Obesity can also be a disease. Specifically, a metabolic disease. Leptin and ghrelin are hormones largely responsible for the development of obesity. They influence certain centers in the brain that create or block the need for food. Especially leptin sends messages to the brain that help the brain regulate the balance between food intake and expenditure. Because the brain doesn’t receive this information in time, the level of leptin in the blood drops, which in turn actually stimulates appetite.

Leptin doesn’t affect only appetite; it also influences insulin levels in the blood, thyroid hormone levels, and the secretion of sex hormones. It affects blood flow, even the immune system, and of course, the functioning of the metabolism. Tests have shown that 75% of obese people are immune to leptin, and this metabolism-brain communication does not work.

A similar role is played by the hormone ghrelin, also known as the hunger or appetite hormone. It is secreted in the stomach. People who have had part of their stomach removed do not lose weight because their stomach is smaller, but rather because they have less ghrelin. When we are hungry, the level of ghrelin increases.

Fortunately, the effects of leptin and ghrelin can be very well regulated with barley water.

First, rinse the barley under running water, then soak it in water and leave it to stand for at least 4 hours. Then, drain the barley and use about one tablespoon of soaked barley for 2 to 3 glasses of water. Let the soaked barley and fresh water boil for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for about an hour to cool down.

Once the mixture is cool, strain it and drink small glasses, about 1 deciliter, a maximum of 2 to 3 times a day before meals.

If you want to improve the taste of barley water, you can also add a bit of lemon juice or honey.

Barley water is very effective in regulating fats, but it also has a whole range of other positive properties. It helps with urinary infections, lowers cholesterol, strengthens the heart muscle, aids metabolism, regulates blood sugar, and boosts the immune system. Because it is very alkaline and high in fiber, it helps to cleanse and detoxify the body.

One more warning: barley water is a strong diuretic, so drink it in sips and do not overdo it. And also: barley water contains gluten, so it is not recommended for anyone sensitive to it. In fact, be aware of gluten even if you don't yet know it causes you harm (actually, more than half of patients are in this category).