Anxiety is an emotion that all of us have felt at some time. Certain situations, tough conversations, important decisions, conflicts all cause us to feel nervous, worried, unsure and concerned. A few changes to your diet can help you manage anxiety that can sometimes make a regular day tougher to deal with.
Here are some healthy foods that will help you fight anxiety better:
1 . Whole Grains
Carbohydrates make up for the largest part of our diet, and most us rely on processed and polished grains to fulfil our carb intake. Switch to whole grains to reduce anxiety. Whole grains are packed with Vitamin B and magnesium, deficiency of which is linked to anxiety and depression. Whole grains also increase levels of serotonin which helps reduce anxiety.
2 . Oranges
Vitamin C in oranges helps reduce the hormone cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Vitamin C also lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety. If you are feeling anxious simply eat an orange or drink freshly squeezed orange juice. The citrusy smell also helps soothe nerves and energises instantly.
3 . Almonds
Almonds are packed with zinc, iron and healthy fats. Zinc helps keep a calm and well-balanced mood. Iron deficiency is known to cause mental fatigue, low energy, stress and anxiety. Soak 5-7 almonds overnight and peel, and add a spoon of honey, eat this mix every morning to reduce anxiety and a whole bunch of other health benefits.
4 . Peaches
Peaches are packed with Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants and phytonutrients. antioxidants help reduce stress. The phytonutrients in peach bring about a calming effect and help reduce anxiety & stress levels. Have a peach as a mid-day snack or start your day with peach jam on toast to enjoy is stress relieving properties.
5 . Yoghurt
High in probiotics, yoghurt isn’t just good for your gut; it can also help improve mental alertness & energy. The proteins in yoghurt improve the production of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Vitamin B12 in yoghurt helps boost mood and improves reaction time. Deficiency of Vitamin B is linked to depression especially in women. Whether you have plain yoghurt, buttermilk, raita or curd based curries, increase your daily intake of yoghurt to improve mental health.
6 . Chamomile
An age old remedy for good sleep, chamomile has compounds which impact the brain in ways similar to Valium. Chamomile tea with honey is a great home remedy to reduce anxiety. Avoid sugar as it tends to cause an energy spike followed by a crash, leaving one feeling low and tired. Chamomile supplements, when consumed for 8-10 weeks, have shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in those suffering from anxiety disorders.