Anxiety is a really common condition and something I have always suffered with. If your here chances are you are suffering too and seeking solutions as I am.
Since having my son I actually suffer less but a few months back it made an appearance again.
Sometimes it has been as a reaction to a situation but mainly it just come out of the blue with no trigger. At least i consider there to be no trigger.
Recent studies have shown that our diet can have a huge influence on our mood and that good nutrition can actually help decreased the symptoms of Anxiety.
When I looked back on the weeks running up to these episodes my diet had taken a turn for the worst mainly out of laziness. I would start the day off well but by the evening meal I fed my son good meals and then I would eat rubbish.
I decided to do some further research into foods I could eat to Improve my symptoms. There is actually a lot of information but not really enough studies to draw definitive conclusions at present. However I found a great range of suggested foods and the theories behind them and the best part is very little of it is crazy unobtainable food.
The following lists the foods I felt were mentioned most frequently and which are easily available in any supermarket. Keeping it simple here but there is so much information that just seems to lead to even more information which is great and worth looking at if its a path you're interested in taking.
Salmon- Salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids which are antioxidants. omega-3 have been found to reduce anxiety.
Chia seeds- An alternative to salmon for anxiety fighting omega 3 fatty acids.
Dark chocolate- Yes chocolate! boosts serotonin known as one of the happy chemicals. It also contains antioxidants these benefit brain function, in turn allowing us to deal with situations that may cause anxiety better.
Green Tea- Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theannie which has calming benefits.
Yogurt- The probiotics found in some types of yogurt can improve several aspects of your physically health as well as your mental health. Probiotics have an effect on brain function which can improve our ability to deal with stress and anxiety.
Eggs- Eggs provide protein which includes essential amino acids, these produce serotonin and dopamine (the happy chemicals) improving your mood and mental health.
How easy would it be to introduce most of these every week, or even everyday. I'm not saying it will defiantly work but its worth a go right. All of these foods offer other health benefits too so no harm done in-fact you cant really go wrong.
Many people are reluctant to get help with anxiety, me included. How awesome is it that there are things we can do at home before calling for help.
Let me know what you think. What do you do to help reduce your anxiety? have you tried introducing foods to tackle it? if so how did you get on? I would be really interested to hear your thoughts and stories.
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