Buzz
When hunger strikes, it’s not just your stomach that growls—hunger can also trigger irritability in some of us. Snickers even built an entire campaign around this concept.
But is hangriness scientifically valid?
Definitely. There’s a biological explanation for why our mood declines as our hunger increases, and it’s linked to your blood sugar levels. This is the same reason why diabetics may feel irritable or disoriented when their blood sugar dips.
Our bodies break down the food we consume into amino acids, fats, and simple sugars like glucose. These nutrients fuel us, and when they’re depleted, our bodies react. The brain, in particular, relies on glucose to operate, so when levels dip, your brain’s activity can become erratic. You might stutter or have difficulty concentrating, and you may make mistakes. Feelings of dizziness, shakiness, or anxiety could arise, and you may find yourself getting frustrated over things that normally wouldn’t bother you.
Some individuals struggle more than others to regulate their blood glucose, so they often experience the hangry sensation more intensely. The connection between low blood sugar and irritability is so pronounced that a 1984 study was able to predict aggression in people who had trouble managing their blood glucose.
Another reason for the hangry feeling is the body’s reaction to low blood sugar. When glucose levels fall, your brain signals certain organs to help raise them. This activates your adrenaline, and adrenaline can make you more prone to anger.
So, when you’re feeling hangry, what’s the best course of action? Eat, of course—but not just any food will do. A sugary snack may provide a quick boost, but it will likely lead to a sharp rise in blood sugar followed by a crash. Instead, opt for nutrient-dense foods that will keep you full longer and stabilize your blood sugar: hummus, nuts, avocado, Greek yogurt, eggs, and cottage cheese are all excellent choices.
