Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone Explained | Causes & Effects

The hormone that makes your stomach grumble is called ghrelin. Ghrelin is produced by the stomach and upper intestines when they are empty or nearly empty. It signals the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls hunger and appetite, to increase hunger and stimulate food intake. Ghrelin levels rise before meals and fall after meals, which helps to regulate the body's natural eating cycle.