You may experience anxiety during stressful periods at work or at home, and anxiety may lead to indigestion if you don't eat properly. It helps to eat and drink in a calm environment where you can avoid conflict or arguments. Chew your food slowly and carefully to make it enjoyable and improve the digestive process. Many of the foods and beverages that digest smoothly also contain substances to help improve moods. If you experience long-term anxiety and digestive problems, consult your doctor.
Whole Grains
Whole grains aid in digestion and also increase levels of brain chemicals that provide a relaxing effect. Whole-grain bread, pasta and cereal, as well as oatmeal, oat bran, brown rice and baked potatoes, provide you with a feeling of being full without risking indigestion from fatty foods. Whole grains also contain selenium, a mineral that may help improve your mood. The carbohydrates in whole grains may raise levels of serotonin in the brain, MayoClinic.com notes. Serotonin helps to produce calmness for mood improvement. Carbohydrates also increase the levels of tryptophan, an amino acid involved in relaxation.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables digest smoothly in the stomach, which helps avoid indigestion. They are rich in fiber and low in fat. Like whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables give you a feeling of fullness and provide proper digestion during times of stress. Eat fresh or canned fruit, but avoid fruit packaged with added sugar or syrup. Enjoy raw or steamed vegetables, but eliminate vegetables that are fried or in creamy sauces.
Low-Fat Protein
Protein helps boost your energy. Eat lean meat, chicken or turkey without the skin -- and don't forget fish. Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products to reduce your fat intake. Protein-rich foods break down into amino acids during the digestive process. One of those amino acids, tyrosine, increases the brain chemicals responsible for alertness and improving mental health. The chemicals include dopamine and epinephrine. Medications to increase the levels of those neurotransmitters are used in the treatment of anxiety.
Liquids
Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated during the day, and even slight dehydration can contribute to anxiety. Enjoy natural fruit juices and decaffeinated drinks. Caffeine may provide some initial stimulation, but it can cause irritability or insomnia later on. Drinking a cup or two of coffee a day, however, may have an antidepressant effect, according to Middle Tennessee State University. Depression sometimes coexists with anxiety. Drink coffee in the morning but not in the afternoon to avoid sleeping problems.
Member Comments