Before I get into today’s message, I’d like to take a moment on this Veterans Day to honor two veterans who are especially dear to me—my father and my son-in-law.
My dad has since passed, but I’ll always be grateful to him for leaving high school as a football star in his senior year to join the Navy and fight in World War II.
And my son-in-law (Danielle’s husband) proudly served in the U.S. Army. Thank you, Brian, for your service. ❤️
A quick reminder—our office is closed today in observance of Veterans Day, and the postal service is closed as well. Shipping will resume tomorrow, Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Now, on to today’s topic...
If you’re not exactly a spring chicken like me, you might remember a 1960s TV show called The Beverly Hillbillies. It was about the Clampetts, a poor family from the Ozarks who move to Beverly Hills after striking oil on their land.
One of the most memorable characters was their nephew Jethro Bodine, who had an ENORMOUS appetite and was always hungry!
Sadly, that’s a reality for many people today. I often hear from folks who say they’re constantly hungry, gaining weight, or feeling sluggish—and they can’t figure out why.
But it’s not just about willpower.
There are sneaky little factors that can make your inner dinner bell clang—even when you’re not truly hungry.
Here are 10 surprising reasons you may always feel hungry—and how to turn them around.
1. You’re thirsty
Many people mistake thirst for hunger.
Next time you feel hungry between meals, try drinking a large glass of water first and see if the feeling subsides.
A few other clues:
-
If your urine is dark yellow and opaque (except first thing in the morning), you’re likely dehydrated.
-
If you can’t remember the last time you drank water that wasn’t for taking a pill—and your usual beverages are coffee, soda, beer, or wine—you’re overdue for some hydration!
👉 Make sure you’re sipping filtered water throughout the day.
2. You’re eating too much salt
Salt doesn’t just make you thirsty—it can also stir up hunger.
The real culprit isn’t usually your saltshaker, but processed and fast foods, which are loaded with both salt and sugar.
Cutting back on those foods naturally lowers your salt intake—and helps keep both hunger and blood pressure in check.
3. You’re PMSing
Hormonal changes during PMS can trigger appetite and carb cravings, especially for sugary or refined foods.
To help balance things out, focus on:
-
Complex carbs like vegetables
-
Proteins such as meat and cheese
-
Healthy fats like eggs, nuts, and avocado
These choices stabilize blood sugar and help curb cravings.
4. You drink diet soda
Diet soda may have zero calories, but it still confuses your brain.
When your brain senses sweetness, it expects calories to follow. When they don’t, it starts to demand them—making you feel hungry.
Opt instead for:
-
Sparkling water with lemon or lime
-
Or add a splash of cranberry or grapefruit juice for a refreshing, fizzy alternative
5. You’re stressed
Stress activates your body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol.
Cortisol’s job is to refuel your body—and it does that by making you hungry.
If your stress is constant, that appetite trigger can run in overdrive.
Try natural ways to unwind: massage, prayer, meditation, deep breathing, acupuncture, exercise, hobbies, or even adopting a pet if you’re an animal lover.
6. Your medication
Certain medications can increase appetite, including allergy meds, insulin, steroids, blood pressure drugs, and antidepressants.
Check your medication info for this side effect, and if it’s a concern, talk to your doctor about possible natural or alternative options.
7. You’re not getting enough sleep
When you’re short on sleep, levels of the hormone ghrelin rise, which can trigger hunger.
You’re also more likely to crave quick, sugary carbs to boost energy—leading to crashes, cravings, and overeating.
Adults need 7–9 hours of sleep per night. If you’re getting less, it’s time to make rest a priority.
8. Your thyroid is overactive
While an underactive thyroid can cause fatigue and weight gain, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can speed up your metabolism and increase hunger.
Other symptoms may include:
-
Rapid heartbeat
-
Hair loss
-
Tremors
-
Sweating
-
Fatigue
If you suspect thyroid issues, ask your doctor for a TRH Stimulation Test in addition to standard thyroid tests.
9. You may be diabetic
When your body struggles to move glucose into your cells, it can interpret that as starvation—even if you’ve just eaten.
That’s why undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes can cause constant hunger.
If you haven’t had routine bloodwork recently, ask your doctor to check your blood sugar levels.
10. You’re undernourished
Sometimes, hunger is your body’s way of saying, “I’m not getting what I need.”
A diet high in processed or fast foods leaves you low on vital nutrients—especially protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which help you feel full and satisfied.
If your digestion isn’t working well, you may not be absorbing nutrients properly either!
To help:
-
Make meals easier to digest with my Great Taste No Pain system—it shows you how to pair foods for better digestion and fewer gas, bloating, and heartburn issues (plus, the recipes are delicious!).
-
Support your body with a digestive enzyme supplement like Digestizol Max—especially if you’ve had gallbladder or gastric surgery, use acid reducers, are older, or have relied on processed foods for years.
The bottom line
If you’re always hungry, it’s not just your imagination—or lack of willpower. Your body may be trying to tell you something important.
By understanding the hidden reasons behind constant hunger and giving your body the nourishment it truly needs, you can regain control of your appetite, digestion, and overall health.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
