Do you struggle to manage anxiety and stress despite regular visits to a therapist and medication, and a strong support system? Eating a healthy diet is essential for effective anxiety and stress control. If you don’t change your diet, you could be losing out on a chance to reduce anxiety and stress.
You can adapt to different lifestyles to manage stress and anxiety. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help. We will discuss in depth a few Foods that reduce Anxiety and Stress.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which may improve mood. This is because inflammation levels increase when people suffer from mood disorders like anxiety or stress. Selenium also acts as an anti-carcinogen and antioxidant, preventing cell damage and cancer. Other nuts, animal products and vegetables such as mushrooms and soybeans contain selenium.
Turmeric
Turmeric is mostly used in South-East Asian cooking and Indian cuisine. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, helps to reduce anxiety and stress. It does this by reducing inflammation and oxidative stresses that are usually increased in people with mood disorders and obese adults. In a study, increased curcumin consumption in the diet was also found to increase DHA levels and reduce stress and anxiety. Turmeric is a mild spice that can be added to curries, casseroles, smoothies, and meals.
Fatty fish
Omega-3 is found in fatty fish such as sardines and salmon. Omega-3 is strongly linked to mental health and cognitive functions. Docosahexaenoic (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids found in omega-3-rich foods help regulate transmitters and promote brain health. They also reduce inflammation. This supplementation reduces anxiety and stress.
Recent research has shown that eating too many other fatty acid (like omega-6, and not enough omega-3), increases the risk for mood disorders such as anxiety and stress.