Scientists from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found that the hormone ghrelin, produced on an empty stomach, prevents rational thinking and weighing their decisions.

The rats, which the researchers introduced ghrelin, began to act impulsively and inadequately to the situation.

Impulsiveness in one way or another affects the fate of each of us.

Some because of impulsiveness could not get a good job, others lost a life partner, the third more than once fell into dangerous rework. But few of us guessed that behind these troubles could be the usual feeling of hunger.

Swedish scientists say that impulsive behavior can be divided into two large groups:.

• Impulsive action, that is, inability to stop one's ill-conceived actions. • Impulsive choice, that is, acceptance of an irrational, ill-considered decision. Although the vast majority of people are able to sufficiently control their impulses (otherwise the world would be plunged into chaos), there are a number of diseases and conditions, which self-control is violated. Among them, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, drug addiction, etc.. This makes impulsivity an important area of ??scientific interest.

Early studies demonstrate the relationship between nutritional reward and impulsivity, although the mechanism of this connection is not sufficiently understood by scientists. A new work published in Neuropsychopharmacology sheds light on this interesting and practically useful aspect of human psychology.

What is ghrelin?.

Ghrelin is a hormone that is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract and acts on the central nervous system.

It is released when the stomach is empty and the person needs to actively look for food. Ghrelin prepares the body for food intake, interacts with the cells of the hypothalamus and causes hunger.

The role of ghrelin is not limited to this.

Apparently, ghrelin participates in the formation of pleasant sensations when using drugs and alcohol, as well as certain types of food (for example, sweets).

Ghrelin and impulsivity.

Dr. Karolina Skibicka (Karolina Skibicka) from the Salgren Academy together with her colleagues trained rats to perform various tricks that help assess the impulsiveness of animals.

They had to do or not perform a certain action at the right time, run or stand up to a conditioned signal, etc..

In the course of her experiments Dr. Skibicka injected the hormone ghrelin into the brain of animals, observing changes in their behavior.

After the injection of the hormone of animals, hunger was involved, they behaved inadequately, did not perform memorized tricks and were unable to resist their impulses. Something similar was observed after the animals were forced to starve for several days.

"The results show that ghrelin affects the activity of the ventral area of ??the tire - a group of neurons that participate in the formation of dependencies and are responsible for the sense of reward. When we block the effects of ghrelin, impulsive behavior comes to naught, "says Dr. Skibicka.

Useful conclusions for everyone.

If ghrelin really affects impulsive behavior, it is possible that scientists will create drugs that can control human behavior through a given hormone.

This would be an excellent opportunity for the treatment of many mental illnesses and addictions.

As for us, mere mortals, the main conclusion of the study is simple: do not plan important events and make crucial decisions on an empty stomach. This will help avoid a lot of awkward moments and irreparable mistakes, which you will regret all your life.

Take care of yourself and be prudent!.

medbe. en.