Are You Eating Enough?
By Sara Butler
Many people focus on how much they eat, but it’s usually how much is eaten over the course of the day, not how much isn’t eaten! But not getting enough to eat can be just as damaging to health as getting too much. There is a balance that must be maintained in order to achieve a healthy weight. Here are a few signs that you may not be getting enough to eat!
No Energy
Your body needs calories in order to have energy and function at its very best. When you don’t eat enough, you’re not supplying your body with enough calories for the energy it needs. The consequence of that is feeling as if your energy has been zapped. So, if you feel as if you have no energy during the day, especially as the day goes on, then you may need to think about how much you’re eating.
Losing Hair
Hair loss can be a distressing thing for many people. While it is normal to lose some hair on a daily basis, if you notice an increased amount of hair loss when brushing or washing your hair, then it may be a sign you’re not eating enough.
Your body needs nutrients in order to maintain your hair. Nutrients such as biotin, protein, and iron are needed, and if you’re not getting enough, then your body prioritizes where it uses essential nutrients. Instead of nourishing your hair, it uses nutrients for your major body organs such as your heart. So, hair loss ensues.
Persistent Hunger
One of the most recognizable signs that you’re not eating enough is that you’re always hungry. When you’re not getting enough calories to function, then your body signals that it’s hungry. Not giving it what it needs changes the hormones that control hunger as well as the feeling of fullness, making you feel hungry. Plus, being hungry can increase the levels of the stress hormone in your body that can result in more fat being held onto in order to prevent starvation. So, eating less may actually make you hold onto fat instead of burning it.
Sleep Problems
Not eating enough can also begin to impact your ability to sleep at night. Calorie restriction can lead to sleep interruptions and reduction in the amount of deep sleep your body gets. So, get enough to eat and you’ll have a better chance of getting enough sleep, too.
Eating enough is important, so figure out how many calories you need per day to reach your energy goals and stick to it!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic Acworth, Ga.