How do I control my anger when I'm hungry?

Answer 1

Hunger-related anger is a result of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a condition where the brain cells do not get enough glucose. Glucose is the fuel for the brain. When it is reduced, the higher brain functions -- which include the functions that suppress anger -- shut down first. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia are headache, shakiness, complete loss of sense of humor, and a physical inability to smile.

Hypoglycemia can be caused by eating sugar on an empty stomach, which causes a jump in the production of insulin. The insulin rapidly reduces the blood sugar, causing it to fall below normal instead of getting it back to an appropriate level as it would have if the food had contained more complex carbohydrates. This is the cause of the "candy bar headache" so well known to office workers who snarf a Snickers snack.

Other causes of hypoglycemia are improper timing of diabetic medication, glucose intolerance (a precursor to Diabetes) and malfunctions of the pancreas, including pancreatic cancer.

The issue should first be approached with a simple rule: when you're hungry, always have a low-sugar snack, never a donut or a cup of coffee with sugar. Cheese and crackers is a good, portable choice. Follow the rules of good nutrition, and eat a low-sugar, high protein snack between meals instead of the coffee and donut. If you need a cup of coffee, learn to drink it with artificial sweetener, and eat a bite of your snack with it. Most Americans eat roughly five times the amount of sugar that is considered healthy. Some eat much more. Any time you can reduce sugar intake, do so.

If these measures don't work immediately, you should consider a visit to your doctor. You may have other issues that need to be addressed, and all of them are important.