Anxiety is suffered by many people and is characterised by constant nervousness and worry, sometimes related to poor brain health.
Here are 6 foods which can help lower the severity of symptoms:
1. SALMON
Containing nutrients that promote brain health, Salmon contains vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA may help regulate the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which can have calming and relaxing properties.
2. DARK CHOCOLATE
Not only does it taste good, dark chocolate contains flavonols, which are antioxidants that may benefit brain function. This is done by improving blood flow to the brain and promoting its ability to adapt to stressful situations.
3. GREEN TEA
Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been studied for the positive effects it may have on brain health plus anxiety reduction. One small study showed that people who consumed L-theanine experienced a reduction in psychological stress responses commonly associated with anxiety (eg. increased heart rate). Another study found that those who drank a beverage that contained L-theanine had decreased levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, linked with anxiety.
4. CHAMOMILE
Great for it’s calming properties, chamomile has been shown in several studies to support anxiety relief. It has been found that those diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) experienced a significantly greater reduction in symptoms after consuming chamomile extract, compared to those who did not.
5. YOGURT
The probiotics (good bacteria), found in some types of yogurt can improve several aspects of your well-being, including mental health. Several studies have shown that probiotic foods may promote mental health and brain function by inhibiting free radicals and neurotoxins, which can damage nerve tissue in the brain and lead to anxiety. In one study, anxious individuals who consumed probiotic yogurt daily were better able to cope with stress than those who consumed yogurt without probiotics.
6. TUMERIC
This spice has been used for thousands of years in India and Sri-Lanka both for it’s taste and medicinal properties. Combining with black pepper increases the low absorption by 2000%. Known for it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, curcumin (the active ingredient in tumeric) has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers, such as cytokines, which are often linked with anxiety development.