Nutrition never ceases to amaze, and in the case of anxiety – it’s no exception. Anxiety doesn’t have to be a scary thing to deal with if you understand how to manage and control it in your every day life. Thanks to research and evidence, it’s been discovered that there are a plethora of foods out there that can lower stress levels, improve mood and reduce general anxiety.
What is anxiety?
More and more people are experiencing anxiety in their everyday lives, but what is anxiety, when you consider the way the brain and body reacts?
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. Have you ever felt nervous and excited about something at the same time, yet not in control of how to shake it? That is a case of mild and general anxiety. It can often resemble the feeling of butterflies or in more severe cases which often result in a panic attack, you might feel very hot and your heart rate elevates. These are extreme cases which can last for extended periods of time and potentially interfere with your life could mean that you have an anxiety disorder. In which case you need to seek your doctors’ advice to assist you.
Eat these foods to help reduce anxiety:
- Brazil nuts – they contain selenium, which help improve mood.
- Salmon and other fatty fish are beneficial in reducing anxiety due to high level of Omega 3’s. (Sushi for the win!)
- Chamomile is an herb that can reduce anxiety – chamomile tea is perfect for this!
- Dark chocolate stimulates the release of serotonin – the feel good hormone.
- Turmeric contains curcumin which promotes brain health and prevents anxiety disorders.
- Green tea has a soothing and calming effect thanks to L-theanine, the amino acid that has a mild sedative effect - ide bonus is that it’s great for overall health too!
Try these supplements:
1. GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)
Gaba is a neurotransmitter located in the brain that is crucial in the process of producing healthy levels of serotonin.
2. Valerian root
As soon as one ingests valerian root, the acids found within the herb convert to calming, “feel-good” neurotransmitters in the body. This regulates stress by relaxing the body and the mind. It’s great in the form of tea!
3. Ashwagandha
This is a common herb used to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. You can experience benefits from eating the fruit, but you’ll find it in health shops in the most commonly consumed way, as a capsule.
4. Omega 3
Has been shown to improve symptoms of depression, which is often closely linked with anxiety disorders.
A recent study showed that a supplement which contained the following nutrients significantly decreased anxiety in young adults: B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. It’s important to understand how nutrition can affect your mood and anxiety in a positive way, but it’s equally important to speak to a doctor to approach your anxiety holistically and learn how to manage it in your every day life if you’re still unsure.
Date Published: 22 January 2021
