The Anxiety Diet:
What Should You Be Eating?
Here you will learn about foods needed for an anxiety diet.
There is no doubt that what we eat, or don't eat, has a great effect on how
we physically and mentally feel.
Using foods to combat the physical symptoms of anxiety is a smart way to
enhance and even contribute to your own recovery. There are many anxiety diet
foods that can make a difference.
Anxiety Diet Foods
Foods High in Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been shown to lower levels or cortisol and keep
blood pressure at a healthy level. Foods that are high in
Vitamin C are helpful in combating the negative mental and
physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. Eating foods high in
Vitamin C may help you deal with stressful events more
comfortably and successfully.
Some foods that are richest in Vitamin C are red peppers, kale,
citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and kiwi.
It is very important to note that Vitamin C is easily destroyed by heat and
open exposure to air and sunshine. Eating Vitamin C rich foods are best if eaten
raw. The longer you cook these foods and subject them to high heat, the more
Vitamin C will be lost.
B Vitamin Rich Foods
B Vitamins are responsible for supporting neurotransmitters in
the brain. They also help with supplying energy to the body as well
as helping the body metabolize important amino acids.
Some foods highest in Vitamin B are oatmeal,
pears, peppers, cabbage, squash,
raw garlic and even some spices, such as paprika.
Calcium
Calcium is calming! I am sure you have heard many talk about
that glass of milk at bedtime to help you when you can't sleep.
Well, it's true! Calcium has been shown to produce a sense of
calm in many who are tense and it has tranquilizing effects.
Foods highest in calcium are yogurt, milk, sardines,
cheddar cheese, mozzarella, kale, broccoli, and
spinach. They are all great sources of calcium.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids have shown to improve
cognitive function in those suffering with anxiety as well as
depression.
A depression diet that is high in oily, fatty fish such as
salmon,
mackerel, tuna, and sardines is good. Other
good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids are found in walnuts,
flaxseed oil,
soybean and canola oils.
Magnesium
Magnesium is important in an anxiety diet because it helps with
the physical tension associated with stress and anxiety. Magnesium
works with your muscles and helps them to relax. Usually people who
are chronically stressed are depleted in magnesium.
Foods richest in magnesium are seaweed, soybeans,
wheat bran, pecan nuts, filbert nuts,
hazelnuts, almonds, navy beans, rice
flour, rye flour,
cherries, oranges, and peaches.
Proteins
Proteins rich in Tyrosine,
Tryptophan and other essential
amino acids help boost neurotransmitters in the brain.
Seaweed, soy protein, and cottage cheese
have the highest levels of Tyrosine. Some of the highest levels
of Tryptophan can be found in seaweed,
soy protein, sesame seeds, shrimp,
lobster,
crab, and also turkey.
Say No to Coffee and YES to Green Tea
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. L-theanine
promotes relaxation and focus without drowsiness. Although green
tea does have some caffeine, some people are more sensitive than
others to it's effects on the body. If your anxiety is chronic,
I would not encourage
any caffeine until later in your recovery. However,
L-theanine is available as a supplement without caffeine. To
learn more about this supplement visit
natural stress relief for some excellent information and
resources.
Want More Information?
These books come highly recommended. Be sure to click
the link below to read more reviews.
The Food-Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anxiety,
Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug
Problems--and Feel Good Again
by
Jack Challem (Author) , Melvyn R. Werbach MD (Foreword)
The Food-Mood Connection: Nutrition-based and Environmental
Approaches to Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing
by Gary Null Gary Null
What About Deficiency?
It is also important to note that vitamin deficiency can be contributing to
your anxiety symptoms.
Your doctor can order specific tests to check your levels if
you are concerned this may be part of the problem. Deficiency is common for
people with anxiety because anxiety usually produces a loss of appetite. Many
find it difficult to eat when anxious and because of the lack of nutrients, this
can contribute to you feeling more anxious.
Natural Supplementation with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and even high
calorie drinks such as
Ensure 
, are helpful and sometimes necessary to support and maintain health. Especially
if you find it difficult to eat specific recommended foods. For a Soy Protein
alternative, I highly recommend Revival Soy Shakes.
For More Information on overcoming anxiety with natural remedies, please
visit
Natural Stress Relief.
Favorite
Supplementation Resources
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