Sometimes the secret to forestalling a blow-up with your beau is as simple as a trip to the refrigerator.According to an April 2014 study that appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, low blood sugar levels may make couples more inclined to argue. In other words, hunger can lead to anger. There’s even a slang term for it: hangry.In the 21-day study, researchers measured the blood glucose levels in married couples, and then oddly enough, gave each participant a voodoo doll that they were told represented their spouse. Each evening, they were then asked to insert up to 51 pins in the doll, depending on how much anger they felt toward their spouse at that moment. Participants who had lower blood sugar levels tended to stick their voodoo doll “spouse” with more pins.In another test involving sound, participants were more likely to blare loud, irritating noises through their spouse’s headphones if their glucose levels were low. The lower the sugar, the louder and longer they blasted their spouse. Ouch.So why all the anger from a simple thing like blood sugar?Simple, notes Brad Bushman, lead author of the study and professor of communication and psychology at Ohio State University: “Even though the brain is only 2 percent of our body weight, it consumes about 20 percent of our calories. It is a very demanding organ when it comes to energy.”And guess what supplies that energy? You guessed it—glucose. More glucose, more self-control when it comes to handling all of those annoying things your spouse does.So the next time your partner pisses you off by leaving a pile of clothes on the floor, dirty dishes on the counter or a glob of hair in the shower drain, it may be worth grabbing a little snack before you speak. “Don’t discuss sensitive topics with your spouse on an empty stomach,” suggests Bushman. “Do it over dinner. Better yet, discuss after dinner so your blood sugar levels are higher.” Better yet, have a healthy mix of protein and carbohydrate-rich foods throughout the day to keep your energy—and emotional—levels steady. Not only will your stomach thank you, but your spouse may, too.MORE: Why It’s Your Job to Keep the Peace at Home
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