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Nutrition

7 foods to combat anxiety
Nutrition

7 foods to combat anxiety

By Adriana sanchez - 2020-05-15T16:26:04Z
Combating anxiety and stress normally, especially during times of crisis, is very complicated, especially since we cannot engage in external activities that help our metabolism produce substances like serotonin and dopamine to feel better. Fortunately, there is a natural way to reduce excessive worry in this new reality, and that’s how we present to you 7 foods for anxiety.

Marc Coronas, a specialist at the Anxiety Clinic, explains that by consuming foods high in tryptophan, vitamin B, complex carbohydrates, omega 3, and proteins, our brain produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and anxiety, which balances our mood and makes us feel calmer. So don’t forget to add the following foods that could make you less prone to anxiety attacks while at home.

Chia

Chia is the quintessential tryptophan seed, so there is no more infallible remedy to give us a quick sense of calm than combining chia with your favorite drink, for example, in a delicious coconut and chia natural energy frappé.

Almonds

Almonds are a great option for relieving stress and balancing mood, thanks to their high content of zinc, magnesium, vitamins B2, and vitamin E. Remember that a good amount of magnesium will also help reduce tiredness and fatigue, and it activates the enzymatic reactions that prevent hair loss caused by stress, as explained by Dr. Ramón Vila-Rovira from the Vila-Rovira Institute. Try them in these caramelized almond balls, you'll love them!

Avocado

Avocado contains large amounts of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure naturally, and it also contains vitamin B and monounsaturated fats, ideal for caring for our brain health.



Oats

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, you could try a light yogurt, chia, oat, and strawberry pudding, since as mentioned earlier, chia releases serotonin, and combined with oats, which are rich in vitamin B, magnesium, and fiber, it would be the best remedy to take care of our nervous system and improve your health.

Dark Chocolate

Besides being a delicious dessert, dark chocolate regulates cortisol, the main stress hormone, which also alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, as explained by Mayo Clinic experts. Therefore, this tasty treat could help you when you feel anxious or nervous.

Spinach

Due to its high magnesium levels, don’t hesitate to make spinach a routine ingredient in your meals, because apart from helping you reduce stress, they contain fiber, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, K, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and promote satiety, which will help you avoid eating due to anxiety.

Egg

As explained by specialists from Niam Laboratories, when the body is tense, it uses large amounts of vitamin B, necessary for the body to utilize carbohydrates and generate energy, which is why eggs are an extremely necessary food for our body.

Do you know any other foods to combat anxiety that are missing from this list?