Hungry or Thirsty...

What do you do when your tummy is grumbly, and you feel a little light-headed or have a headache? Did you know that most people will reach for a snack! You may be surprised to find out that hunger and thirst are two almost identical sensations, and today I want to share a few ways to help you identify the differences.

When hunger strikes, many people immediately open the fridge or pantry and begin looking for a quick fix and usually grab ready-to-eat or pre-packaged foods. The next time you get an urge to do this, stop and ask yourself - am I hungry, or is it possible that I could be thirsty?

Common hunger symptoms to set the basis for your answer:

• Empty feeling in your stomach

• Stomach gurgling or rumbling

• Dizziness, faintness or light-headedness

• Headaches

• Irritability

• Lack of concentration

• Nausea

The truth is, most people confuse thirst and hunger. Research has shown that almost 40% of the population mistake hunger for thirst because thirst signals can weaken.

Common signs of thirst symptoms may include:

• Dry skin

• Feeling sluggish

• Dry-eyes

• Increased heart rate

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness

Many pangs of hunger and thirst symptoms overlap, and this is why we easily misdiagnosis when it comes to hunger vs thirst. When you start paying closer attention to these feelings, ask yourself, what have I eaten today and what have I had to drink so far today. Once you stop and ask these questions, it can become clearer if you should open the fridge or drink some water.

What can you do:

1. Listen to your body. First, drink an 8 oz glass of water and avoid grabbing a snack. Wait 15 minutes, and if you truly are hungry, your body will let you know with a sign such as a grumbly tummy. If you don't receive a hunger signal, you should feel satisfied, and you were clearly just thirsty.

2. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to grab a drink. Make drinking water a habit and ensure you are reaching your daily allowance. Keeping your body hydrated throughout the day will help with cravings; it also keeps you alert and helps digestion. The more you know your fluid intake, the less likely you will experience dehydration and its pesky symptoms, like nausea and headaches.

3. Make sure you are drinking purified water. Avoid bottled and tap water. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found over 38 contaminants in 10 popular bottled water brands, including disinfection byproducts, industrial chemicals, arsenic, fertilizer residue and pain medication. While the tap water you drink may look clean, it may contain harmful contaminants like lead, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, pesticides and other industrial pollutants. These and other harmful substances may be picked up on the journey from your water treatment plant through miles of pipes to your home.

Take Away Message: Water is life, and it is necessary to burn fat. Without water, the body cannot properly metabolize stored fat or carbohydrates. Drinking enough water also creates a sensation that the stomach is full, signalling the brain to stop eating or eat moderately. All of this enables weight loss and makes us feel active and healthier.

Information or materials posted on this blog are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis or treatment.