Stress and anxiety are running rampant in today’s world. While we can practice slowing down by way of meditation, exercise, and mindfulness, what we ingest plays a significant role in how we feel stress. Many foods are biochemically altered and contain chemicals, artificial ingredients, and other harmful substances, which physiologically make a person’s body feel anxious.
Even more concerning is the fact that many of our kids are absorbing these ingredients on a regular, if not daily basis. Considering their impact on growing bodies, it becomes more important that we adjust our lifestyle to curb the consumption.
The top offenders are processed foods as a whole, but in particular, sugar, caffeine, monosodium glutamate, high-fructose corn syrup (found in everything from ketchup to donuts), refined white carbohydrates like pasta, white bread, and sugary drinks, and salt, which raises the heart rate and promotes the release of adrenaline.
Alternatively, while the above foods should be avoided, there are a wealth of wholesome and natural foods that actually help curb anxiety and nervousness!
Whole Grains: If you are not allergic to wheat or suffer from Celiac disease, whole grains, such as whole grain bread and pasta offer a double whammy to stomp out anxiety. First of all, they contain tryptophan, precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which produces a calming effect. Secondly, whole grains contain magnesium. Magnesium deficiency often leads to anxiety.
Blueberries: Neuroscientist Dr. Philip J. Ebenezer recently published his findings on blueberries in the journal of the American Physiological Society. Dr. Ebenezer discovered that blueberries boost serotonin and aid in soothing anxiety by modulating neurotransmitters in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder patients.
Almonds: The oval nutlike seeds of the almond tree are one of the healthiest snacks to eat — hands down — in addition to containing magnesium and B vitamins. A vitamin B deficiency can also cause anxiety and nervousness as well as twitching. In addition, almonds contain selenium, which has been linked to relieving stress.
Kefir: This fermented dairy drink helps align gut bacteria. Many of today’s ailments, including stress, anxiety, and nervousness are attributed to having unbalanced gut bacteria. Kefir promotes a healthy gut biome, as does sauerkraut and Greek yogurt (with live cultures).
Tea: Tea might conjure thoughts of relaxation and maybe even childhood and being pampered. Green tea does even more: it contains amino acid L-theanine, which helps lower heart rate and blood pressure. Chamomile tea has similar compounds to Valium and works to reduce stress.
Good nutrition is the basis for good health, including stress management, but practicing mindful relaxation techniques also helps. And don’t underestimate the power of taking a walk, chatting with a friend, or turning up the music and just dancing. Good mental health is a combination of many things. Beginning with nutrition is a very good start!
Danielle Sullivan is a writer living in New York City. Follow her on Instagram @Deewrite.
