Top 6 foods that help you beat anxiety hands down

Anxiety is a form of extreme apprehension and heightened agony, triggered by stressful situations. Severe cases of anxiety, clinical or non-clinical, can be debilitating and may even affect your daily functionalities. If you find yourself trapped in this condition, reach out for mood-boosting foods.

Aishwarya Vaidya | Updated: December 19, 2018 11:55 am

Eat salmon to relieve anxiety. © Shutterstock

According to a 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) report, 3.6 per cent of the global population was suffering from anxiety disorder. Interestingly, this condition is more common in females than males. Arti Shroff, Mumbai-based psychologist and psychotherapist says, “Anxiety is becoming a silent epidemic. In India, an estimated 38 million suffer from it and the figures are expected to grow. Lifestyle factors can attribute to it – having less time for healthy coping skills and effective stress management.”

Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness and differs from fear, which is the body’s natural response to an immediate threat. The manifestation of anxiety varies from person to person. Your feelings may range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You might feel out of control and even a lack of connection between your mind and body. Other ways in which people experience anxiety may include nightmares and painful thoughts or memories which they difficult to manage. Rapid breathing, restlessness, lack of sleep and concentration are the other symptoms which one may experience. Here is a list of foods that will help you beat stress and anxiety.

Kale
According to the researchers at the State University of New York, anxious symptoms are tied to lower antioxidant in the body. Dark, leafy green vegetables such as kale, are abundant in beta-carotene and vitamin E which can increase improve your antioxidant levels and boost your brain function.

Yoghurt
There are tons of research that have established a link between the consumption of fermented, probiotic foods and reduction of social anxiety. Yoghurt is rich in lactobacillus, a probiotic bacteria which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Salmon
According to a study from Ohio University, omega-3 fatty acids can be effective when it comes to easing anxiety. Foods like salmon, chia seeds, soybeans, and walnuts are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. A recent study which was published in the journal Nutrients observed that Atlantic salmon might be a powerful food to manage anxiety and stress as it is loaded with nutrients which promote brain health: Vitamin D and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both regulate the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which help you relax and calm down. Furthermore, these fatty acids can help you manage inflammation and prevent brain cell dysfunction which cause anxiety.

Almonds
According to experts in the mental health fraternity, magnesium can be effective in treating anxiety-related symptoms. Almonds are power-packed with stress-reducing vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc and selenium which have a calming effect on people suffering from non-clinical depression, stress or anxiety.

Blueberries
These cute-looking fruits, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, can boost your serotonin levels and are likely to help with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

Avocado
Avocado is rich in B vitamins. Vitamin B6 helps your body produce neurotransmitters like serotonin which influence your mood. Compounds like thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, found in vitamin B have a positive impact on your nervous system.

Published: December 18, 2018 2:43 pm | Updated:December 19, 2018 11:55 am

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