What’s Happening When You’re Hangry?

You Should Know: There’s a moment when we’ve pushed off our hunger too long and it morphs, Hulk-style, into a full-blown hanger. But why do we sometimes get cranky and crabby when our stomachs are rumbling? 

Going Deeper: Hanger isn’t just in our heads — it has physiological roots in the body. When we haven’t eaten for a while, our blood glucose gets low. This signals the release of the stress hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. Cortisol spurs the liver to release stored glucose to raise blood sugar levels and get things back to normal. But there’s a downside: Cortisol can trigger anger. The body experiences hunger as a stressor, so adrenaline is also released as part of the body’s fight-or-flight response. Not only that, but low blood sugar can also inhibit self-control — a not-great combo for sure.

Takeaway: It’s a commonly held belief that hanger is caused by our blood sugar dropping, but it’s more about the hormonal shifts that happen afterward.

Bottom Line: If you get a little ragey when you’re hungry, try eating several smaller meals to cut the time between meals. Protein- and fiber-rich foods can keep you full. Skip sugary snacks — they’ll make you feel even worse.