Anxiety disorders can be caused or provoked by any number of factors. Stress, genetics, lifestyle and personality all play an important role in the development of anxiety disorders. According to Dr. Edmund J. Bourne in his book, "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, " relatively little has been written about nutrition and anxiety disorders. However, certain foods and substances are known to aggravate anxiety. If you have an anxiety disorder, you should speak to your doctor to discuss treatment options and possible dietary changes you can make to alleviate your anxiety.
Caffeinated Foods
If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, one of the most important substances to avoid is caffeine. According to Dr. Bourne, caffeine is notorious for its ability to trigger panic and anxiety attacks; it increases the production of norepinephrine, a stimulating chemical in your brain that keeps you alert and awake. Foods that contain caffeine can make you jittery, nervous or excitable and may interfere with your sleep.
Try to avoid foods with high levels of caffeine such as chocolate. You should also limit the amount of caffeinated beverages in your diet, including coffee, tea and soft drinks. If possible, try to decrease the amount of caffeine in your diet to no more than 100 milligrams per day, which means one glass of cola or one cup of coffee.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol whenever possible. According to the Mayo Clinic, although alcohol may seem to have relaxing effects, it can produce anxiety-like symptoms when it's metabolized in your body. Many people who suffer from anxiety disorders try to self-medicate their symptoms through the use of alcohol, but the withdrawal symptoms can actually exacerbate anxiety. Consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol can lower blood sugar and cause an irregular heartbeat, which can trigger anxiety and panic attacks.
Salty Foods
Eliminate salt from your diet as much as possible to help maintain a healthy blood pressure. Dr. Bourne advises eating no more than one gram or one teaspoon per day. According to Dr. Bourne, too much salt in your diet can cause an increase in blood pressure, put a strain on your heart and deplete your body's levels of potassium, which is required for the nervous system to function properly.
If you consume excessive amounts of salt, you put yourself at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke, which increases stress on your body. When your body is under constant stress, you have a higher likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
References
- "The anxiety & phobia workbook;" Dr. Edmund Bourne; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Anti-anxiety diet
