Have you ever noticed that when people are sick, either with the flu or chronic health issues, they tend to be grumpy, irritable and/or easily agitated? In those moments, you need to realize that their snippy attitude likely reflects their brain chemistry more so than an undesirable character trait.
When sick people come off as grumpy, it’s usually due to the level of inflammation that they are experiencing. Understanding some of the root causes of their sour mood, may help you when a loved one or friend is sick.
Below are some root causes that may be contributing to inflammation which may lead to a bad mood and/or short temper when they are not feeling well.
- Blood sugar imbalances due to skipping meals and relying on grains, sugar, and/or processed carbohydrates can lead to fatigue, brain chemistry imbalances, depression and a short temper.
- Autoimmune disease: in the case of a flare, cytokines from the immune system can cause brain inflammation which can cause depression, irritability and…#3
- Brain fog = brain inflammation. Brain inflammation causes slow firing neurons and therefore foggy thinking. Things that can cause brain fog include the blood sugar imbalances, the flu, autoimmune flares, chronic inflammation, food sensitivities and #4 leaky gut.
- Leaky gut allows undigested food particles and bacteria and other pathogens into the bloodstream which can trigger inflammation in the body and brain. The result can be fatigue, irritability and brain fog.
- Neurotransmitter imbalances: hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, blood sugar imbalances, and chronic stress are all factors that can skew neurotransmitters and lead to a bad mood.
- Gluten intolerance also causes inflammation, depression, anxiety, fatigue which leads to feeling crummy and acting out. Other common foods that may cause these reactions include dairy, eggs, soy, corn, and other grains.
Getting sick with the flu or having chronic health issues can cause anyone to feel grumpy and irritable. When you start treating the root causes, you’ll be less inflamed and in a much better mood as a result.
