Getting grumpy while hungry, termed as "hangry," is a pretty normal response of the human body and science has an explanation, according to an article that appears in The Conversation.
The term "hangry" comes from the words "hungry" and "angry" and is used to describe people who become irritable when they're hungry.
Amanda Sainsbury-Salis, a research fellow at the University of Sydney and author of "Don't Go Hungry for Life," wrote in her article that blood glucose levels can influence the state of "hanger," as reported in Newsmax.
According to Sainsbury-Salis, "Hanger is undoubtedly a survival mechanism that has served humans and other animals well."
All food items that are consumed will be broken down into simple sugars, free fatty acids, and amino acids. These substances then travel to the bloodstream for distribution into the different body parts.
When a person skips the next meal, the levels of these substances start to decrease.
In the event that these substances reach a very low amount, the brain--which mainly depends on glucose for function — sends a signal to the body that it is in a critical situation.
Low glucose levels in the brain will mean that people will exhibit less of socially pleasant behaviors, which will then make them irritable and grumpy, as reported in The Conversation.
A hungry person will also find it difficult to control themselves because doing so requires glucose.
Hunger also has effects on people's brain function; people will find it difficult to concentrate or come up with the right things to say.
Headlines & Global News reported that a study from 2014 found that "hangry" people tend to lash out more at people who are dear to them, such as their friends or romantic partners.
So how does one person avoid snapping at another when hungry? The easiest way to go around this is to eat something before hunger sets in.
Finally, science also gave a very civilized advice for those who are "hangry" that will be very helpful — never deal with difficult situations on an empty stomach.
