We all know that life can be stressful, and some periods are more stressful and anxiety-ridden than others. Many of us also know that exercise can help to relieve stress and anxiety naturally, but did you know that there are foods that help to relieve stress and anxiety naturally? Many people don’t know this and make a very common dieting mistake. So let’s talk about some of the foods that you can add to your diet if you are feeling particularly stressed out or anxious.
Fruits and Veggies that may help fight stress and anxiety
Blueberries
Blueberries have been referred to as a superfood that boosts the immune system for quite some time. As it turns out they can also help to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.
When we have feelings of stress your body craves vitamin C to help repair the damage that stress causes to our cellular walls, and blueberries are full of it. Blueberries are also full of important antioxidants that improve your overall health.
Spinach
You already know that spinach is good for you, but did you know that it can also help to keep you feeling calm and alleviate symptoms of depression?
The folate contained in spinach produces dopamine which can help to promote feelings of calm and well-being.
Bananas
Bananas are high in B-vitamins, like folate and vitamin B6. Research shows these are two of the key ingredients that produce serotonin. Seratonin is known to improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
Avocado
Avocados are bursting with B vitamins which are very important for relieving stress and anxiety naturally.
Some studies have shown that deficiencies in B vitamins can cause increased feelings of anxiety. Avocados are also full of healthy fats that can also help to ease feelings of anxiety.
Grains that may help fight stress and anxiety
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate that will satisfy your hunger, and ease feelings of stress and anxiety because it is another serotonin booster. Start your day with a nice hot bowl of oatmeal and you will likely be full until lunch and feel less stressed. Feelings of stress and anxiety can make you eat even when you aren’t really hungry. Consider adding some berries to your oatmeal for some extra nutrition and stress-relieving properties.
Proteins that may help fight stress and anxiety
Cashews
Cashews contain a delicious blend of both protein and fat, so they are great at satisfying cravings if you happen to be a stress eater. Cashews also contain a high amount of zinc.
Low levels of zinc have been attributed to increased feelings of stress and anxiety. Zinc isn’t stored in the body, so you need to consume a little of it each day.
Have a handful of cashews for a snack or throw some in your favorite stir fry or as a crunchy addition to your salad.
Turkey
Turkey contains an important amino acid known as tryptophan that your body needs to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep and your moods and helps to decrease anxiety levels.
Salmon
Salmon is packed full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to counteract the effects of stress hormones on both your brain and your body.
Salmon also contains a healthy serving of vitamin D which has been found to boost the production of calming neurotransmitters in the brain.
Oysters
Long known for their aphrodisiac qualities, oysters are also great for relieving feelings of stress and anxiety. This is due to the large amount of zinc that is found in oysters.
As mentioned before your body doesn’t store zinc, so it is important to consume foods that contain it daily. Legumes, seeds, nuts, and eggs are also excellent sources of zinc.
Other Foods that may help fight stress and anxiety
Chamomile
People have used a nice hot cup of chamomile tea to help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety for centuries, and that’s because it works!
Tea made from the leaves of the tiny chamomile flowers not only help to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety but they can also help to promote sleep if you have a nice cup before bed.
Not getting enough sleep can keep your immune system from functioning properly, and lead to increased feelings of stress and anxiety.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in it can help to relieve feelings of anxiety and stress, and also make you feel happier.
Dark chocolate also helps to lower your blood pressure and increase your circulation which can lead to a feeling of calm, and it also helps to suppress the production of the stress hormone called cortisol.
HOW TO GET REAL RESULTS.
All of the foods listed here have been found to naturally relieve stress, anxiety, and depression on their own.
So in theory, eating 1 banana per day may have some effect on your mood. But you’ll notice that the real results come when you make it a point to implement many of these foods throughout the day.
Many of these foods are currently being used in an ongoing study to
fight feelings of stress and anxiety through food instead of medication.
Which of these foods are your favorites for fighting off feelings of
anxiety and stress?