Foods That Reduce Anxiety - 10 Anxiety Fighting Foods

Anxiety blights the lives of many people around the world, whatever their background or situation. For some it can be the thought of going to a meeting and speaking, while for others, it's a generalized anxiety where everything is a problem. There are, of course, many theories about what, if any, treatment is available for anxiety - with many people, including some professionals, believing that the solution may lie away from typical medications and treatments. This means lifestyle changes, which includes the food we eat, the exercise we take, and learning to take control of anxious thoughts. If you suffer with anxiety then you should speak to a professional if it causes distress in your everyday life. Other people may want to read about the foods that may reduce anxiety and fight it off, and hopefully they will benefit you. It is quite well known that foods such as fast food, and those high in fat, may make anxiety worse, but can food also help anxiety?

Peaches -

The reason peaches may help anxiety is because they are put of a group called "super-foods", that focus on allowing the brain and body to work better, and at a higher level.

Peaches also contain a natural sedative, possibly eradicating the need for medication, and some reports say that peaches eaten before bedtime may aid your sleep.

Sushi -

I know, I know, some people can't bare sushi, but it does have tremendous benefits, as the seaweed in Maki contain pantothenic acid, which keep the adrenal glands working well, and in case you didn't know these are vital for manging stress. When we are feeling stressed,anxious, and we do not have enough pantothenic acid, anxiety is common.

So with sushi, it's more of a preventative that a relief.

Acacia Berries-

Acacia berries contain phytonutrients that can lift your mood. People with anxiety often have other co-existing psychiatric problems, such as depression. Usually anxiety and depression work in tandem, so if you can help the depression, you may well help the anxiety, as depression can cause anxious thoughts.

Whole Grain Rice or Pasta-

Whole grain foods boost serotonin levels, which help us feel calm, relaxed and happy. The reason why whole grain is best is because other carbs will give you a boost, but it will be temporary, and they are fattening. Whole grains will keep you going for longer, as they are digested slower.

Almonds -

Almonds contain iron and zinc - low levels can make you tired, lacking energy which can cause anxious thoughts, or make anxiety worse. They alson contain B vitamins, such as B2, which combined with magnesium, produces serotonin. They are high in fat though, mostly natural fat, so moderate the amount you eat. There's no point piling on the pounds and causing another problem altogether.

Chocolate -

Not the healthiest thing to eat, but chocolate can improve your mood, especially raw chocolate. Get this, raw chocolate is highly rich in magnesium. Almost half of adults lack in magnesium, which can be responsible for mood swings. Look out for high percentage cocoa containing chocolate rather than your dairy milk bar.

Fish-

Fish contain the important vitamins, B6 and B12 - with B12 known for being involved with the production of Serotonin. Tuna and Salmon are good options - salmon is high in Omega 3 fatty acids.

The good thing about fish is that it is fairly easy to cook, plus it goes with most things including salad, rice and vegetables.

Beef -

Did you know that beef contains Iron, Zinc and B Vitamins - which as we've already discovered helps, or prevents, anxiety states. But, and yes there is a but, don't eat too much because it is otherwise unhealthy. When you do eat beef, try and pick lean cuts, as it is healthier and contains less fat.

Broccoli -

Broccoli contains the B Vitamins, which help produce Serotonin. A lack of this chemical is associated with psychiatric disorders. Increasing Serotonin may help anxious thoughts, with the added benefit of Folic Acid - which helps relieve panic, anxiety and stress.

Blueberries -

It's not just blueberries, in fact most berries have stress relieving values about them, but blueberries have shown the most promise in relation to relieving anxiety.

These foods will not cure anxiety, I'd like to make that clear. They may provide, in time if eaten as part of a routine and balanced diet, some relief from anxiety, as well as combining them with other environmental changes.

Hope you enjoy!