There is no scientific correlation between vegetables and anxiety. However, eating a nutritious, balanced diet based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein is a key element of treating anxiety. Additionally, because vegetables support physical health, they can help alleviate sources of anxiety related to being in poor physical condition. If you suffer from anxiety, consult your doctor to develop a treatment plan.
Anxiety Causes
Anxiety is a feeling of worry and fear that is disproportionate to the event that prompts it or unrelated to a particular event. People who suffer from high anxiety often feel that their thoughts are spinning out of control. They find it difficult to function and may also suffer from physical symptoms, such as headache, stomachache, dizziness, a racing heart and insomnia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, poor nutrition, especially a lack of vitamin B-12, may also create favorable conditions for anxiety.
Anxiety and Vegetables
According to WomensHealth.gov, nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting mental health. Eat every few hours to avoid low blood sugar, which can cause irritability and exacerbate anxious feelings. While no particular vegetable is correlated with anxiety, eating a wide variety of vegetables ensures that your body gets the nutrients it needs to support healthy functioning of the body and mind. Get B vitamins by eating leafy greens, such as spinach and kale. Add a sprinkling of enriched nutritional yeast flakes to vegetable dishes for more vitamin B-12 and to add a richness reminiscent of grated cheese. Stay focused by eating proteins low in saturated fat, such as lentils, soy products and chickpeas. Snack on almonds and fruit for more protein, fiber and healthy unsaturated fats that can help you feel grounded. While drinking one or two cups of coffee each day might help you focus and elevate your mood, avoid excessive caffeine, as it can make anxiety worse. Instead of drinking another cup, eat a small dish of chickpea hummus and carrot sticks. Getting a steady supply of energy from nutritious foods while avoiding unhealthy ones might help you maintain a stable mood.
Recovering from Anxiety
To recover from anxiety, create a treatment plan with your doctor or a licensed mental health practitioner. Besides eating regular, nutritious meals rich in vegetables, self-care to support your treatment goals should include regular exercise to relieve tension and release endorphins, a natural chemical your brain produces that elevates mood. Some people find that meditation helps them to stop the kind of obsessive thinking that characterizes anxiety. Set aside a set time each day devoted to addressing your worries; the rest of the time, focus on doing things, rather than thinking about them. Books devoted to techniques to dispel troubling patterns of thought can also be helpful.
Anxiety and Herbs
While no vegetable has been shown to relieve anxiety, some herbs could help manage your anxiety symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the herb kava might be helpful in relieving symptoms of anxiety, but it should only be taken under a doctor's supervision as it might cause liver damage. Soaking in a bath that contains a blend of herbs, such as skullcap, chamomile, vervain, lemon balm and basil might be soothing to some people suffering from anxiety. Drinking a cup of herbal tea as a break from a stressful task can help relieve tension. Aromatherapy with essential oils distilled from herbs can also be relaxing. Herbal teas and baths are not scientifically founded methods of treating anxiety, so proceed only with a doctor's supervision.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Stress and Anxiety -- Overview; Linda Vorvick, MD; December 2008
- HelpGuide.org; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Melinda Smith, M.A., et al.; July 2011
- Mother Earth News; Herbal Remedies for Common Ailments; Michael Castleman; October/November 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2009
- "New York Times"; Stress and Anxiety; David Zieve, M.D., M.H.A., and David R. Eltz; June 2011
- WomensHealth.gov; Good Mental Health; March 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Kava Kava; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; March 2009
