Foods That Are Probably Not Helping Your Anxiety
Foods That Are Probably Not Helping Your Anxiety
People tend to crave food that are high in trans fat, processed sugar, and salt when they are feeling anxious and stressed, but these foods directly increase levels of cortisol – the stress hormone- which exaggerates anxiety symptoms.
Here is a list of 7 foods to avoid cause anxiety. Each person has different triggers, but fro many, the following food and drinks contribute to anxiety symptoms:
- CAFFEINE: Coffee, sodas/fizzy drinks and energy drinks cause a spike of energy and increase heart rate and blood pressure. They inhibit serotonin levels in the brain and cause irritability when you eventually crash.
- CANDY: Similar to a caffeine spike, a sugar rush is only temporary lift. When it wears off, the body increases insulin to remove sugar from the bloodstream, which can result in fatigue and anxiety.
- ALCOHOL: Most people think that alcohol helps ease anxiety, but it is a depressant that actually amplifies anxiety symptoms. While one glass of wine may help you unwind after a long day, more than that will tend to cause negative effects, like dehydration, disrupted sleep, and irritability- leading to anxiety.
- PROCESSED MEATS: Processed meats such as hot dogs are loaded with preservative and sodium, which increase the risk for anxiety and depression. The pirates in these meats also trigger headaches in some people.
- FRIED FOOD: Studies have shown that people who ate mostly unhealthy, processed, and fried foods had a higher risk of depression and anxiety.
- SPICY FOOD: Spicy foods aggravate discomfort and tend to worsen anxiety. Additionally, people that experience anxiety and high stress tend to have difficulty digesting food properly.
- HIGH SUGAR, HIGH FAT, HIGH CARB FOOD: Donuts, pastries, cakes, highly processed white flour quickly spikes blood sugar after you eat it. That can cause energy spikes and crashes that can be bad for anxiety and depression.
Keeping track of what you eat and your symptoms in a journal can help you pinpoint if your diet is increasing anxiety. It is also helpful to be aware of foods that can help prevent anxiety.
Look after yourself is essential and eating well is important for your psychological and emotional well-being. Take the small steps on knowing what foods are good at me.
By Dr Farah Nadeem
Psychologist
