Why are you hangry?

Are you one of those people who just can't deal when you're hangry? You know, that feeling when hunger turns into anger and you lash out at those around you? Well, you're not alone! In fact, the term "hangry" was added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2018 to describe this very phenomenon. But what causes some of us to get angry when we're hungry while others seem to embrace fasting? It turns out there are both hormonal and genetic factors at play here.

When we're hungry, our bodies go through a series of physical and mental discomforts, like dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and, yep, irritability. These things make it tough to control our emotions and can lead to angry outbursts toward others. This is partly due to the hormonal changes that happen when our blood sugar levels drop. Our bodies release hormones like epinephrine and cortisol, which can make us feel threatened and lead to angry outbursts.

But there's also a genetic component to this whole thing. The same gene that regulates hunger also plays a role in regulating our anger and aggressive behavior. So, feeling hangry may actually be an evolutionary adaptation to keep us safe and ensure our survival!

Now, as if that weren't enough to think about, there are also environmental factors at play. The situations we find ourselves in when we're hungry can intensify our negative emotions. For example, if something unpleasant happens when we're already hungry, we may be more likely to direct our anger toward others or even our food.

So, what can we do about all this? Well, there are a few things. First, it's important to try to maintain balanced blood sugar levels by snacking before hunger gets the best of us. Bingeing on high-glycemic foods can cause rapid blood sugar spikes and mood deterioration. So, try to eat smaller snacks made up of low-glycemic foods instead.

It's also a good idea to reduce carb intake and eat only when we're truly hungry. Shortening meal times, reducing the number of meals we eat a day, and being mindful of our emotions can all help as well. Practicing mindfulness and meditation and keeping a food journal can help us stay aware of our emotions and the mind-body connection.

So, while the relationship between hunger and emotions may be a complex one, it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. With a little awareness and some smart strategies, we can keep our hanger in check and ensure a more dignified response to our hunger.

Author: Heidi Kwok, M.A., RCC

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