2024-09-04 13:10:35
Do you feel intolerable, cranky, and aggressive when lunch (or dinner) is late? This is not trivial, even science says so!
Why do we feel bad when we are hungry?
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We all know that friend or co-worker who turns into a grumpy little leprechaun when they’re hungry (unless it’s us, actually). What’s worse: To ward off attacks, we even get into the habit of carrying snacks with us. There is no point in throwing stones at him because, in fact, this is not just a question of good intentions. A bad mood may be considered a symptom of low blood sugar…or worse, in the most extreme cases, If you have low blood sugar for a long time Over time, we may even fall into a coma…
Hunger, blood sugar and bad mood
In fact, when we are hypoglycemic (meaning there are low levels of sugar in the blood), our cells lose their primary source of energy. This is especially true for brain cells. Due to lack of fuel, they send out various forms of alarm signals: irritability, dizziness, fatigue, weakness… Our brain is trying to make us understand that we must eat to restore blood sugar levels! Added to this is the operation Gray Lane – a hormone related to hunger. This first stimulates appetite and allows the body to store energy. What if his prodding remains unanswered? Ghrelin then acts on cortisol, which is rightly called the stress hormone…Cortisol in turn affects other molecules in the body, notably dopamine and serotonin…This chain of biochemical mechanisms can lead to irritability and even Anger increases!
We won’t let the suspense continue! When a bad mood is a symptom of fasting, the best solution is still to eat to raise your blood sugar levels! What if it’s not time to eat yet? We rely on healthy snacks like a handful of almonds or walnuts!
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The Science Behind Hunger and Mood: Why We Get Hangry
!<a href="https://cache.magazine-avantages.fr/data/photo/w1000h500c18/6x/pourquoi-on-est-de-mauvaise-humeur-quand-on-a-faim.jpg”>Why We Feel Bad When We’re Hungry
Do you feel intolerable, cranky, and aggressive when lunch (or dinner) is late? This isn’t just a mild annoyance; science explains why getting “hangry” is a real phenomenon.
Why Do We Feel Bad When We Are Hungry?
We all know someone who turns into a grumpy individual when hunger strikes. Often dubbed “hangry,” this state of irritability isn’t just about personal temperament; it’s a biological response to low blood sugar. When we wait too long to eat, our body may react in ways that can be uncomfortable—at times, leading to mood swings, irritability, and even aggression.
Understanding the Hangry Phenomenon
When you’re starving, your body’s glucose levels drop and can lead to hypoglycemia—a medical term that signifies lower-than-normal levels of sugar in the blood. This can set off a series of unpleasant responses in the body. If left unchecked, severe hypoglycemia can even lead to unconsciousness, making it crucial to recognize the symptoms before they escalate.
Hunger, Blood Sugar, and Bad Mood
When your blood sugar dips, your body sends out various signals to let you know that it’s time to refuel. But why does this happen?
- Energy Requirements of the Brain: The brain is a high-maintenance organ that requires glucose (sugar) as its primary energy source. When blood sugar levels drop, brain function is affected, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and irritability.
- Hormonal Responses: In response to declining energy levels, your body starts producing hormones that affect your mood. Ghrelin is one such hormone, often referred to as the “hunger hormone.” It stimulates appetite and promotes energy storage. If food intake is delayed, ghrelin levels remain high, which can lead to increased cortisol production. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can further exacerbate feelings of irritability and anxiety.
- Feedback Loop of Hunger and Mood: As these hormones interact, they create a feedback loop. The more you feel hungry, the more agitated and stressed you become, leading to a potential meltdown moment.
How to Combat Hunger-Induced Mood Swings
The best way to avoid transforming into a ‘hangry’ version of yourself is to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Regular Meals and Snacks
Make it a habit to eat regular meals and include healthy snacks between them. This helps maintain consistent blood sugar levels and keeps energy levels up.
2. Choose Complex Carbohydrates
Opt for whole grains, legumes, and vegetables which release glucose slowly into your system, providing a steady source of energy over longer periods.
3. Stay Hydrated
Sometimes, feelings of hunger can be mistaken for dehydration. Make sure you’re drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day.
4. High-Protein Snack Choices
Including protein-rich foods can help curb hunger pangs and balance blood sugar levels, keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
5. Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to your hunger cues. Don’t wait until you are ravenously hungry to eat, as this can lead to overeating and greater fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
Understanding the link between hunger and mood is not just about staying pleasant in social situations; it also has profound implications on your overall health and well-being. When we grasp the science behind why we might feel irritable when hungry, we can take proactive steps to maintain not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional stability.
So next time you feel that hunger-induced irritation creeping in, remember: it’s not just you—it truly is a matter of biology! Keeping your body fueled with balanced meals and snacks can help you avoid becoming the ‘hangry’ person we all cringe at.
