A peptide hormone produced primarily by the cells lining the fundus of the human stomach and the epsilon cells of the pancreas. Known as the 'hunger hormone,' it travels through the bloodstream to the hypothalamus in the brain, where it stimulates appetite, increases food intake, and promotes fat storage. Ghrelin levels typically rise sharply before meals and fall after eating.
In individuals consuming high-carbohydrate diets, the frequent spikes and crashes in blood sugar can lead to dysregulated ghrelin signaling, causing persistent hunger even when energy stores are sufficient. Low-carbohydrate interventions have been shown to stabilize ghrelin levels, thereby reducing cravings and making it easier for individuals to maintain a caloric deficit without the psychological burden of constant hunger.
The definitive guide by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN