6 foods that help reduce anxiety
Anxiety is a common problem for many people – including myself.
It characterizes by constant worry and nervousness and is sometimes related to poor brain health. There are several strategies one can use to help reduce anxiety symptoms, from exercising to deep breathing.
Additionally, there are some foods and beverages we can eat that may help lower the severity of symptoms, mostly due to their brain-boosting properties:
- Salmon contains nutrients that promote brain health, including vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and DHA. They help regulate the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which can have calming and relaxing properties.
- Chamomile: it contains high amounts of antioxidants proven to reduce inflammation, which might decrease the risk of anxiety.
- Turmeric: contains curcumin that has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties shown to prevent damage to brain cells. It reduces inflammatory markers, such as cytokines and increases blood antioxidant levels, which tend to be low in individuals with anxiety.
- Dark chocolate: contains flavonols, which are antioxidants that may benefit brain function by improving blood flow to the brain and promoting its ability to adapt to stressful situations. It also increases the level of serotonin, which may help reduce stress.
- Yogurt: probiotics (or healthy bacteria) found in some types of yogurt can improve several aspects of well-being, including mental health, by inhibiting free radicals and neurotoxins that may damage brain nerve tissue and lead to anxiety.
- Green tea: contains L-theanine, an amino acid that prevents nerves from becoming overexcited. Additionally, L-theanine may increase GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, neurotransmitters that have anti-anxiety effects.
