Anxiety is a normal part of life that may occur when you are feeling stressed about a situation. It can be characterized by muscle tension, sweating, dry mouth, rapid heart beat and difficulty sleeping. It is possible that certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to anxiety. Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, contain an amino acid called tryptophan that may help lower anxiety.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is used by the brain to make serotonin, the substance that makes you feel happy and at ease. Tryptophan depletion can cause diminished synthesis of serotonin, which can lead to anxiety, depression and other mood irregularities. In addition to pumpkin seeds, high amounts of tryptophan are found in turkey, dairy products and wheat germ.
Vitamin B6
Small amounts of vitamin B6 are also found in pumpkin seeds. This vitamin is necessary for the conversion of tryptophan to the vitamin niacin. Like tryptophan, B6 is needed for the synthesis of serotonin and can help with reducing depression and calming the nervous system. Other foods that contain high amounts of vitamin B6 include potatoes, bananas and garbanzo beans.
Other Causes of Anxiety
Aside from stress and nutritional deficiencies, certain side effects or withdrawal symptoms from some drugs can contribute to anxiety. These include ADHD medications, diet pills, nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines and cold medicines.
Anxiety Treatment
In addition to eating a nutritionally balanced diet that includes foods high in tryptophan and vitamin B6 like pumpkin seeds, you can manage your anxiety by getting adequate sleep, exercising, practicing yoga and meditation, reading self-help books and avoiding recreational drugs and alcohol.
Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are not only healthy because of their high tryptophan content. One 1/4 cup serving has 200 calories, 16g of fat with 13 coming from heart-healthy unsaturated fats, 2g of fiber and 9g of protein.
