Ghrelin hormone is a hormone that is produced in the stomach and has the primary role of regulating hunger and energy balance within the body. It is also known as the “hunger hormone” due to its ability to stimulate appetite and increase food intake. It is produced mainly in the stomach and small intestine and is released when food has been digested or when the body is in a fasting state.
What Does Ghrelin Do?
Ghrelin hormone acts on the hypothalamus, an area of the brain involved in the regulation of appetite and energy balance. It stimulates the release of other hormones that are involved in digestion, such as gastric acid and motilin. It also increases hunger and stimulates food intake, as well as increasing the production of fat cells.
In addition, ghrelin hormone has been linked to several other physiological processes, such as regulating the body's response to stress, increasing blood pressure, and modulating the immune system. It has also been found to have a role in regulating mood and sleep.
How Does Ghrelin Affect Appetite?
Ghrelin hormone increases hunger and stimulates food intake by acting on the hypothalamus. It increases the production of other hormones, such as cortisol and growth hormone, which are involved in the regulation of appetite and energy balance.
Ghrelin also increases the production of a neurotransmitter called neuropeptide Y, which increases appetite and stimulates food intake. This is why ghrelin is often referred to as the “hunger hormone”.
What Are The Effects of Ghrelin?
The effects of ghrelin hormone on the body are wide-ranging. It increases hunger and food intake, as well as stimulating the production of fat cells. It also affects the body's response to stress and increases blood pressure. In addition, it has been linked to modulating the immune system and regulating mood and sleep.