Hunger can affect mood: scientists have discovered a connection between these factors

Hunger has an immediate impact on a person’s psychological state. The feeling of hunger is accompanied by a deterioration in mood, increased irritability and aggression, which often leads to emotional outbursts on others.

Researchers claim that these changes are associated with brain activity. When blood glucose levels fall, this negatively affects behavior: a person may become more irritable, have difficulty concentrating and resort to impulsive actions. However, sweets or hearty food are not always needed to alleviate a bad mood.

In a normal body, the hormonal system is able to partially compensate for the decrease in blood sugar levels by secreting adrenaline and cortisol, which helps to maintain activity and complete tasks, even during energy deficits. In a situation of moderate hunger, a positive effect may appear due to the hormone orexin, which stimulates brain performance and activity. But with a strong feeling of hunger, the hormonal system cannot compensate for the energy expenditure, which intensifies negative emotions.

In conditions of increased anxiety, when breathing becomes difficult and a feeling of hopelessness sets in, it is important to have self-regulation skills. They will help control irritation and anxiety even in a situation where the feeling of hunger is still present. These techniques promote calm and help to act rationally, avoiding disruptions to others.