Your Diet and Anxiety: How They’re Linked

Did you know that your diet and anxiety are linked?

In the US, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness.  For instance, Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 3.1% of the US population. 

​Social Anxiety Disorder affects 6.8% of the population or 15 million adults.  

​Anxiety disorders are treatable. In fact, 36.9% of those suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Particularly, anti-anxiety foods can help you beat the disorders and live a healthy life. 

So, want to know what foods to eat and what to avoid to overcome anxiety?  

Read on and learn how diet and anxiety are linked and what you can do.  

Does Diet Affect Anxiety?

Let’s face it.  Coping with anxiety is a challenge. In fact, what you ought to know is that changing your diet can make some difference in your well-being and mood. 

However, while food for anxiety has positive effects, the changes may take a while.  

For instance, if you consume a breakfast rich in protein, the protein will make you feel full for longer and your blood sugar level will remain steady. So, this means you will have more energy as you start your day.  

Moreover, you can also include natural herbs like ashwagandha in your diet. Ashwagandha is a healthy herb, and it's an adaptogen that contains compounds that help you manage your stress.

Apart from reducing stress, it lowers your cortisol levels and symptoms of anxiety. 

We recommend that you steer clear of foods rich in simple carbohydrates. For instance, avoid sugar-rich foods and drinks and don’t forget to hydrate all day–8 to 10 glasses of water. 

Moreover, this also affects your mood and helps to lower your anxiety levels. 

Remember, do not skip meals. By doing so, it results in a drop in your blood sugar levels. Instead of easing your anxiety disorders, you will make it worse.

Why? You will end up feeling jittery. 

Are There Foods to Avoid?

There are foods and drinks you need to avoid. Most of these foods can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, food allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to certain food proteins.

If you ingest such foods, they can trigger a range of reactions. For instance: 

• Hives 
• Swelling 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Rashes 
• Digestive pain  

Identifying and removing sensitivities and allergies is important for your health. 

To control your anxiety, there are foods to avoid: 

• Peanuts 
• Corn 
• Alcohol 
• Eggs (in some cases) 
• Processed and fast foods 
• Soy 
• Gluten rich foods  

Want to uncover food sensitivities or allergies? 

Try the elimination diet. As a short term eating plan, it works by eliminating foods that cause allergies.

These foods are later re-introduced one after another. The reason is to find which you can tolerate and which you cannot.

There are few rules to remember with nutrition for anxiety. Always eat a healthy balanced diet, cut back on sugar and processed foods. Avoid caffeine and cigarettes too.  

We recommend eating foods rich in zinc such as oysters, broccoli, legumes, and nuts. 

Achieving Better Mental Health with Diet to Reduce Anxiety

The relationship between diet and anxiety is beneficial and, by changing your lifestyle, you get to achieve success. 

Moreover, foods rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids keep you calm thanks to the production of serotonin. Remember, be patient as the lifestyle changes may take time. 

And if your anxiety is severe, seek immediate help from a qualified medical professional. 

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