“When I am hungry, I get angry”- this is something some people often say. Others say, “When I am hungry, I just can’t see straight.” What this means is that hunger makes them extremely restless. Hunger and anger are common to all living beings. But becoming angry specifically because of hunger is not that common. The state in which hunger and anger are experienced together is called ‘hangry’. This word is used to describe becoming angry or irritated as a result of hunger.
Though all of us feel hunger and anger, this complex phenomenon- where hunger leads to anger- was recognized by combining the words hunger and anger and the term ‘hangry’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018. Not only humans, but animals too can be hangry. One creature we can easily understand in this context is the rat. Haven’t we seen rats running around or biting things that are not even edible for them? That too is a condition similar to hangry seen in humans.
Why do humans become hangry? It has been found that there are several biological and psychological reasons behind it. A sudden drop in blood sugar is one such reason. When glucose levels fall, the energy required by the brain reduces. Concentration and self-control decrease, while anger, intolerance and restlessness increase.
Hormonal influence is another factor. An increase in the hunger-stimulating hormone gherlin and the stress hormone cortisol makes such people more restless. Those who are naturally quick to anger, those who lack the ability to handle stress or problems and those who find it difficult to control their emotions often become angry when they are hungry. This happens because personality and mental makeup are closely related.
Lack of sleep is another reason. In people who do not get adequate sleep, hormonal balance gets disturbed. Control over hunger weakens. They show strong irritation even over small matters. Such people become hangry very quickly. Eating habits and lifestyle are another reason. Those who eat at irregular times, those whose diet lacks protein and fiber and those who consume excessive caffeine tend to show stronger reactions to hunger.
When one is hungry, the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation (the prefrontal cortex) functions less effectively. As a result, impulsive reactions- anger and negative thoughts-become stronger.
The next thing we need to look at is what can be done to avoid becoming hangry. One way is to eat nutritious food at small, regular intervals. Consume foods rich in protein and fiber. Get enough sleep and drink plenty of water- these are some of the remedies.
More important than all this is recognizing the connection between hunger and anger and understanding how harmful it can be. Hangry is not a human weakness; it is the combined result of body structure, hormones, mind, sleep and eating habits- this is what we need to recognize.
