6 Food Habits To Stave Off Anxiety

At some point in our lives, we have all felt negative and emotional about something. But, when the feeling is constant and does not leave you even though things and situations around you change, then its not stress but anxiety that you are dealing with. We often interchange stress and anxiety; however, they are quite different from each other. In simple terms, stress is generally a temporary experience, while anxiety is a sustained mental health condition that does not go away even after the problem is solved. Both may be symptoms of depression, but wreak havoc on your mind differently.

What is anxiety? It is a feeling of apprehension or fear that is accompanied by uneasiness, which is not recognized. While this continuous feeling does not go away, it can be helped in part by improving your diet. While this is not an alternative to proper medical attention, some foods do help deal with anxiety in a way that they relax your mind and give you the ability to think and act properly.

Certain foods provide essential vitamins and minerals that are known to calm the mind and body, while increasing your energy and stabilising your mood. Here are some food habits that may help relieve your from feeling anxious all the time, if not completely cure it.

1. Load up on antioxidants

Any food that is loaded with antioxidants is a superfood. Antioxidants can quell anxious moods; moreover, they also protect the brain against oxidative stress. Various studies have linked anxiety symptoms with lower consumption of antioxidants and these antioxidants could help uplift mood swings and help the mind calm down. Include carrots, spinach, citrus fruits, red peppers, sweet potatoes, almonds, berries, avocado, et al in your daily diet.
(Also read: 6 Natural Herbs For Anxiety To Calm You Down)

_{Antioxidants can quell anxious moods​}2. Magnesium will help

Magnesium can help stave off the symptoms of anxiety as it is known as a calming mineral that has been found to induce relaxation. Inadequate magnesium levels may reduce levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Magnesium may also act as a blood brain barrier to prevent the entrance of stress hormones in the brain. Include foods like green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and avocado.
 

_{Magnesium can help stave off the symptoms of anxiety}

3. Load up on tryptophan

Tryptophan is known to induce relaxed sleep. It is an amino acid, with which it the body produces neurotransmitter serotonin that further helps regulate sleep and moods. Tryptophan is available in most protein rich foods that may include meats, nuts, seeds, beans, eggs, et al.
 

_{Tryptophan is known to induce relaxed sleep​}4. B vitamins are a must in your diet

B vitamins have an exceptionally positive effect on the nervous system, deficiency of which may lead to anxiety. Vitamin B12, niacin, folate, riboflavin, all of them help in regulating your mood. Add more B vitamins to your diet which may include eggs, chicken, fish, green leafy vegetables and rice.
 

_{B vitamins have an exceptionally positive effect on the nervous system​}5. Sip on herbal teas

Herbal teas like chamomile are known to have various anti-oxidants that help in reducing anxiety. Their anti-depressant properties help keep your mind calm and don't let your thoughts hamper your actions.
 

_{Herbal teas like chamomile are known to have various anti-oxidants​}6. Drink water to reduce anxiety

Water has long been touted as an anxiety-reliever. Staying hydrated may help reduce anxiety. Dehydration can easily cause your heart rate racing and make you feel light headed and dizzy, all sensations that are common in anxiety attacks. Make sure you are well hydrated at all times for a feeling of freshness.
 

_{Water has long been touted as an anxiety-reliever}While food is only one way to improve anxiety, other factors like lifestyle changes, training and exercising, a better understanding of the condition and appropriate medical intervention go a long way in helping with anxiety.