Do you know that the biggest health disorder in the USA is stress, which leads to various more serious conditions? Yes, that’s true! But breathing exercises and nutritious foods reduce stress and anxiety. Stress is a common condition that can be caused by many factors. For some people, the best way to relieve stress is to eat. However, you need to keep in mind that not all foods are good for stress relief. In this article, we will explore various foods that reduce anxiety. We will also talk about the ones that should be avoided at all costs.
Which Are the Foods That Reduce Stress Hormones?
Now, we are going to tell you about some of the top anxiety–reducing foods that can help you have a healthier and happier life without any stress.
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Vegetable
Vegetables, without any doubt, are one of the best foods for anxiety reduction. They contain magnesium and vitamin C, which are both important for reducing stress levels and enhancing moods. They also contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body which can cause or worsen depression symptoms or anxiety attacks. People who deal with chronic pain may find relief from eating vegetables as well since they contain natural painkillers such as capsaicin (found in hot peppers) and curcumin (found in turmeric).
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Nuts
Next up we have dark chocolate as it is one of the foods that reduce anxiety fast. It is packed with flavonols and antioxidants that reduce tension by increasing blood flow to your brain. This can increase your ability to be alert and concentrate on tasks which can decrease symptoms of anxiety.
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Anti-inflammatory Foods
Anxiety is not just a mental health issue; it also has physical effects such as increased inflammation and high cortisol levels. Foods that reduce anxiety and help fight inflammation are avocado, berries, mint leaves, and turmeric. Remember that turmeric is great because it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains curcumin which has been shown to improve cognitive performance.
You need to keep in mind that along with food for stress reduction, there are some foods that should be avoided if you’re trying to reduce your stress. Such foods include fast food, fried foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages. You should try healthy ways to reduce stress like journaling each day or listening to calming music while relaxing in a bubble bath.
What Foods Worsen Stress and Anxiety?
As there are some foods that reduce anxiety, there are some that can worsen it as well. These include foods that increase stress hormones and oxidative stress. Different people react to food differently, but there are some general guidelines for what can worsen anxiety.
High-sugar foods
You should know that caffeine and alcohol all increase the risk of anxiety symptoms. These include candy, donuts, ice cream, and many other sugary snacks that can worsen anxiety symptoms. Sugar increases stress hormones and this can further lead to an increase in anxiety symptoms.
Fat and Protein
High-fat or protein foods can also increase oxidative stress in the body which has been linked to increased anxiety symptoms.
Caffeine
Contrary to popular belief that it is a food for stress reduction, caffeine is not good for overall health. Yes, you heard it right. It can worsen anxiety due to its effects on the body’s stress hormones and cortisol levels.
Alcohol
Contrary to popular belief that it is a food for stress reduction, caffeine is not good for overall health. Yes, you heard it right. It can worsen anxiety due to its effects on the body’s stress hormones and cortisol levels.
Final Thoughts
We hope that now you are well aware of the foods to reduce depression and anxiety. By incorporating them into your diet and avoiding the ones that increase stress, you can fight anxiety and depression effectively.
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