Hungry Intelligence

Want to give yourself a cognitive advantage?

Got a big test? An important meeting? A must-close sales call?

Then go in mildly hungry, not fully sated.

Christopher Shea reports that researchers at Yale Medical School led by Tama Horvath have discovered that hungry mice take in information more quickly and retain it better as well. And these scientists believe that the same is probably true for humans too.

The researchers studied the pathways followed in mouse brains by ghrelin, a hormone produced by the stomach lining, when the stomach is empty. According to Shea, the scientists were surprised when,

they found that ghrelin was binding to cells not just in the primitive part of the brain that registers hunger (the hypothalamus) but also in the region that plays a role in learning, memory and spatial analysis (the hippocampus).

The researchers then put mice injected with ghrelin and control mice through a maze and other intelligence tests. In each case, the biochemically ''hungry'' mice -- mice infused with ghrelin -- performed notably better than those with normal levels of the hormone.

Horvath says this finding makes sense: "When you are hungry, you need to focus your entire system on finding food in the environment.''

This explains why our thinking abilities seem to deteriorate right after a big meal. This also explains why doing a seminar or speaking right after lunch (or dinner) is such a challenge; I can attest to this from personal experience.

For better thinking, stay hungry!

Comments

[Tiara]

Huh! This isn't true for me. If I am even the slightest bit hungry, all I can think of is the hunger; I get cranky and I can't focus on the project at hand.

[Roger von Oech]

Hi Tiara! Thanks for stopping by. You've got some interesting blogs.

I guess hunger affects people in different ways. If I'm famished — and my blood sugar level is low — I'm not very effective. But I function pretty well when I'm moderately hunger.

If I have an important presentation to make, I try to make sure that I've eaten at least three hours beforehand.

[David Armano]

Wow,

This brings me back to High School. I used to Wrestle, which means we "sucked weight" (translation, starving ourselves to make a lower weight class). And through it all you had to push your body to the limit.

Thinking back, I remember being grumpy but also more alert and in-tune with things.

Also, there are many religious practices that involve fasting. This is something with roots to the ancient world. I think they were on to something as the intention of fasting was to bring spiritual clarity. Also, I've heard medical reports that talk about physical benefits (detox). while staying well hydrated of course.

Maybe I'll try it (after the holidays of course).

:)

[Roger von Oech]

Hey David,

Why not kick off '07 with a month o' fasting? It would give you a lot of hallucinatory insights you could share with all of us!

[David Armano]

The hallucinatory diet? I like the sound of that Roger!

[Jason Drohn]

This is absolutely true for me. I do my best work when I am slightly hungry. I also get the most done..

[Niko Nyman]

We just talked about this with a colleague (when we were very hungry). Our completely non-scientific two-person focus group came to the conclusion that when somewhat hungry, you always aim to do "that ONE thing before going to lunch". Because of the hunger, you more effectively zone out distractions and concentrate on getting the thing done -- because THEN you get to eat.

But after that one thing might you often notice another one thing that just might be small enough to do before lunch, too.... and so on. Starving becomes flow. ;)

[Richie]

The only thing I can find wrong with this theory is that if it were true then supermodels would be geniuses.

But then what do I know? I've just had lunch...

[Cam Beck]

I don't remember whether I heard it on Christian talk radio or in church, but I heard one time from someone who was not an advocate of traditional fasting that it's best to show up at church just a little bit hungry... The premise was that it makes you more receptive and eager.

Nice thoughts.