Hunger makes you irritable: Mood Foods to fight Irritability and Manage Anger

Hunger usually starts with a low, growl, from deep within the stomach. Next, weariness and exhaustion set in. Some people are also known to suffer from headaches, blurred vision, mental confusion, and dizziness. Subsequently, hunger makes you really bad-tempered, crabby, irritable and cranky. A diet comprising of mood foods help keep irritability at bay and instill peace and calmness.

Hunger and Irritable Mood
When you’ve remained hungry for long periods of time, there occurs a dip in the blood sugar level. Consequently, there is a reduced supply of glucose (sugar) to the brain. Reduced levels of sugar in the blood / hypoglycemia make you highly irritable and ill tempered. It may also be accompanied by anxiety, fatigue, and headache.
Handling ‘food swings’ by eating small amounts of food throughout the day is a good idea, and is recommended by nutritionists, world over. But ensure that the foods that you eat are healthful, or else the effect will be contradictory. A diet that is rich in protein, fat and fiber will help stave off hunger.

Hunger leds to Irritability

How Mood foods help Fight Irritability and Manage Anger
Certain foods can lift negative moods and suffuse you with a feeling of happiness and comfort.
Low levels of serotonin in the body are associated with moodiness and irritability. Serotonin is a ‘feel-good’ and a ‘pick-me-up’ neuro-chemical that banishes irritability and bad temper. Serotonin is synthesized within the body with the help of an amino acid called tryptophan. Importantly, tryptophan is not formed in the body and needs to be supplied by the diet. Thus, augmenting the daily diet with foods that are good sources of the essential amino acid is very important.

Mood Foods for Irritability and Anger Management
Here are some mood foods that can help fight irritability, temper and keep anxiety and fear at bay.

Banana: Mood food

1. Banana:  Banana is an excellent source of tryptophan and helps boost serotonin levels in the body. A mid-morning snack of a banana will ward off pre-lunch crankiness and lethargy. Additionally, bananas are rich in carbohydrates, and carbohydrates are necessary for the absorption of tryptophan.
2. Almonds:  Munch on a fistful on almonds several times in a day. Almonds are loaded with amino acid tryptophan. The nut is present in the list of foods that have the highest levels of the amino acid. When you eat almonds, tryptophan enters the brain rapidly and the level of serotonin rises. This helps control anxiety and apprehension and reduces irritability.
3. Cheese: Cheese is another important mood food. It is a rich source of protein, essential amino acid tryptophan and carbohydrates. Thus, cheese helps improve your mood and eliminates crankiness and irritability.