At the age of 14 I was officially medically diagnosed with a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, otherwise known as GAD. Back then being just a kid, I turned to routine visits with a youth counselor as a form of treatment and as I got older I eventually went down the medical route. When I look back now on those doctor visits and appointments with my counselor, there was never a conversation about what I was eating. Nor did I ever think to link my diet to my mental health. It wasn’t until my late teens and early 20’s where I took control of my eating habits, changed my lifestyle and became a mom where I noticed a huge difference in my symptoms and made that connection. After having my second son and experiencing severe postpartum anxiety I made it my mission to manage my condition through what I was putting into my body.
Healing Foods for Anxiety…
When I talk about healing foods for our brains it’s vital to know that our brains provide optimal performance when their given
the best fuel. Our bodies work around the clock, 365 days of the year. When we feed our bodies highly processed and refined foods it deeply influences our brains and how it completes tasks. Meaning, low insulin levels and inflammation. If we’re consuming high quality foods that contain all of that wonderful good stuff like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals not only are we nourishing and providing our brains with the best protection, we’re keeping our mental health a priority.
Oysters – Foods that are high in zinc like cashews, liver, beef and egg yolks are some of them. This mineral is linked to be
responsible for proper neurotransmitter function. [9,10]
Salmon – Foods that contain Omega-3’s like fatty fish. These include sardines, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds are examples
of foods high in Omega 3’s. These also play role in the functionality of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin possesses
relaxing and calming properties. [9,10]
Avocados – Foods that are rich in Vitamin B like almonds, broccoli and spinach are a few. Vitamin B helps support the adrenal glands which reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Asparagus – Foods that are rich with Magnesium including Brussel sprouts, raw cacao, raspberries, figs, whole grains and tuna
all contain magnesium. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer and is easily absorbed in the body which results in quicker
relief. It is also a nervous system relaxant. [11]
Tea’s – These include chamomile tea, green tea and rooibos tea. Chamomile tea is loaded with antioxidants proven to decrease inflammation. Rooibos tea is said to have balancing effects on our main stress hormone cortisol. Green tea contains
L-theanine, an amino acid with positive effects on brain health. [9,10]
Turmeric – Turmeric contains antioxidants called curcuminoids that carry
neuroprotective qualities which are proven to boost our mood.
Curcumin also carries anti-inflammatory properties that are proven to
avert impairment to brain cells. [9,10]
Turkey – Researchers say foods containing Tryptophan like lamb, pork, game,
beans and lentils are helpful with reducing anxiety and depression.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid; it also naturally creates serotonin
and the hormone melatonin in the body. [12]
With the topic and idea of mental illness being surrounded by quick fixes and conventional medicine its time we started looking at the root of the problem. We have the power and the ability to diminish our signs and symptoms simply by taking control. If there are any of you reading who are willing to share their own natural remedies they’ve found to help manage their anxiety please leave your suggestions and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I’d love to hear them!
Let’s start eating our way to a healthier and happier mind!
References
[9] Cole, William. “13 Foods To Help Ease Anxiety & Stress.” Mindbodygreen, Mindbodygreen, 25 Sept. 2014, www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15428/13-foods-to-help-ease-anxiety-stress.html.
[10] Naidoo, Uma. “Nutritional Strategies to Ease Anxiety.” Harvard Health Blog, 24 Mar. 2016, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-strategies-to-ease-anxiety-201604139441.
[11] Allen, Maya. “Experts Say These Are the Best Vitamins for Anxiety.” TheThirty, The Thirty, 11 Oct. 2018, www.thethirty.byrdie.com/vitamins-for-anxiety.
[12] “Better Brain Chemistry with Tryptophan.” LifeExtension.com, www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2013/5/Better-Brain-Chemistry-with-Tryptophan/Page-01.