Anxiety and anxiety attacks can be brought on by very specific situations, mental impairments or foods. Certain foods are known to have a relaxing effect in the brain and others are known to induce anxiety or nervousness. While stimulants are widely known to have these effects, there are other foods or food additives that cause hyperactivity, nervousness or increases the heart rate, which may in turn trigger anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a state of mind that causes people to become nervous and worried. Anxiety occurs in most people's lives at one time or another due to a frightening situation, upcoming event or when speaking in public. However, for some it can be part of an ongoing mental disorder such as anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. When a person is overcome with anxiety for no apparent reason, he is said to have anxiety disorder.
Foods and Anxiety
Anxiety can be the symptom of many health and mental conditions and it can be a disorder on its own. Many of these conditions require medications for treatment and the medication alone may reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, some conditions such as panic disorder or anxiety disorder may cause a person to have frequent anxiety attacks. Eating certain foods can trigger this anxiety, even in individuals who have no mental or health conditions. On the other hand, there are also foods that can help combat anxiety and prevent frequent bouts of hyperactivity and nervousness, which can lead to periods of anxiety.
Foods That Cause Anxiety
According to Healthy Place, caffeinated products such as coffee, coke, tea and alcohol can bring forth anxiety and nervousness. Healthy State also states that caffeine depletes the body of the necessary nutrients that help in balancing moods and the nervous system. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that wakes up the adrenal responses in the body. People use caffeine as a way to stay awake or give themselves a jolt of energy when needed. Check the labels on carbonated beverages as many of them contain caffeine. The same is said of certain prescription medications that contain caffeine. Other foods that may cause anxiety are sugar, salt, meats that contain added hormones and monosodium glutamate.
Foods to Reduce Anxiety
Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin of MayoClinic.com suggests eating smaller meals throughout the day. This will help stabilize blood sugar levels and decrease the chances of blood sugar spiking, which brings about nervousness and anxiety in some. Eat complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat or quinoa to increase the serotonin hormone level in the brain. This hormone has a natural calming effect. Eat foods that contain tryptophan, which helps to improve the mood. Foods that contain tryptophans include bananas, milk, peanut butter, sesame seeds and certain tree nuts.
Warnings
If you find that certain foods are causing you to feel nervous, anxious or jittery, take note of these foods and the symptoms they cause in addition to the anxiety and discuss them with your physician. Do not stop taking your anti-anxiety medications, as some of these drugs can have an adverse effect if they are stopped without your doctor's recommendation.
