The 7 best anti-anxiety food to include in your diet

Anti-Anxiety: Calm your jitters with these on your plate

Karen GEORGE

31 Aug 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:28

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Seaweed & foods rich in tryptophan
Rich in nutrients, this tasty snack has the same health benefits as whole grains and is a perfect alternative for those who are gluten sensitive. Its high magnesium and tryptophan content has been shown to have a positive effect on stress because amino acids help your brain produce feel-good chemicals.
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Dark chocolate
Milk chocolate might give you the immediate sugar rush to elevate your mood but dark chocolate, without the added milk or sugars will boost your mood without the inevitable sugar crash that causes depression. The superfood contains compounds to reduce cortisol –the stress hormone that is responsible for anxiety symptoms.
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Leafy greens & foods rich in vitamin B
Greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are loaded with magnesium, calcium and iron. A lack of vitamin B and folic acid decreases your mood so why not stock up on leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli which are loaded with magnesium, calcium and iron. These nutrients are important to fight stress, anxiety and depression.
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Yoghurt & foods rich in protein
Yoghurt is rich in protein which helps stimulate production of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine, which improves mental energy, alertness and reaction time. Eating foods rich in protein like eggs, fish, cheese, nuts and meat helps keep your satiated throughout the day as well as keep your blood sugar levels steady.
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Whole wheat bread
Carbohydrates have been shown to increase production of serotonin in the brain. Perhaps that’s why mood-lifting carbs like pasta and pizza are so popular. Lift your mood the healthier way by opting for whole wheat bread instead as it takes longer for the body to break down so you can avoid the sugar crash that comes with processed carbs.
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Berries & food rich in antioxidants
Packed with vitamins, phytonutrients, and a variety of antioxidants, blueberries help to reduce tension in the body as well as boost the immune system. The high fibre content helps to regulate blood sugar levels which reduces the risk of mood swings leading to anxiety attacks. A handful a day can keep your stress at bay.
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Salmon & foods rich in fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are usually found in antidepressants, but instead of popping pills, why not include salmon and other fatty fish like tuna, lake trout, herring and mackerel in your diet? These fish have high omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to enhance mood and reduce risk of heart disease at the same time.

Discard those anxiety pills and get yourself acquainted with these foods that will lower your blood pressure and put you at ease stat!

Coping with anxiety can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge not without solutions. Oftentimes, it’s as simple as a change in your diet. After all, it starts with your gut! Watching what you eat may not be a substitute treatment or a final cure to your sweat-inducing, heartbeat-increasing condition but it does make a difference to your overall mood and well-being.

Numerous studies have shown that some foods lull us into a state of calm while other foods send our senses into overdrive. If you suffer from stress, anxiety or panic attacks on a daily basis, it’s time to make modifications to your diet to ensure a more tranquil state of mind at all times.

We already know we should stay away from alcohol, processed foods, fizzy drinks and sugar-loaded treats, but what are the foods we should be feeding our bodies for a peaceful mind? Head to the gallery for seven foods you may want to add to your diet to ease your anxiety and boost your mood stat!

Karen George

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