In today’s world, the one thing, we all are mostly and equally suffering from is anxiety. Anxiety is such a state of mind in which we tend to think or worry persistently. Symptomatically speaking, anxiety often comes up with no symptoms at all, but at times can cause palpitations accompanied by heavy-breathing or sleeplessness.
We often need to seek medical help for dealing with severity, but in certain mild cases certain daily food items can help dealing with anxiety. Therefore, let's embark upon a journey that will teach treatment of anxiety, deliciously!
HOW AND WHY DOES FOOD HELP DEALING WITH ANXIETY? -
Before knowing which food items will help you deal with your anxiety issues, let's understand how food actually works in our system in this regard. All of the food items that deal with anxiety controls the secretion of one hormone known as dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone that is released when we do something that makes us feel good. Eating food items that are sweet and nice to taste causes such release and hence makes us feel happy and distracts our mind from anxiety issues at least for a while. Now don’t get me wrong as there are still food items which when consumed on a daily basis can cure anxiety disorders permanently. Here goes some of them-
WHICH FOOD ITEMS HELP DEALING WITH ANXIETY? –
Dark Chocolates- Chocolates specifically dark chocolates can help a lot dealing with anxiety. Research conducted in 2013 published in the Journal of Pharmacology, showed that a special compound found in cocoa called polyphenols can help increase calmness of mind while reducing stress and anxiety. It also consists of Tryptophan which improves levels of serotonin in the body, which helps fight anxiety. Magnesium is one of those few nutrients which has a positive impact on anxiety. Magnesium is one of the ingredients of dark chocolate and hence such items act as mood enhancer.
Also, most of the chocolates are sweet (i.e., milk chocolates in general) and having anything sweet gives pleasure to mind and body, but it has to be kept in mind that such chocolates have not much nutritional value. Hence dark chocolates which are sugar-free are far better in these aspects, as it can deal with your feelings of anxiety without causing your health any other harm.
Turmeric- Okay, so enough of sweetness, let’s spice things up a bit! Turmeric is one such spice that consists of Curcumin. Curcumin is known to relieve long-term inflammation, and also benefits brain health. It has high-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well. One gram of curcumin (through turmeric) everyday can reduce levels of anxiety in your system.
Salmon- Salmon is one fish which has high nutrient value to go with its ability to enhance dopamine and serotonin secretions in our system and thus lowering anxiety levels. It has vitamin-D and omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are two fatty acids that help lower rates of anxiety. They help keep up brain health as well.
Water- When in stress or anxiety increasing levels of water intake can be a momentary solution, as it rejuvenates your body and makes it calmer.
Other items consisting of Zinc and Magnesium- Foods that consist of high amounts of Zinc and Magnesium in them can help fight anxiety as well. Food items like meat, nuts, peas, lentils, etc. are such which are an excellent source of zinc and magnesium.
FOOD HABITS THAT ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR LOWERING ANXIETY:
Along with goods there are evils and similarly not all food items can improve anxiety-related issues. Some might worsen them.
Beverages- Sweetened or carbonated drinks are harmful not only to physical health but also mental health. Such drinks can increase anxiety levels and can even cause depression.
Highly-processed food items- Highly processed food items cause sudden sugar level increase in our system and then crashes it and that has a very negative impact on anxiety levels. Even if those food items are sugar-free it still has no useful nutrients in it which can be beneficial. These include ketchups, toast, pickles, energy drinks, etc.
Coffee- Coffee consists of large quantities of caffeine. Those who are not used to having coffee may cause more harm than good trying to consume it. Even though you are used to it, too much consumption is not advisable. Caffeine reduces sleepiness and hence messes up with your sleep routine which is not at all advisable while dealing with anxiety.
Hence, food does help fighting against anxiety but you must be smart enough to choose the right foods.
Visit Cureya's Website to know more. Free consultation services with top medical and health professionals.
Check out www.cureya.in and www.cureya.in/shop
Credit Author: Ranit Laha
All photos credited and designed by Unsplash
No comments:
Post a Comment