Why Do I Get Hangry?

When you feel that rumble deep in your stomach, it’s probably time to grab a bite to eat. But if you can’t find some food to sate those urges right away, you may find yourself acting a little bit snippy, which can be off-putting to those around you. This irritated sensation is called being “hangry” — a portmanteau combining the words “hungry” and “angry.”

Some people equate being hangry to throwing a temper tantrum, like a baby crying for its pacifier. But telling a person who’s hangry to grow up and stop whining is easier said than done, as there’s a physiological reason why people end up that way. Let’s take a closer look at the science behind this food-based phenomenon.

Low Sugar, High Tensions

Hanger occurs due to a number of factors. If you fail to eat anything for a lengthy period of time, the glucose (or sugar) levels in your bloodstream decrease, triggering hormone production to bring your levels back to normal. One hormone that’s produced is cortisol, a stress hormone that prompts the release of glucose from the liver. But cortisol also causes anxiety and aggression. 

Low sugar levels similarly trigger the release of adrenaline, which in turn activates the body’s “fight or flight” response. This puts people on high alert and can exacerbate any stress the person may already be feeling.

Studies also show that low glucose levels inhibit a person’s self-control, which can limit their ability to keep their aggression at bay. This can cause sudden and volatile outbursts, as your body lacks the energy that’s necessary to process any stress and react appropriately. 

Other Side Effects

While irritability is among the most common side effects of low blood sugar levels, they can also lead to a slew of other unwanted physical responses, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. If it’s not dealt with, low blood sugar can eventually lead to blurry vision, slurred speech, or even a loss of coordination. 

Imagine you’re so busy at work that you don’t have a chance to eat anything, to the point that you start to doze off from low blood sugar while driving home. Or it’s your wedding day and you don’t eat for hours, only to faint on the dance floor. These are a few extreme examples of how hunger may send the body into a state of undue stress, but even milder cases of hanger need to be addressed.

Preventing Hanger

The surest way to avoid being hangry and keep blood sugar levels in proper balance is to stay hydrated, exercise often, get plenty of sleep, and of course, eat throughout the day. If you know you’re going to be busy and may miss a meal, a light snack can help hold you over, preventing anger, nausea, or any other negative side effects.

If you’re prone to hanger, try to keep protein bars, granola bars, or other nutrient-rich snacks nearby so that they’re handy in those times of need, and be sure to listen to your body and eat something when you feel hungry. This is good not only for you but also for your friends, family, and co-workers who may otherwise have to deal with your hanger.

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