

So, as I mentioned above, concentrate on wholesome, real foods and avoid nutrient-poor ultraprocessed and fast foods whenever possible.

Now, if your diet needs some major improvement, that's OK! Even small steps in the right direction can make an enormous difference.

Here are some examples:

• Switch out one soda a day for filtered water.

• Instead of fries, opt for a small salad, coleslaw, or the vegetable of the day as a side dish when dining out.

• Reach for an apple, a bowl of berries, some carrot or celery sticks, or a cube of cheese for a snack instead of chips or crackers.

• Avoid processed cereals and granola bars for breakfast and choose scrambled eggs or yogurt instead.

And regardless of how healthy (or not) your diet is, getting a broad range of essential nutrients every day is important for supporting your overall health.

That's where our Super Core multivitamin and mineral formula comes in!

Super Core provides a comprehensive blend of essential vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds to help support your body's nutritional needs and overall wellness!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia