Feeling grumpy and ready to snap at anyone who crosses your path when you're hungry? You're not alone! This uncomfortable state is commonly known as "hangry." But why does hunger have such a significant impact on our moods?
While some folks can handle a growling tummy without any issues, for others, it can be a real struggle. Hunger often manifests as mood swings and agitation. People around you can usually identify your hunger pangs based on your body language and facial expressions.
Curious about the science behind this? Hunger sets off a chain reaction within our bodies, leading to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. According to nutrition expert Dagmar von Cramm, this hormonal surge activates various areas of the brain responsible for emotions, causing us to feel irritable and impatient more quickly.
Now, let's delve a little deeper into this physiological process:
When you don't eat for an extended period, your blood sugar levels dip. In response, your pancreas releases a hormone called glucagon. Glucagon signals your liver to convert stored glycogen (a form of energy) into glucose, which gets released into your bloodstream, thereby raising your blood sugar levels.
However, if your blood sugar keeps dropping, your body perceives it as a crisis. In such a situation, your adrenal glands pump out stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones rev up your heart rate, divert blood to vital organs, and prepare your muscles for action. All these changes can lead to mood changes, including irritability and aggression.
But remember, it's crucial to distinguish between hunger and appetite. Hunger slowly build-ups from your upper abdominal area, whereas appetite is triggered by external stimuli like food odors or visions of your favorite eatery. Appetite can also cause salivation.
In conclusion, hunger leads to a drop in blood sugar, which in turn triggers a stress response in your body, resulting in the release of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare your body for immediate action, causing multiple physiological changes that can result in feelings of hunger, irritability, and aggression. So the next time you find yourself snapping at your loved ones due to hunger, don't forget to take a bite!
