Neural mechanism of Hunger & Thirst

The hypothalamus regulates functions like thirst, appetite, and sleep patterns. It also
regulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. When our stomach and intestines are
empty, they release hormones into the blood and send signals to the hypothalamus.

When water or salt are depleted in the body, the brain generates a signal that causes either a
thirst or a salt craving. And that craving then drives animals to either drink water or eat
something salty. The neural chemistry of ingestive behavior refers to the complex interplay of
various neurochemicals and neural circuits involved in regulating and controlling our eating and
drinking behaviors. It encompasses the physiological and psychological processes that drive our
desire for food and water, as well as the mechanisms that determine our satiety and the
termination of eating.

Several key neurochemicals play crucial roles in the regulation of ingestive behavior. These
include neuropeptide Y (NPY), leptin, ghrelin, dopamine and serotonin.Let's explore their
functions and interactions:

Neuropeptide Y (NPY):

NPY is a powerful appetite stimulant that is predominantly synthesized and

released in the hypothalamus. It increases food intake and promotes feeding behaviors. NPY acts
on specific receptors in the brain to trigger hunger signals and enhance the reward value of food.

Leptin:

Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells in the body and acts as a key regulator of
energy balance. It functions to suppress appetite and promote energy expenditure. When leptin
levels rise, it signals to the brain that energy stores are sufficient, leading to reduced food intake
and increased energy expenditure.
Ghrelin:

Ghrelin is a hormone secreted primarily by the stomach, but also in other parts of the
gastrointestinal tract. It acts as a potent appetite stimulant, promoting food intake and initiating
meal initiation. Ghrelin levels increase before meals and decrease after eating, providing signals
to the brain about the body's energy status.

Dopamine:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation. It plays a

crucial role in the brain's reward circuitry, which drives us to seek pleasurable experiences,
including the consumption of food. Dopamine release in response to food cues reinforces eating
behaviors and contributes to the feeling of pleasure and satisfaction derived from eating.

Serotonin:

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of mood, emotions, and appetite. It

influences food intake and satiety by modulating neural circuits involved in hunger and satiety
signals. Low levels of serotonin are associated with increased appetite and cravings for
carbohydrate-rich foods.

These neurochemicals interact with each other and with various brain regions involved in the
regulation of ingestive behavior, such as the hypothalamus, brain stem, and reward pathways.
The balance and coordination of these neural circuits and neurochemical signaling are critical for
maintaining a healthy and balanced approach to eating and drinking.

It is important to note that the neural chemistry of ingestive behavior is influenced by a range of
factors, including genetics, environment, psychological factors, and metabolic state.
Dysregulation of these neurochemical systems can contribute to eating disorders, obesity, and
other metabolic conditions. Understanding the neural chemistry of ingestive behavior can
provide insights into the development of effective interventions and treatments for these
conditions.

Disorders of ingestive behavior

 Anorexia Nervosa.
 Bulimia Nervosa.
 Binge Eating Disorder.

Anorexia nervosa:

Anorexia nervosa is likely the most well-known eating disorder.It generally

develops during adolescence or young adulthood and tends to affect more women than men. An
eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a
distorted perception of weight.

Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

1. Extreme weight loss or not making expected developmental weight gains.

2. Thin appearance
3. Fatigue.
4. Insomnia.
5. Hair that thins, breaks or falls out.

Neuroscience behind anorexia nervosa:

People with anorexia nervosa have altered activity at serotonin and dopamine receptors [2].
Since serotonin is involved with satiety and dopamine is associated with the brain's reward
system, altered receptor activity may explain why people with anorexia nervosa have reduced
hunger signals and alterations in their food reward system.
Bulimia nervosa:

Bulimia nervosa is another well-known eating disorder.Like anorexia, bulimia tends to

develop during adolescence and early adulthood and appears to be less common among

men than women. It is characterized by uncontrolled episodes of overeating, called

bingeing.

Common symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

1. Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight.

2. Living in fear of gaining weight.
3. Repeated episodes of eating abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting.
4. Feeling a loss of control during bingeing — like you can't stop eating or can't control
what you eat.

Neuroscience behind bulimia nervosa:

Bulimia is associated with lower levels of both dopamine and certain of its
receptors, and that binge eating is significantly associated with dopamine release in certain parts
of the brain.

Binge eating disorder:

Binge eating disorder is the most prevalent form of eating disorder and one of the most
common chronic illnesses among adolescents .It typically begins during adolescence and
early adulthood, although it can develop later on. Binge-eating disorder is a serious eating
disorder in which you frequently consume unusually large amounts of food and feel
unable to stop eating.

Common symptoms of binge eating disorder include:

1. Eat more quickly than usual during binge episodes.

 2. Eat until you feel uncomfortably full.
3. Eat large amounts of food even when you are not hungry.
4. Eat alone because you are embarrassed about the amount of food you eat.
5. Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating

Neuroscience behind binge eating:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is heavily involved in feeding behavior, human motivation,

cognitive ability, and personality. Therefore, dopamine is believed to play a critical role in binge
eating.