What Causes Polyphagia?

Polyphagia, also called hyperphagia, is the medical term for continual excessive hunger without an obvious cause such as excessive activity or a long duration between meals. The desire to consume food does not go away, or returns quickly, after eating. Though excessive hunger sometimes happens when an individual exercises a lot or does not eat a diet with sufficient protein and fiber, when it is solely due to causes like these, the desire to eat relents once the necessary adjustments are made (e.g., reducing exercise, getting more protein and fiber). True polyphagia can be caused by genetic disorders, neurological disorders, or disease. In all cases, the underlying cause must be addressed for symptoms to end. Get to know the common causes of polyphagia now.

Hypoglycemia

Symptoms of hypoglycemia, which can result in polyphagia, include a headache, dizziness, lack of focus, sweating and shaking. Hypoglycemic patients must increase their blood sugar level quickly for these symptoms to abate. The healthiest way this can be done is by drinking a small glass of juice or by eating a piece of fruit. However, these options will not always work right away, and the desire to eat excessively is evident. Recurring hypoglycemia is seen with many diabetes patients when blood glucose, instead of being absorbed, is flushed out of the body through urination. When blood sugar is low, the cells have no way to create energy to carry out basic functions requiring the individual to feel like they need to eat constantly. Individuals can maintain consistent blood sugar levels by consuming a combination of complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in each meal.

Increased Stress

When individuals are exposed to increased stress, cortisol, the stress hormone, is released. This hormone helps prepare the body to deal with the stressor by signaling the release of glucose from the pancreas into the bloodstream. If this extra energy source is not utilized by the body from physical activity, the body floods the blood with insulin to clear the glucose from the individual's blood. This leads to low blood sugar, which leads to feeling hungry and ultimately, polyphagia. Finding ways to relieve stress can mitigate polyphagia. Relieving stress can be done with exercise, meditation, and personal care, such as massages or baths.