Did you know the foods you choose can alter your mood? If you’re
experiencing an increased or unusual amount of stress and anxiety, examining
your diet can help. Read more about foods that can increase anxiety levels
in adults and children below:
Sugary Foods
Sugary foods like pastries, cookies and other treats cause your blood
sugar to spike, then crash. And during a blood sugar low, your body moves
into “flight or fight” mode, producing more adrenaline. More
adrenaline causes more anxiety, so keeping your blood sugar stable can
help. If you are craving a sweet snack, opt for fruit which digests slower
due to the high fiber content.
Sugary Drinks
Soda and fruit juices have the same effect on anxiety levels as sugary
foods. Often fruit juice contains all the sugar, but very little of the
fiber fruit contains.
Red Meats and Processed Meats
Inflammation is associated with anxiety, and both red and processed meats
are high in saturated fats, known to cause inflammation. Subbing leaner
meats or fish can not only reduce inflammation but potentially lower your
anxiety in addition to other health benefits.
Coffee, Tea and Energy Drinks
All three contain caffeine, and while caffeine can help you feel more
alert, it also decreases the serotonin your body naturally produces to
regulate mood.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant and will make a person feel more relaxed and drowsy.
But alcohol also disrupts sleep which is vital for proper functioning.
If a person doesn’t get enough sleep or enough good sleep, their
body doesn’t have the chance to recover, increasing irritability
and anxiety. Avoiding alcohol, especially in the evening can help decrease
anxiety throughout the day.
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