How to Cope with stress and anxiety naturally?
Foods That Help Ease Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting approximately 7.6 percent of the global population.It’s an umbrella term used to describe various disorders — such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and phobias — and is generally characterized by constant feelings of tension, worry, and nervousness that can interfere with daily life. In many cases, medication is often required as a main course of treatment. Though, there are several strategies you can also use to help reduce anxiety symptoms, from exercising to breathing techniques.Additionally, there are some foods you can eat that may help support brain function and lower the severity of your symptoms, mostly due to their brain-boosting properties. Here are 6 science-backed foods and beverages that may provide anxiety relief.1.Salmon
Salmon may be beneficial for reducing anxiety. It contains nutrients that promote brain health, including vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)These nutrients may help regulate the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which can have calming and relaxing properties.In particular, a diet rich in EPA and DHA is associated with lower rates of anxiety. It’s believed these fatty acids may reduce inflammation and prevent brain cell dysfunction that is common in people with anxiety.This may also support your brain’s ability to adapt to changes, allowing you to better handle stressors that trigger anxiety symptoms.
Vitamin D has also been studied for the positive effects in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. One 2020 meta-analysis showed vitamin D supplementation was associated with lower rates of negative mood disorders.In another study, men who ate Atlantic salmon 3 times per week for 5 months reported less anxiety than those who ate chicken, pork, or beef. Moreover, they had improved anxiety-related symptoms, such as heart rate and heart rate variability.
For the most benefit, try adding salmon to your diet 2–3 times per week.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is an herb that may help reduce anxiety. It contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help lower inflammation associated with anxiety.Though the mechanisms aren’t clear, chamomile is believed to help regulate neurotransmitters related to mood such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Further, it may help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, a central part of the body’s stress response.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, a compound studied for its role in promoting brain health and preventing anxiety disorders.Known for its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin may help to prevent damage to brain cells related to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.Moreover, animal studies suggest curcumin may increase the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) — an omega-3 found in plants — to DHA more effectively and increase DHA levels in the brain.That said, incorporating turmeric into your diet is certainly worth a try. To increase curcumin absorption, try pairing it with black pepper.
4. Dark chocolate
Incorporating some dark chocolate into your diet may also be helpful for easing anxiety.Dark chocolate contains flavanols, such as epicatechin and catechin, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants.Some research suggests that the flavanols found in dark chocolate may benefit brain function and have neuroprotective effects. In particular, flavanols may increase blood flow to the brain and enhance cell-signaling pathways.These effects may allow you to adjust better to the stressful situations that can lead to anxiety and other mood disorders.Some researchers also suggest that dark chocolate’s role in brain health may simply be due to its taste, which can be comforting for those with mood disorders.Further, dark chocolate is best consumed in moderation, as it’s high in calories and easy to overeat. Enjoy a 1.0- to 1.5-ounce serving at a time.
5. Yogurt
If you suffer from anxiety, yogurt is a great food to include in your diet.The probiotics, or healthy bacteria, found in some types of yogurts may improve several aspects of your well-being, including mental health. Though still an emerging field of research, probiotics may support the gut-brain-axis — an intricate system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. In particular, research suggests healthy gut bacteria may be linked with better mental health.
Further, probiotic foods like yogurt may promote mental health and brain function by reducing inflammation and increasing production of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.Anxious individuals who consumed probiotic yogurt daily were better able to cope with stress than those who consumed yogurt without probioticsIt’s also important to note that not all yogurt contains probiotics. For the benefits of probiotics, choose a yogurt that has live active cultures listed as an ingredient.
6.Green tea
Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that’s been studied for the positive effects it may have on brain health and anxiety reduction.Additionally, L-theanine may increase GABA, dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that have been shown to have anti-anxiety effects.Moreover, green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant suggested to promote brain health. It may play a role in reducing certain symptoms by also increasing GABA in the brain.
Interestingly, the combination of L-theanine, EGCG, and other compounds found within green tea appear to play a synergistic role in promoting calmness and alleviating anxiety and may be more effective together than as separate ingredients.This may suggest why drinking several cups of green tea daily is associated with less psychological distress.
Other foods that may help with anxiety
While some of the foods listed below have not been studied specifically for their anti-anxiety effects, they’re rich in nutrients thought to improve related symptoms.- Turkey, bananas and oats.These are good sources of the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin in the body and may promote relaxation and anxiety relief.
- Eggs, meat and dairy products.All provide high-quality protein including essential amino acids that produce the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which have the potential to improve mental health.
- Chia seeds.Chia seeds are another good source of brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help with anxiety.
- Citrus fruits and bell peppers.These fruits are rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and prevent damage to cells that may promote anxiety.
- Almonds provide a significant amount of vitamin E and healthy fats, which play key roles in brain health.
- Blueberries are high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, such as flavonoids, that have been studied for their ability to improve brain health and thus help with anxiety relief.