Anxious? These foods may help relax you.
Anxious souls still need to eat. Here are some foods that may assist in lowering anxiety while you nourish your body.
Tryptophan, an amino acid that creates serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin lifts moods and melatonin helps to relax, which also helps your sleep cycle. Pumpkin seeds are a great example, and they also provide iron, zinc, and copper to your diet. Zinc helps to boost your immune system, leaving you less fatigued, and can aid in restful sleep.
Vitamin B helps to regulate moods, PMS, and slow age related cognitive disorders all of which can cause anxiety both during and after episodes. Vitamin B raises serotonin levels and boosts your immune system, making you less prone to fatigue.
Dark chocolate (non alkali, 72% or greater cocoa makeup, fair-trade) helps to elevate serotonin levels as well. It helps to ease menstrual cycle anxiety, both mentally and physically. It reduces cortisol levels (stress hormone) and stimulates production of endorphins. The antioxidants help lower the blood pressure and boost concentration.
Antioxidants, like those found in blueberries, can reduce stress levels by regulating the cortisol production in the brain. Blueberries have the highest level of antioxidants available in all fruits.
Vitamin C lowers cortisol levels as well, and can improve memory and reduce risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
Proper hydration is key to reduce anxiety. Cells need proper hydration in order to function and do their jobs properly.
The Omega 3 fatty acids in walnuts help to fight anxiety attacks and help you to sleep better. Walnuts actively lower blood pressure in stressful situations. Wild caught (only) salmon also helps to boost cognitive function while reducing anxiety. Tryptophan is also present in salmon, lowering stress hormones and reducing blood pressure.
Magnesium regulates cortisol levels and keeps them normalized. It also lowers anger and irritability by relaxing nerves and muscles and re regulates energy production. Selenium, niacin, and Omega 3 fatty acids help keep mood up and anxiety down. Spinach is a great example of a food high in magnesium.
High levels of potassium help to lower blood pressure immediately as well and can help balance levels over time. It is also a pain reliever and attaches to opioid receptors, creating a “feel good” effect while reducing pain.
Grain free and Superfoods like Quinoa can be vital to those with anxiety. In one food: vegan protein alternative: contains protein, magnesium, vitamin B, zinc, iron, phosphorus, omega 3 fatty acids. Serotonin booster, helps fight fatigue and anemia. Keeps you fuller longer even though it is a seed and not a grain. High magnesium controls blood pressure which can help reduce anxiety triggers, reduce migraines, help with mood disorders, and regulate PMS…all causes of anxiety. Non-inflammatory to your body, leaving your energy levels boosted because your immune system isn’t stressed. Gluten Free.
Strive to keep your diet organic. additive, preservative and processed food free, grain free, dairy -less, and planitful. Meat level of importance: fish, chicken, red meat sparingly. Wild caught fish only. Make your treats and snacks yourself from whole ingredients.
Do you have other foods you’d like to add to the list! Let us know at info@patchofskywellness and we’ll them to the list!
Happy Cooking,
Joanna xoxo
