Certain foods and vitamins may contain properties that provide anti-anxiety effects. Anxiety results from stress, often from difficulties at work, problems in relationships and financial worries. A healthy diet and dietary or supplemental vitamins may help your body function better and relieve anxiety. Long-term anxiety indicates an anxiety disorder, so see your doctor for dietary and medical advice if you suffer from prolonged anxiety.
Effects from Carbohydrates
Foods rich in carbohydrates may increase levels of serotonin in the brain, MayoClinic.com points out. Medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors help patients with anxiety disorders by increasing levels of serotonin and improving moods. Carbohydrates may have a similar calming effect. Whole grains, such as whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas, rice, corn, potatoes, nuts and fish, contain carbohydrates.
Protein Lift
Anxiety may coexist with fatigue or depression. Protein helps energize your body, HealthCentral notes. Coffee or other caffeinated drinks give you a temporary lift, only to cause a crash and fatigue later on. Alcohol causes similar problems. Instead, eat foods high in protein, including lean meats, skinless poultry to avoid fat, fish, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, yogurt, cottage cheese and cheese.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, may alter brain chemicals to bring you relaxation and improve your mood, MayoClinic.com says. Sources of tryptophan include bananas, oats, poultry, nuts, peanut butter, sesame seeds and milk.
Vitamins
Vitamins B1, or thiamine, and B2, also called riboflavin, may help improve moods. Deficiencies in these vitamins may cause anxiety and fatigue, according to Hoslisticonline.com. Vitamin B6 may help produce serotonin in the brain. Use B vitamin supplements or eat cauliflower, spinach, bananas, broccoli, onions peas and squash. Vitamin C and inositol, a B vitamin, may also help improve moods. Folic acid, a B complex vitamin found in fruits and vegetables, and vitamin B12 may also improve brain chemicals for a calming effect.
Considerations
Eat small meals and do not skip meals to stabilize your blood sugar during the day along with your intake of anti-anxiety foods and vitamins. Small, frequent meals or snacks provide you with vigor to deal constructively with bouts of anxiety. Keep healthy snacks on hand. Eating nuts, trail mix or protein bars helps with relaxation during stressful times. Have plenty of carrots or celery in the refrigerator to munch on instead of sugary snacks. Drink plenty of water throughout the day because dehydration has a negative effect on moods, MayoClinic.com explains.
