Foods That Help Reduce Anxiety

Foods That Help Reduce Anxiety

You might feel this is something new but food can help you reduce your anxiety. This does not mean binging on junk food will help. You need to consume the right kind of food. Specific food has particular nutrients that can help you get relief from anxiety, by promoting relaxation, relieving tension and at times even altering your brain chemistry.

Asparagus- Studies show that folate deficiency in people is something that can result in them suffering from depression and anxiety. Asparagus is a vegetable that has a significant content of nutrients that help in boosting your mood. Asparagus is also specifically rich in folate. A cup of asparagus per day can satisfy up to two-thirds of your body’s folate requirement.

Avocado- Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is a mood booster, are produced by the body with the help of Vitamin B6. Godfrey stated that B vitamins have a positive impact on the nervous system. Also, excessive anxiety is directly proportional to the deficiency of B vitamins in some individuals. One of the best sources of vitamin B and unsaturated fat (heart-healthy) is avocado, which also helps to reduce anxiety.

Turmeric- Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and South-East Asian cooking. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin may help lower anxiety by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that often increase in people experiencing mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The study found that an increase of curcumin in the diet also increased DHA and reduced anxiety. Turmeric is easy to add to meals. It has minimal flavour, so goes well in smoothies, curries, and casserole dishes.

Blueberries- Blueberries are a vital source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in the repair and protection of the cells in your body. When you become stressed or anxious, your body starts craving vitamin C. Blueberries also have a rich composition of antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidants do not only help in reducing stress but also in the process of prevention of stress.

Eggs- Egg yolks are another great source of vitamin D. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs for growth and development. Eggs also contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that helps create serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, sleep, memory, and behaviour. Serotonin is also thought to improve brain function and relieve anxiety.

Dark chocolate- Dark chocolate is a pretty good source of magnesium. A diet with a required magnesium composition can help in the fight against depression and anxiety. Consuming limited quantities of dark chocolate regularly can help your body get the necessary magnesium content.

Herbal Tea- Chamomile is the base for herbal tea. It is a chemical composition helps in reducing stress. Studies show that consuming herbal tea continuously for eight weeks can help in reducing anxiety. Herbal tea can become an easy alternative for coffee and other caffeine based drinks. Excess consumption of caffeine can increase anxiety and also result in panic attacks.

Chard- Chard is also rich in magnesium. It helps regulate the supply of stress hormones like cortisol in your body and helps in reducing anxiety. Anxiety is associated directly with magnesium deficiency. The deficit in the level of magnesium will give a negative impact on the gut probiotic balance and make symptoms of anxiety worse.

Brazil nuts- Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Selenium may improve mood by reducing inflammation, which is often at heightened levels when someone has a mood disorder, such as anxiety.
Selenium is also an antioxidant, which helps prevent cell damage. It is also anti-carcinogenic, which helps to prevent cancer from developing. Other nuts, animal products, and vegetables, such as mushrooms and soybeans, are an excellent source of selenium.

Turkey- Turkey is rich in the nutrient tryptophan. This nutrient is one of the reasons you feel sleepy after a heavy Thanksgiving dinner. Tryptophan is one of the amino acids required by your body to produce neurotransmitter serotonin. Neurotransmitter serotonin helps in regulating your mood and sleeping pattern. Tryptophan also reduces the feeling of anxiety.

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