Your Diet Could Be Making Your Anxiety Worse
Posted by Gordon Dalwood on July 16th, 2009
Are you pouring your fifth cup of coffee already? If so, it’s not too surprising that you anxieties are getting the best of you and the things which cause most people only a little stress like moving, starting a new job, having a child and so on are causing you total paralysis. A poor diet and excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can trigger anxiety attacks and exacerbate existing anxiety issues. You can reduce your anxiety by making some simple lifestyle changes.
Anxiety is brought on by several causes but understanding the link between your diet-drink habits and anxiety can help you control your anxiety levels. Take that coffee-drinking habit of yours; coffee contains caffeine, a powerful stimulant that gives you an adrenalin rush. Just imagine what that fourth cup of coffee is doing to your body!
Excessive caffeine and alcohol intake upsets your natural chemical balance, making your nervous system work overtime. Caffeine’s stimulant effects cause elation at first and then an anxious state when it starts to wear off. Try reducing your coffee consumption or even breaking the habit - you’ll be surprised how much calmer and more naturally energetic you’ll be.
Alcohol is of course a depressant. Again, there is elation at first, followed by a fatigued, often anxious state. You should reduce or eliminate your alcohol intake if you want to reduce the frequency and severity of your anxiety attacks. It’s fine to have a drink or two on occasion, but if alcohol tends to cause you to become more anxious, then it should be avoided altogether. Make sure to drink enough water every day; dehydration causes your moods to destabilize and can also set off anxiety or panic attacks.
Your blood sugar level affects your mood and your anxiety level. By eating smaller meals, you can keep this and your anxiety level stable. Don’t skip breakfast - it sets the tone for your metabolic rate all day. Eat a healthy diet with whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables; these increase the levels of serotonin in your brain naturally. Serotonin makes you feel calmer and more at ease.
Foods which contain high levels of the amino acid tryptophan should be added to your diet. Tryptophan helps you produce serotonin and melatonin, which help you have stable moods and get higher quality sleep. Dairy products, oats, nuts, bananas, poultry and soy are all good sources.
Fiber is also an important part of a healthy diet which helps to fight anxiety. Getting plenty of fiber in your diet keeps your blood sugar levels properly regulated. Women going through menopause should make sure to get plenty of calcium to alleviate fatigue, depression and irritability. You may want to avoid foods which seem to trigger mood swings in many people, including eggs, dairy products, shellfish, wheat, nuts and corn.
Keep your salt intake low. Your body naturally makes potassium and sodium from other dietary sources and a diet which is high in salt increases your sodium levels, which leads to water retention and increases blood pressure. Excessive sodium intake also causes irritability and mood swings in many, so steer clear of high-sodium foods, especially junk food. Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners should also be avoided; these ingredients can exacerbate anxiety and make panic attacks worse.
Diet is an important part of controlling anxiety and reducing anxiety attacks, but if your panic attacks are severe, you should ask your physician for their advice.
