Foods to fight Anxiety

Anxiety affects different people in different ways. Some people can’t get a drop of water into themselves when they are anxious. And then there’s other people who eat as a coping mechanism when they are anxious. So what is a good balance between the two? 

When one talks about anxiety and eating habits – I fall somewhere in the middle, sometimes I eat to cope and sometimes I can’t. 

Both will affect me in the long term; because when I eat to cope I tend more often that not to pick foods that are not healthy, and may even increase my feelings of anxiety; not eating for prolonged periods of time will lead to ulcers and also causes an increase in feelings of anxiety. 

The answer lies in moderation and eating healthy. I learnt that when I eat through anxiety, picking foods that are likely to help with the anxiety rather than make it worse is important; when I can’t eat, I try and eat small portions of food that will help.

So what foods will help with anxiety?

1. Dark Chocolate – not just chocolate, but specifically dark chocolate with as little artificial sweeteners/ sugar as possible.
   

2) Organic Raw Honey – is a very good substitute for artificial sweeteners/ sugar with Herbal Tea, Fruit, and Nuts.

3) Herbal Teas – that do not contain Caffeine. Chamomile, Mint, Green tea, Ginger, Turmeric.

4) Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds 

5) Bananas and Oranges 

6) Avocados (Butter Fruit)

7) Spinach 

8) Turmeric

9) Eggs

10) Fish like Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines

All these foods (and more) contain naturally occurring substances that help increase Serotonin levels and / or decrease Cortisol levels. 

Do remember that eating these foods will help with coping with stress or anxiety, but are not a cure per se. I am no Nutritionist, so seek help from one if you need it. 

What to avoid?

Some foods can not just increase feelings of anxiety, but may also be anxiety triggers. If you are prone to anxiety, it is better to avoid these foods or keep consumption to a minimum. 

• Alcohol 
• Caffeine – both coffee and tea contain caffeine 
• Salt in large quantities 
• Sugar
• Any type of processed, aged, fermented, cultured, … (you get the drift) foods

If you have any specific questions, do leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to respond to the best of my knowledge. 

Also, do not forget to read my previous article ” Make Your Own Anxiety / Stress Relief Kit”