If you think you get more irritable when you’re hungry, know that it’s not just you; These polls reveal it
In the world of diets, where promises of a healthier life are sold like gold, the truth is that the path to weight loss can be more arduous than we imagine. One article published by the BBCrevealed a little-explored aspect: the relationship between hunger and the negative effects on our mind.
In a study involving almost 2,000 people with overweight and obesity, those who managed to lose weight showed almost 80% more symptoms of depression than those who did not try to lose weight. An analysis that leads us to ask ourselves: is it worth paying the emotional price of the diet?
Hunger, contrary to what many imagine, goes beyond physical discomfort. Research indicates that fasting can negatively affect our emotions, cognition, and judgment, at least in the short term. In a world where food inequality is a reality, it is worth exploring how hunger can impact not only our physical health, but also our mental health.
Another study highlighted by the BBC revealed that providing school meals in Indian schools improved students’ cognitive performance by an impressive rate of between 13% and 16%. This finding highlights the importance of providing adequate nutrients for proper brain function, as lack of nutrients can impair cognitive development.
The relationship between emotions and food is complex and hunger plays a crucial role in this balance. Research conducted at the University of Groningen, in the Netherlands, revealed that women who fasted for 14 hours reported more negative emotions, such as tension, anger and depression, than those who were not hungry. This phenomenon, according to experts, could be linked to a misinterpretation of the physiological state of hunger as an emotional state.
7 drinks that awaken the body in addition to coffee
Additionally, hunger appears to affect our ability to make decisions in meaningful ways. Studies indicate that food restriction can make people more impulsive and punitive. Judges in a study conducted in Israel were more lenient at the start of the day and after lunch, compared to periods before lunch or at the end of the day, suggesting that hunger may influence decision making.
Cognitive flexibility, crucial for complex thinking, is also affected by hunger. The researchers discovered that hungry people are more likely to mind wander, impairing their performance on complex tasks. A lack of cognitive flexibility can lead to simplified, immediate decisions rather than long-term strategies.
Understanding these complex interactions between hunger and the mind can provide valuable insights for those seeking a healthy relationship with food. Recognizing the impact of hunger on emotions and cognition can be key to making more informed decisions. Whether planning a diet, accomplishing important tasks, or dealing with intense emotions, being aware of your nutritional status can be the first step toward a more balanced mind.
So the next time you find yourself irritable, impulsive, or having cognitive difficulties, it’s worth considering: Could hunger be affecting my mind? In a world where the pursuit of the ideal body often ignores mental complexities, understanding the connection between hunger and the mind is essential to a more holistic approach to health.
10 foods that increase satiety and help you lose weight
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
