The Science Behind Hangry: How Blood Sugar Impacts Emotional Regulation

Have you ever found yourself feeling angry and hungry at the same time?

If so, you're not alone. The term "hangry" refers to the combination of angry and hungry, and there is actually some scientific evidence to support the idea that low blood sugar can lead to increased frustration and irritability.

When we eat a diet high in processed foods, white flour, and white sugar, our average blood sugar levels may be higher than normal. This can lead to a rollercoaster of highs and lows as our bodies try to regulate our blood sugar levels. If we miss a meal or snack, and our blood sugar levels drop, we may become irritable as our bodies try to signal that we need more energy.

This can be a problem in a number of situations, particularly when we are trying to regulate our emotions. If we are in a controlled environment, like an important meeting, we may be able to control our irritability, but if we are relaxing at home and our guard is down, we may be more prone to snapping at others.

To avoid hangry episodes, it's important to pay attention to our blood sugar levels and make sure we are eating regular, balanced meals and snacks. If you find yourself feeling irritable, try asking yourself these two questions: Did I miss a meal or snack? And what kind of food do I normally eat? Depending on your answers, you may want to make some changes to your diet or make sure you are preparing food ahead of time so you don't miss meals or snacks.

In addition to paying attention to our diet, it’s also important to practice good self-care and engage in activities that help us manage our emotions. This can include things like exercise, mindfulness practices, and talking to a therapist or trusted friend about our feelings.

Hangry episodes are a common experience, and they are often caused by fluctuations in our blood sugar levels. By paying attention to our diet and engaging in self-care practices, we can better manage our emotions and reduce the impact of hangry episodes on our daily lives.

Anger management counseling with Real Solutions Therapeutic Services can also be helpful for individuals struggling with anger. Click here to contact us for a free consultation. With the help of a trained professional, you can learn how to better manage your emotions and reduce the frequency of hangry episodes.