According to mental health organisation Beyondblue, anxiety is something that affects more than two million Australians. Symptoms such as hot flushes and chronic worrying are red alerts that your body and brain are stuck in a fight or flight mode. Some may be familiar to this feeling, while for others, consider this a small insight into what friends and family experience, often on a day to day basis.
Many can blame jobs, or family life, but what is on your plate can also turn up the tension.
CAFFEINE
Side effects of caffeine intake can include shakiness, heart palpitations, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
Better Option: Drink more water, decaffeinated tea and coffee, or a single shot of coffee.
Avoid: Energy drinks, some can have the equivalent of five cups of coffee in one can.
SALT
High salt diets increase blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. Your body then releases the stress hormone - adrenalin.
Better Option: Use herbs and spices to add flavour to your food
SUGAR
Sugar contains fructose which produces a spike in our levels of the stress hormone - cortisol. For those addicted to sugar, this could mean episodes of anxiety during the day every time sugar intake becomes low.
Better Option: Gradually reduce the amount of sugar you add to cereal or tea
Avoid: Glucose, Dextrose and Fructose are all sneaky sugar sources hidden in low-fat and processed foods.
FAST FOOD
Apart from the obvious research and statistical surveys, nothing good really ever comes from fast food. The healthier a persons diet is because its rich in foods such as fresh fruit and veg, wholegrains and lean forms of proteins, the less likely it is that they will become anxious
Better Option: Pack your lunch every day to include fresh fruit, veggies and wholegrains.
Snack on veggie sticks or small handfuls of raw nuts
ALCOHOL
Whilst many associate wine with "relaxation time" this one is a double edged sword. Like caffeine, it will cause your body to release adrenalin which can then lead to symptoms like faster heart rate and increase the anxiety effect in your body. Your body believes that it's under duress due to an alcohol-induced drop in blood sugars and added dehydration, which paves way for the fight or flight response.
Better Option: Spritzers (half wine, half soda water). Finish one drink before you top your glass up.
Avoid: Spirits
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THE SMOOTH OPERATORS
Here are a list of some anxiety-busting choices
FISH: Omega-3's dampen the anxiety response in the body, especially the heart
ALMONDS: contain magnesium, a natural muscle relaxant
MILK: rich in Tryptophan to boost the feel good chemical serotonin in the the brain
BROCCOLI: high levels of folate help relieve emotional states such as panic, stress and depression
ORANGES: research shows that these citrus balls of goodness can help lower blood pressure and stress hormones eg cortisol
CHERRIES: boosts levels of melatonin, the sleep hormone that helps you enjoy a good nights rest. Could this be a good excuse of vast quantities of Cherry Ripe?!
Images: Pinterest
Content: My Own| Body and Soul - Sunday Telegraph
This is a good post for me! Not much sleep for last while with worries racing through my head as soon as I hit the pillow. I didn't think too much about food having an impact. I know I should cut down on the coffee... but maybe if I just counter act that with copious amounts of Cherry Ripe...?
ReplyDeleteRich.
It's a great insight if you are trying to all the right things, and then forget how food may affect your progress. They do say that a piece of dark chocolate a day is good for your health :-) x
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