How Does Hunger Affect the Brain and Turn Stress Into Anger

Many people experience noticeable tension and irritability when they skip meals — a state commonly referred to in Western culture as “hangry” (a blend of Hungry and Angry), describing the mix of hunger and anger. However, a recent German study suggests that the real cause is not directly linked to low blood sugar levels, as is widely believed, but rather to how individuals perceive their own feelings of hunger, according to Huffington Post.

Researchers from the University of Bonn and the University Hospital of Tübingen conducted a scientific study published last December in the journal eBioMedicine. The study followed 90 adults over four weeks and aimed to analyze the relationship between hunger, glucose levels, and mood. The findings showed that while low blood sugar can cause weakness, distraction, and irritability, it is not the main factor behind mood deterioration.

Specialists explain that when the body feels hungry, the stomach releases the hormone ghrelin, which travels to the brain to stimulate nerve cells and signal the need for food. However, ghrelin’s role goes beyond that. It also increases the production of cortisol and adrenaline, raising the amount of available sugar in the body and directly influencing psychological state and mood.

Dr. Christine Kaddouch, the study’s lead researcher, emphasized that “glucose levels alone are not the determining factor of mood; rather, it is how individuals internally perceive the lack of energy in their bodies.” She added that awareness of hunger can help regulate irritability and control emotional reactions.

Professor Niels Kroemer also explained that the body’s internal responses and neural signals play a crucial role in mood regulation. According to him, people who are more aware of their bodily signals are less likely to experience sharp mood swings when hungry.

Experts believe these findings open new perspectives for understanding psychological disorders such as depression and obesity. They may also pave the way for future therapeutic approaches based on training internal body awareness or stimulating the vagus nerve to improve emotional regulation and achieve greater psychological balance.