On empty stomach for a while? Neurologist reveals what happens to the brain when you skip meals

Eating balanced meals and snacks, including proteins and complex carbohydrates, that can help sustain energy and prevent prolonged periods of low blood sugar.

By: Lifestyle Desk
New Delhi | December 28, 2024 08:00 AM IST

3 min read

(Source: Freepik)

Are you in the habit of skipping meals frequently? Do you often experience headaches when you stay on an empty stomach for a while? Sure, we have all come across articles talking about the downsides of skipping breakfast, but can skipping regular meals damage our health as well? If you are curious as to know what happens to the brain in particular when we skip meals left and right, don’t worry. Indianexpress.com spoke to a neurologist and found out.

Dr Sheetal Goyal, Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central shared that the brain relies on glucose as its primary energy source. “When we skip meals, glucose levels drop, and the brain may struggle to function optimally. This can lead to poor concentration, memory lapses, and mood swings.”

According to her, prolonged glucose deficiency triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol, further impairing cognitive function and increasing irritability or anxiety. In extreme cases, the brain may switch to ketones for energy, but this transition can cause mental fogginess.

Why do we get headaches if we are on an empty stomach for too long?

Headaches from an empty stomach are often due to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which affects brain function. “The lack of glucose prompts the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, causing blood vessels to constrict and dilate, leading to headaches.”

She also added that dehydration and increased muscle tension from hunger can worsen the discomfort. The brain’s sensitivity to changes in blood sugar makes it particularly vulnerable to these symptoms.

(Source: Freepik)

What is ideally the longest you can wait between meals to avoid headaches?

The ideal interval between meals to prevent headaches varies, but most experts recommend eating every 4 to 6 hours during the day. This timeframe helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and keeps the body fueled.

Dr Goyal said that going beyond 6 hours without food may cause blood sugar to drop, triggering hunger-induced headaches. She emphasised on eating balanced meals and snacks, including proteins and complex carbohydrates, that can help sustain energy and prevent prolonged periods of low blood sugar.

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*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*

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