Do you really know? Why do we get grumpy when we're hungry?
Jan 17, 2025
Ever felt 'hangry'? This intriguing discussion explores the science behind that common phenomenon. It connects hunger to mood changes through the hypothalamus, shedding light on our primal instincts. Listeners learn how hunger can evoke irritability—as a survival mechanism from our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Plus, practical tips are offered to keep those grumpy moods at bay by focusing on stable blood sugar levels. It's a quick dive into why we should never underestimate the power of a snack!
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Hangry
- Getting "hangry" (hungry and angry) is a common reaction to hunger, and the word was even added to the dictionary.
- The hypothalamus regulates both hunger and mood, making the link between hunger and grumpiness plausible.
Hunger and Emotions Study
- A study by Anglia Ruskin University found a strong correlation between hunger and negative emotions like irritability and anger.
- Hunger was associated with 37% of the variance in irritability, 34% in anger, and 38% in pleasure.
Hunger Signals
- Stomach rumbling typically starts after two hours of emptiness.
- Extreme hunger can cause irritability, weakness, dizziness, sweating, or shaking.