Hangry - Or Anger when Hungry - Isn't normal.
It's a sign of insulin resistance.
Small hypoglycemic dips can cans irritability, cortisol increases, and "hangry-episodes". hence the commercial tag line "You're not you when your hungry".
There are two major causes of insulin resistence
- Persistently elevated glucose levels
i.e. Eating carbohydrate rich meals, and carbohydrate meals throughout the day.
- Industrial Oil consumption / Seed Oils / Vegetable Oils
A much cheaper fat source only available in modern day these oils have high levels of Linoleic Acid which interferes with cell mitochondria reducing energy production in cells as well as creating inflammation. Sadly LA can be incorporated into stored fat cells so even between meals the fat the body would normally burn is causing inflammation, and elevated glucose levels.
There are more niche causes, but they are not very common.
What can you do to prevent Hangry episodes?
Improve your metabolic health
- avoid industrial oils in meals when you can (every meal counts).
- reduce fructose consumption (no sweet drinks)
- reduce sugar consumption
- avoid empty carbohydrates
- Buy your food from the edges of the grocery store
- Only buy single ingredient foods (whole foods)
- Meal prep and cook at home for better control
You don't have to go full keto, any small improvement is a victory.