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The science behind why people get grumpy when hungry

<p>Are you not you when you’re hungry? Do you snap and pout and grumble (ok, we’re not children but you’re in a less than pleasant mood) when you’re hungry? It’s a sensation so common amongst people that the term “hangry” (an amalgamation of hungry and angry) was born. And now science has found the answer as to why some people get hangry and others don’t.</p> <p><strong>How “hanger” develops</strong></p> <p>When we eat, the foods are broken down into nutrients and used for energy. As the time passes from your last meal, the nutrients circulating in your body begin to drop and if your blood-glucose level falls far enough, your brain registers this as a serious, life-threatening situation. Unlike other organs that use a variety of nutrients to function normally, the brain is dependent on glucose to do its important job.</p> <p>So that’s why when you’re hungry, simple tasks become hard to do. It may be hard to concentrate or you might find you are making more mistakes. And you might not have the energy to behave in socially acceptable norms, thus the angry in “hangry”.</p> <p>Hanger is also exacerbated by the fact when blood-glucose drops, your body tried to compensate by releasing hormones that increase the level of glucose in your bloodstream. One of the major ones to be released is adrenaline, or the “fight or flight” response, which can add to the anger and grumpiness felt during hunger pangs.</p> <p><strong>Why do some people get “hangry” and others don’t?</strong></p> <p>The link between hunger and anger is controlled by common genes, one of them being neuropeptide Y. Neuropeptide Y makes you want to eat a lot straight away (like binge-eating) but as humans are all different, the amount and rate it is released is different for different people.</p> <p>Ultimately, hanger is a survival mechanism that spurs you to care about your hunger over others so your species won’t die out. But since we’re not fighting for our survival, the easiest way to handle hanger is the most obvious: eat something before you get hungry. And don’t make any big decisions in difficult situations when you’re hungry.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://theconversation.com/health-check-the-science-of-hangry-or-why-some-people-get-grumpy-when-theyre-hungry-37229" target="_blank">The Conversation</a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/08/benefits-of-food-journal/">Why you should keep a food journal</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/07/tricks-to-stop-overeating/">6 clever tricks to avoid overeating</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/07/foods-for-healthy-teeth/">5 foods to eat for healthy teeth</a></strong></em></span></p>

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Grumpy old men can do yoga

<p><em><strong>Tracy Adshead is a yoga teacher specialising in yoga for seniors. She is passionate about bringing healing and healthy ageing to the community.</strong></em></p> <p>Bad tempered, unapproachable and grumpy? Do you grumble incessantly about everything from other people’s driving to television programmes? Other times you can be almost normal, amusing even. In my experience, there may be two different answers to these questions – possibly ‘no’ from you, and ‘yes’ from your partner? I’ve taught a class called “Grumpies Yoga for Men” for a number of years and men usually end up in my class because their wives have made them go (no surprises there).</p> <p>Although there are many factors that contribute to men becoming grumpy the main culprit is falling levels of testosterone combined with high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Just like women during menopause, men are also experiencing shifting hormone levels but it is especially low testosterone that can significantly affect mood. Grumpy men tend bottle things up and from a health care perspective middle aged to older males tend to avoid the doctor’s office as much as possible, closely followed by a grouchy avoidance of all things yoga. </p> <p>Yoga is certainly worth exploring for the many positive benefits it can deliver to men of a certain age. It’s a low-impact practice that strengthens core muscles, offers better balance and relieves stress. There is evidence that yoga improves prostate health and can raise testosterone levels by as much as 33 percent with regular practice. It’s not just the individual guy who will reap the benefits from a regular yoga practice but family, friends and colleagues too as they see a sunny smile returning. </p> <p>Grumpy doesn’t have to be for life – see your doctor and get your testosterone levels checked, find a beginner’s yoga class or join me on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqYuCGT42uV6lFZ-TCqr11g" target="_blank">YouTube</a></strong></span> and commit to a regular weekly yoga practice. </p> <p class="gmail-p3"><em>Follow Tracy on Facebook <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TracyChairYoga/" target="_blank">here</a></strong></span>. </em></p>

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This is the reason why you get so grumpy on planes

<p>What is it about flying on planes that turns people into a grumpy version of their former self?</p> <p>According to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, it can be pinpointed to one single thing: first-class seats.</p> <p>Research has found that air rage incidents are four times likelier to happen on planes with first-class cabin than planes without them. 84 per cent of air rage cases occur in economy class.</p> <p>The researchers’ note that passing through a first-class cabin makes other passengers aware of what they don’t have – which makes them keenly alert to any unfairness they encounter. You suddenly note the different queues, the extra time spent waiting to board, and you’re smaller, less comfy seats as you walk through first-class.</p> <p>But it turns out that forking out for first-class seats won’t make you happier either, as people who sit in first-class tend to have higher expectations of their experience and when they don't measure up, they too can get quite angry.  </p> <p>Of course, there are other factors that contribute to the feeling of air rage – delays, lack of luggage space, tiny seats and annoying plane companions. But perhaps the answer to a happy flight is to try and focus on the joy of flying. After all, isn't it simply amazing that all we have to do is board a plane to travel across the world? </p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/domestic-travel/2016/06/10-lesser-known-new-zealand-holiday-spots/"><em>10 lesser-known New Zealand holiday spots</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/06/japan-beach-illuminated-by-mysterious-natural-phenomenon/"><em>Japan beach illuminated by mysterious natural phenomenon</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/06/10-breathtaking-photos-celebrate-the-beauty-of-britain/"><em>10 breathtaking photos celebrate the beauty of Britain</em></a></strong></span></p>

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The number one gripe of grumpy old men revealed

<p>Leaving lights on in empty rooms, people turning up the heat too high and being treated like a taxi service are among the top 50 gripes that turn fathers into grumpy old men, a survey has found.</p> <p>The poll of 1,000 British fathers found that almost a quarter of British fathers self-describe themselves as “always cranky” while another 73 per cent believe they are becoming more so as they get older. And these grumbles and gripes aren’t rare occurrence as well, with the average dad saying he moans about nine times a week.</p> <p>“As we all know, everyone has grumbles from time to time - perhaps dads are just not as good at hiding their moans as others,” said Pollyanna Haigh, from Merlin Annual Pass, which commissioned the research.</p> <p>Fathers say their grumpiness are mostly caused work, while money, household chores and jobs also cause dads to have a moan.</p> <p>Here are the top 50 things that make fathers grumpy:</p> <p>1. People leaving the lights on</p> <p>2. Traffic jams</p> <p>3. Bad drivers</p> <p>4. General bad manners</p> <p>5. Cold callers calling in the evening</p> <p>6. Football team losing</p> <p>7. Not spending time with family because of work</p> <p>8. X Factor</p> <p>9. Planning and cost of family activities</p> <p>10. The kids arguing</p> <p>11. The kids not helping with chores</p> <p>12. Always being asked for money and treated like an ATM</p> <p>13. The front or back door being left open</p> <p>14. Having the heating on too high</p> <p>15. The kids not eating their meal but then complaining they are hungry later on</p> <p>16. Reality TV shows</p> <p>17. Doors being slammed</p> <p>18. People stomping around the house</p> <p>19. Not being able to snooze on the sofa</p> <p>20. The kids not saying 'please' or 'thank you'</p> <p>21. Being treated as a taxi driver</p> <p>22. Being told to do the chores</p> <p>23. Always being the one to do the bins and recycling</p> <p>24. Christmas decorations being put up too early</p> <p>25. The kids spending too much time on the internet</p> <p>26. EastEnders</p> <p>27. Kids playing music too loud</p> <p>28. The cost of petrol/travel</p> <p>29. Lego/other small toys being left lying around on the floor for you to stand on</p> <p>30. The kids watching too much TV</p> <p>31. Drum and Bass music</p> <p>32. Unexpected guests</p> <p>33. The television being too loud</p> <p>34. Having to do the washing up</p> <p>35. Strictly Come Dancing</p> <p>36. Geordie Shore</p> <p>37. Shoes being left by the front or back door</p> <p>38. The kids staying in bed too long</p> <p>39. Kim Kardashian</p> <p>40. Pop music</p> <p>41. Coronation Street</p> <p>42. Dance music</p> <p>43. Always getting socks for birthdays, Christmas or Father's Day</p> <p>44. Having to do all the gardening</p> <p>45. The bathroom always being occupied</p> <p>46. The neighbour's cat</p> <p>47. Having the TV on during a meal</p> <p>48. The kids recording every episode of The Simpsons/Friends etc and taking up all the space on the Sky+ box</p> <p>49. Having to wash the car</p> <p>50. Always being the one to take the dog for a walk</p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/funny-things-grandkids-say-part-4/"><em>The funniest things grandkids kids say</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/sacrifices-grandparents-make-study/"><em>The many things grandparents sacrifice for their family</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/">15 unlikely friendships that will melt your heart</a></em></strong></span></p>

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Video of a baby girl’s grumpy face goes viral

<p>A video of a baby girl trying to pull an angry face has taken the internet by storm. Emani, a cute chubby-cheek baby, plays with her mum in the clip, pretending to be happy then angry- and it’s completely adorable.</p> <p>“Show me your mad face,” says Emani’s mum in the video. The little bub responds by pouting her lips and furrowing her brow in a near-comical angry pose.</p> <p>The video has amassed over 100,000 views and worldwide coverage. After one peak at this adorable clip, it’s not hard to see why!</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/"></a></em></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/11/best-kids-movies/"><em>10 of the best movies to watch with the grandkids</em></a></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/"></a></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/11/hilarious-james-bond-gadgets/">The most hilarious Bond gadgets ever</a></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/"></a></em></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/2015/11/best-disney-songs/"><em>Best ever Disney movie songs</em></a></strong></p> <p><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/11/interspecies-animal-friendships/"> </a></em></strong></p>

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