Obesity can also be a disease. Specifically, a metabolic disease. Leptin and ghrelin are hormones largely responsible for the development of obesity. They affect certain centers in the brain that create or block the need for food. In particular, leptin sends messages to the brain that help regulate the balance between food intake and expenditure. When the brain does not receive this information in time, the level of leptin in the blood drops, actually stimulating appetite.
Leptin not only influences appetite but also affects insulin levels, thyroid hormone levels, and the secretion of sex hormones. It influences blood circulation, even the immune system, and of course, metabolism. Tests have shown that 75% of obese people are immune to leptin, and this metabolic communication with the brain does not work.
Similarly, ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone or appetite, has a similar function. It is secreted in the stomach. People who have had part of their stomach removed do not lose weight because they have a smaller stomach, but because they have less ghrelin. When we are hungry, the level of ghrelin increases.
Fortunately, you can regulate the action of leptin and ghrelin very well with barley water.
Start by rinsing barley under running water, then soak it in water and let it stand for at least 4 hours. Then drain the barley and use about a 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 stand for about an hour to cool down.
Once the preparation has cooled, strain it and drink it in small glasses, about 1 deciliter each, up to 2 to 3 times a day before meals.
If you want to improve the taste of barley water, you can add a little lemon juice or honey.
Barley water is very effective in regulating fat and has many other positive properties. It helps with urinary infections, lowers cholesterol, strengthens the heart muscle, aids in metabolism, regulates blood sugar, and boosts the immune system. Being highly alkaline and high in fiber, it helps cleanse and detoxify the body.
Just a note: barley water is a strong diuretic, so drink it in sips and do not overdo it. And also, barley water contains gluten, so avoid drinking it if you are sensitive to it. In fact, be cautious of gluten even if you are not aware that it harms you (as more than half of patients are sensitive to gluten).