Scientists explain why people get angry when too hungry
Three causes of hunger (photo: freepik)
Do you know the feeling of hunger combined with a bad mood? Why does a hungry person get angry? Psychologists from the University of Anglia Ruskin have investigated this connection, reports Strona Zdrowia.
Why is a hungry person angry
According to one study conducted by psychologists at Anglia Ruskin University, there is a link between hunger and anger. Experts explain that this is justified.
"The results of this study suggest that the feelings of hunger and anger are real," says one of the experts.
They add that this feeling is so real that "hunger was associated with more anger and irritability and less satisfaction in our sample over a three-week period."
Hunger due to low blood sugar
One of the causes of hunger and anger can be low blood sugar. One study looked at glucose levels for 21 consecutive days, measured every morning before breakfast and every night before bed.
Self-control requires energy, and this energy is partly provided by glucose. Glucose is produced from nutritious foods that are converted into neurotransmitters that provide energy to processes in the brain, scientists explain. The researchers concluded that if people on a diet don't eat enough, their glucose levels will drop.
Does the hormone of happiness affect hunger
Do you feel happy after eating? It turns out that this is due to serotonin, the hormone of happiness.
"A decrease in blood sugar leads to a decrease in energy levels, and the brain stops producing serotonin, which boosts mood," says nutritionist Chandni Wadhama.
The expert explains that this neurotransmitter plays a big role in stabilizing mood. Its low level can explain, for example, the inability to focus on good things in moments of bad mood associated with hunger.
How does hunger affect the brain
In the same study, scientists also pay attention to the hunger hormone ghrelin. It signals your brain that you need to eat and thus increases your desire to eat.
Hunger may not be the only way to influence emotional and behavioral outcomes; it is likely that the physiological and neural changes underlying hunger also cause negative emotional states, the researchers explain.
How to get rid of hunger
Feeling hungry is probably not something you should discuss with your family doctor, but if you are taking certain medications, have a medical condition, are underweight, or have been diagnosed with malnutrition, keep this in mind.
"People with metabolic stressors such as diabetes, pancreatic or liver disease, and adrenal insufficiency syndromes are particularly at risk for complications or side effects of low blood sugar due to an inadequate counter-regulatory response," says Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist Christine Lee.
The doctor recommends getting plenty of sleep, drinking enough water, exercising regularly, and eating several small meals throughout the day or making sure that breakfast, lunch, and dinner are hearty and nutritious.
She also advises avoiding junk food, which can cause your sugar to drop further. Instead, choose foods that are rich in nutrients and fiber. It is also worth having a healthy snack on hand to avoid this unpleasant feeling.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
