Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
Chapter 1: What does 'hangry' mean and why do we experience it?
Why do we get grumpy when we're hungry? Thanks for asking. According to USA Today, the word hangry entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018. It's a portmanteau term which combines the words hungry and angry. While it might sound a little silly or light-hearted, there's evidence to suggest that getting grumpy is actually a pretty common reaction to feeling hungry.
The scientific reasons aren't completely clear, but it kind of makes sense when you consider that the hypothalamus in the brain not only regulates feelings of hunger and fullness, but is also responsible for regulating mood.
Chapter 2: How does hunger affect our emotions and mood?
To some extent, getting grumpy when hungry is also a survival reflex. After all, our ancestors were hunter gatherers, so being hungry was literally a threat to their lives.
What exactly happens in our bodies when we're hungry?
A couple of years ago, researchers from Anglia Ruskin University looked into the influence of hunger on our emotions. They went on to publish their findings in PLOS One Journal in July 2022. To carry out the study, they recruited 64 participants.
Chapter 3: What physiological changes occur in our bodies when we're hungry?
Each of them had to record their level of hunger and emotional well-being five times a day over a 21-day period. By analysing the results, the researchers found that hunger was associated with 37% of the variance in participants' irritability, 34% of the variance in anger, and 38% of the variance in pleasure. It's important to recognise and pay attention to our body's hunger signals.
According to BBC Science Focus, rumbling happens when the stomach has been empty for two hours.
Chapter 4: Could hypoglycemia be a reason for our irritability when hungry?
When we get very hungry, we might turn particularly irritable. Other symptoms may come too, like feelings of weakness, dizziness, sweating or even shaking.
Could that be due to hypoglycemia?
Yes, that's right. If you think back to other diet-related topics we've covered on the show in the past, you'll remember that we often experience a drop in blood sugar towards the end of the morning. Once our body has finished digesting breakfast, that inevitably leads to an energy slump. Levels of other key nutrients also drop when we're hungry, like amino acids and fatty acids, for example.
The brain actually takes action to counterbalance hypoglycemia, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which promote irritability.
Chapter 5: What strategies can I use to avoid getting grumpy when I can't eat?
What can I do to avoid getting in a bad mood if I can't eat?
We're no longer hunter-gatherers these days, but still there are moments when hunger strikes and we simply can't satisfy it. It could be due to observing a religious fasting period, working long hours, or following a specific diet. Your best bet is to keep your blood sugar stable by eating starchy carbs during meals,
As they're a source of energy that will last longer, having a tea time snack may also be beneficial, even if you don't really feel like you want or need one. There you have it. Now you know why we get grumpy when we're hungry. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines.
Listen along and you will really know for sure.