10 foods and drinks that worsen anxiety symptoms

The diet is essential for maintaining a good quality of life and health, as, although it may be hard to believe, what you eat and drink has a significant influence on your mood and physical health. So here we tell you which foods and drinks you should avoid if you suffer from anxiety, you will be surprised! In addition to adopting a balanced diet and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats, it is best to avoid sugars and bad fats, as according to Harvard University, “a spike in sugar can resemble a panic attack.”  So if you want to take care of your blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, as well as your peace of mind, we tell you what you should avoid at mealtime, take note! You may also read: Foods to control depression and anxiety10 foods and drinks that worsen anxiety Due to containing various ingredients that have a negative effect on levels of anxiety, we recommend avoiding or reducing their consumption as much as possible. 1. Coffee As you have likely noticed, when you consume several cups of coffee, feelings of anxiety or nervousness worsen, so it is best to reduce your intake. If you notice that it causes you a lot of anxiety, you can replace it with decaffeinated coffee or another caffeine-free beverage.  2. Simple carbohydrates The portal Healthline reports that, in 2019, a scientific study found that the consumption of refined grains is associated with the suffering of anxiety and depression in women. On the other hand, the portal also explains that a study in mice obtained alarming results, as after being fed simple carbohydrates, the animals developed anxiety and depression.  So if you suffer from anxiety, it is best to reduce or avoid eating wheat flour, white rice, white bread, pastries, cookies, and pasta. You can substitute with oats, quinoa, brown rice, and more.  3. Soda If you are a lover of bubbles, we have bad news for you, as in addition to lacking nutritional value and being a sugary drink, soda has been linked to depression, according to experts from WebMD.  4. Light dressings If you want to add an extra touch of flavor to your salads and other dishes and your option is light dressings, you should reconsider this, as experts indicate that aspartame, a type of sweetener, has been linked to anxiety and depression. So don't think twice and prepare your own dressings at home, it's very easy! 5. Energy drinks Although energy drinks can help you feel better for a couple of hours, the long-term effects are not worth it, as these types of drinks “can cause an abnormal heartbeat, anxiety, and sleep problems,” according to WebMD.  You may also read: Anxiety, stress, and weight gain. What to do to achieve balance? 6. Ketchup This food will definitely surprise you! Experts indicate that ketchup, the ideal complement for French fries, often contains artificial sweeteners that have been linked to depression and anxiety.  7. Alcoholic beverages Although a glass of wine now and then doesn't hurt, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages is not recommended if you suffer from anxiety or depression, as “alcohol alters serotonin and neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which worsens anxiety,” according to Healthline.  8. Junk food The portal WebMD explains that trans fats have been linked to depression, so it is best to avoid them or reduce their consumption to a minimum. So if you see any food that contains partially hydrogenated oils, think twice.  9. Processed meats In addition to reducing the consumption of junk food, sugary foods, and sodas, it is recommended to monitor the consumption of processed meats, as these types of foods have been linked to anxiety and depression.  10. Soy sauce Look for another condiment for your sushi, as soy sauce has been linked to anxiety and depression, according to the portal WebMD.  You may also read: 10 natural remedies to reduce anxiety and stress