Anxiety is a normal part of life. It can be caused by many things, including work, school, family, and relationships. When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with your ability to function. Many people turn to food to calm their anxiety.
There are many different types of food that can help calm anxiety. Some people find that eating protein-rich foods helps to reduce anxiety symptoms. Others find that eating complex carbohydrates helps to stabilize their mood and reduce anxiety. And still others find that eating certain fats helps to soothe their nervous system and reduce anxiety.
The best way to determine which type of food calms your anxiety is to experiment with different types of foods and see what works for you. There is no standardized solution when it comes to managing anxiety with diet, but there are definitely some foods that can help calm your nerves and ease your anxious symptoms.
Turkey, bananas and oats. These are good sources of the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin in the body and may promote relaxation and anxiety relief ( 53 , 54 )
If you’re struggling with anxiety, you might be looking for natural ways to find relief. Some people swear by certain foods as effective anxiolytics, or anti-anxiety agents. Turkey, bananas and oats are all touted as foods that can help calm anxiety. But do they really work?
Turkey is often cited as a food that can help reduce anxiety. This may be because turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the body . Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood and has anxiolytic effects . Thus, it’s thought that eating foods rich in tryptophan may help increase serotonin levels and promote relaxation and relief from anxiety symptoms.
Bananas are another food often said to reduce anxiety. This may be due to their high content of magnesium, a mineral involved in regulating stress hormones like adrenaline . Additionally, bananas contain tryptophan and vitamin B6, both of which are necessary for the synthesis of serotonin . For these reasons, it’s thought that eating bananas may help boost serotonin levels and relieve anxiety symptoms.
Oats are also sometimes recommended as an anti-anxiety food due to their high content of nutrients like magnesium and tryptophan . Additionally, oats contain aven anthr amides – compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties – which have been shown to decrease stress hormone levels when consumed in high amounts . Thus, it’s possible that eating oats regularly may help reduce stress hormone levels and improve overall feelings of well-being..
Eggs, meat and dairy products
Eggs are a good source of protein and contain vitamins B6 and B12, which are important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. Meat is also a good source of protein and contains nutrients like iron and zinc, which can help to keep your nerves healthy. Dairy products like milk and cheese contain calcium, which is important for nerve function.
Chia seeds
Recent studies have also shown that chia seeds can help reduce anxiety and promote calmness. One study showed that participants who consumed chia seed oil had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood than those who didn’t consume the oil. Another study found that participants who ate foods containing ground chia seeds felt more relaxed than those who didn’t eat these foods.
If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, consider adding chia seeds to your diet. You can add them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods.
Citrus fruits and bell peppers
Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are all great choices when it comes to reducing anxiety. Bell peppers are another excellent option, as they also contain high levels of vitamin C. If you’re looking for a delicious way to incorporate these foods into your diet, try adding them to salads or juices. You can also add them to smoothies or yogurt for a quick and easy snack that will help keep your anxiety at bay.
Almonds
Almonds are a source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent snack for people with anxiety. The fatty acids in almonds can help to decrease the inflammation in your body that can worsen anxiety symptoms. Fiber helps to regulate digestion and can also make you feel fuller longer, which can help to reduce anxiety related to hunger. Protein provides amino acids that are necessary for the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is known to have mood-boosting effects. Vitamins B6 and E found in almonds are also important for maintaining mental health.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried. They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Blueberries have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Additionally, blueberries may help to improve cognitive function and memory.