We all have moments of anxiousness. The stress and worry of everyday life can, at times, bring us to our wit's end. But being anxious and having an anxiety are two different things. Anxiety is when you allow the stress, fears and worries about life get in the way of living. It can be debilitating. The best ways to deal with anxiety are through medication and therapy. But diet can also be a huge help in controlling it.
Step 1
Cut out the caffeine. For most people, having some caffeine with their daily intake is commonplace. For those that suffer from anxiety, it can have some catastrophic effects. Caffeine hampers the function of a body chemical called adenosine, which results in the beneficiary feeling more alert and awake. In an anxiety sufferer however, caffeine exacerbates the effect, causing palms to sweat, the heart to race and an uncommonly strong sense of anxiousness.
Step 2
Watch what you eat. Eat smaller meals and eat more often. When you eat less but consume food on a more regular basis, this helps to stabilize your blood-sugar level throughout the day. Eating a higher content of carbohydrates (starches) while cutting down on the amount of simple carbs (sugars) will elevate your serotonin levels, resulting in a calmer you.
Step 3
Take in lots of fluids. It's a known fact that most of us don't drink enough water during the course of the day. Dehydration has been shown to have an effect on mood. By drinking plenty of water, you'll be keeping your anxiety in check. There are, however, other substances that are unhealthy drink choices when you deal with an anxiety problem. Both alcohol and coffee tend to affect the mood and can deprive you of sleep, leaving you prone to anxiety.
Step 4
Be aware of any food sensitivity you may have. It's not uncommon for people to have adverse reactions to certain foods, including moodiness, which can result in feeling irritable and anxious. Foods to look out for include dairy, nuts, wheat and shellfish.
