The anxiety problem is on an all-time high. As survivors of a pandemic, we are dealing with the aftermath and trying to live life at the same time. While common causes include worry and nervousness, it is also at times, the outcome of poor mental health. Medication is often sought for treatment. Simple habits in your daily life can help you reduce your anxiety problems like exercising, as well as deep breathing. One of the most effective ways to lead to positive results is a change in your diet.

Which Foods Reduce Anxiety?  

We have put together a list of ingredients from your kitchen counters that can help reduce your anxiety problems. 

1. Turmeric

When talking about foods that reduce anxiety, Turmeric is one of the best foods for anxiety problems. Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, a compound that helps in promoting brain health and prevents anxiety disorders. Many studies have suggested that curcumin boosts Omega-3 Fatty Acids in your brain. Curcumin produces significant anti-anxiety effects. It provides a boost of powerful antioxidants and helps prevent any damage caused to your brain cells.

2. Dark Chocolate

Another great food for anxiety problems is a bar of dark chocolate. Dark chocolates are known to contain flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can affect brain function. This helps in promoting blood flow to the brain as well as its ability to adapt to stressful situations. This can help you combat stress easily. The taste of dark chocolate is comforting in itself too. But, it is advisable to consume dark chocolate in moderate amounts as it is high in calories.

3. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is considered to be excellent for anxiety problems. The probiotics or healthy bacteria found in your cup of yoghurt can improve several aspects of your well-being, including your mental health.

Studies have shown that probiotic foods like yoghurt may promote mental health and brain function by inhibiting free radicals and neurotoxins, which can damage nerve tissue in the brain and lead to anxiety problems. Consume yoghurt at least twice a week. Be sure to check and see if your yoghurt has probiotics.

Other Foods that Can Help with Anxiety

Here’s some food that may not popularly be known as food for anxiety issues, but can benefit your overall health: 

1. Banana And Oats

Bananas and oats, whether consumed separately or together, can be beneficial. These foods are high in amino acids which are converted to serotonin in the body. The higher your levels of serotonin, the more relaxed and relieved from anxiety you feel.

2. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are an excellent source of brain-boosting Omega 3 Fatty Acids that have been shown to positively affect anxiety, making them an excellent to combat anxiety problems.

3. Citrus Fruits

Fruits rich in Vitamin C have amazing antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and prevent damage to your cells. This helps reduce anxiety problems.

4. Almonds

Almonds are stress busters and a known food for anxiety problems. It contains significant amounts of Vitamin E, which has long been backed by science to help prevent anxiety.

5. Ashwagandha

No blog, listicle, or article can be complete without mentioning Ashwagandha when discussing anxiety. With high amounts of serotonin, Ashwagandha can help reduce stress by blocking the stress pathways in your brain. Its calming properties are also known to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep. Our Ashwagandha Gold capsules are made with pure Nagori Ashwagandha that helps to reduce stress naturally.

What Drinks Help with Anxiety Problems?

1. Green Tea

Green tea contains amino acids that have been long applauded for their positive effects on the health of the human brain. It is also used to reduce psychological responses that are commonly associated with anxiety like increased heart rate.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is a herb that helps reduce anxiety problems. Chamomile tea is known to contain high amounts of antioxidants, proven to reduce inflammation. This can lessen the risk of anxiety. When consumed over prolonged periods of time, chamomile tea can show noticeable results on a person.

What foods to avoid if you have anxiety?

Yes, here is a list of some foods or beverages that could trigger anxiety and you should avoid them:

1. Caffeine

If you are someone who suffers from anxiety, you need a calm and soothing environment and coffee is known to disrupt that. Not only does coffee make your heart beat faster, but it also decreases the production of serotonin thereby leaving you distressed. Though caffeine is okay when consumed in small doses, larger doses can be a problem.

2. Avoid Aged, Fermented and Cultured food

Whole foods like milk, grapes, and meat are extremely nutritious. But when cultured, they tend to lose their proteins like histamine, which can cause anxiety and restlessness in many individuals. To minimise this, have fresh & whole foods, look at the date of packaging for your meats, and pick only the most recent ones.

3. Dairy

Research shows that people with anxiety say they’ve noticed an increase in related symptoms within minutes of consuming dairy products. The truth is, dairy is inflammatory. It wreaks havoc on the digestive system, causing bloating, diarrhoea and constipation, among other things.

4. Soda

In addition to the fact that sodas contain artificial food colouring and other additives, it also contains Aspartame which can be held responsible for anxiety problems, headaches, mood swings, and other forms of cancer.

5. Gluten

Gluten is a common protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. But it can also be a huge trigger for anxiety symptoms. Thus, cutting out gluten from your diet can lead to a healthier, more calm life.

6. Artificial and refined sugars

You cannot ignore the harmful effects of sugar on your health – not only does it make you gain weight, but also introduces changes in your body that visibly show symptoms of anxiety. It also impairs the ability to cope with stress effectively. A sugar crash is very much like a caffeine crash that can cause behavioural, mood changes, and heart palpitations. All of these have been associated with anxiety attacks.

With the help of the right diet, exercise, and schedule, you can help calm your mind, better your body, and revive your soul.