"Hangry" has become quite a popular term in the last couple of years.
Being "hangry" describes this feeling of moodiness/anger some of us experience when they're particularly hungry.
We all probably know someone that gets pretty hangry when they haven't eaten in a while!
But why exactly do we get in such a bad mood when we're hungry?
What's the connection between lack of food and aggressiveness?
There are several different theories about the "Hangry-Phenomenon", and researchers are still arguing about the true cause.
#1: The Glucose Theory
When we eat something, the food gets broken down into nutrients (amino acids, glucose...) that then circle in your bloodstream and nourish your organs.
When time goes on after you've eaten a meal, the level of those nutrients in your bloodstream drops, decreasing the supply of nutrients to your organs.
And one of your most important organs is the brain, which specifically needs glucose to perform its complex tasks.
While your brain makes up only 2% of your body weight, it uses 20% of the body's energy intake!
Glucose is being burned in your prefrontal cortex - the part of your brain that deals with self control, among many other things.
So when we're low on glucose, there's already a first connection to decreased level of self control - which in turn leads to moodiness and even aggression.
It's very hard for humans to control their emotions when they're low on glucose.
So when you coworkers' behaviour annoys you, you would normally just try to make the best of it, stay calm and keep smiling.
But when you're hungry, it's likely that you'll snap at him because you can't control your anger as much.
You're more likely to act impulsively, and (over-)react quicker on a verbal and physical level.
In general, your brain's abilities are decreased when you haven't eaten in a long time, so it will be harder to concentrate or solve complex tasks as well.
#2: The Stress Theory
As your glucose levels drops, your brain responds by controlling several organs to release hormones that should help to increase the glucose levels in your blood again.
Among these hormones are also adrenaline and cortisol - stress hormones, that are produced from the adrenal glands.
Knowing this, it's easy to see the connection between hunger and moodiness.
In a stressful situation, you are much more likely to respond irascibly, and are also much more likely to lose your self control.
#3: The Serotonin Theory
A few years ago, researchers from the University of Cambridge have proven the connection between the Serotonin levels in the brain, and the mood.
Serotonin is also called the "Happy Hormone" and is essential for our general well-being and an uplifted mood.
While this was suggested and discussed by scientists for years already, the team from the UK were the first to actually prove it.
To create serotonin, our brain needs the amino acid tryptophan - which is contained in many foods like poultry, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and chocolate.
Our body can't create tryptophan itself, we need to intake it from food, which is why regular eating is so important for a stable mood and well-being.
The study's results showed that if we don't intake enough tryptophan we also can't produce enough serotonin, which in turn makes us more moody, impulsive and aggressive.
Serotonin also increases our ability to regulate anger and anxiety - which is hard if we are hungry and serotonin-deprived.
Are you one of those people that tends to get Hangry too? Let me know!
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Sources: 1, 2, 3
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