Discover which foods and drinks can contribute to anxiety and which ones can
help reduce symptoms. Read this guide on how you can help improve your
anxious feelings through your diet.
When you’re feeling sad or anxious, it’s normal to crave
comfort foods. But have you ever felt even more
anxiety-ridden or blue after indulging in sugary confections
or a fried meal? Experts and studies alike suggest this
cyclical effect isn’t a coincidence.
Nearly 60% of calories in the average American’s diet come
from ultra processed foods, which are foods that have gone
through extensive processing to the point that they can no
longer be classified as whole foods. Research has shown that
consuming ultra processed foods is associated with anxiety
and depression symptoms.
So, what is the connection between what we eat and anxiety?
The answer is our gut.
The foods you eat directly affect your gut microbiome, which
is your gut’s ecosystem of microorganisms, including
bacteria, viruses and fungi. Your gut contains a delicate
balance of healthy and potentially harmful bacteria.
Ultra processed foods often encourage the growth of bad
bacteria, disrupting this balance and driving intestinal
inflammation. That inflammation directly affects your brain,
as the gut and brain are connected via the vagus nerve,
which sends neurochemicals between the brain and the gut.
In fact, you can think of your gut
as your “second brain.” It supplies 90% of your body’s
serotonin receptors, the “feel good” neurotransmitter that
helps regulate your mood, emotions, digestion and sleep.
Foods That Promote Anxiety
Here are some examples of foods that have been associated
with feelings of anxiety.
1. Processed meats and cheeses
Salami, prosciutto, brie and aged cheddar may taste
delicious, but these cured meats and aged cheeses you often
find on a charcuterie board may have an anxiety-inducing
effect.
Research shows that these foods can aggravate histamine
production in your body. Histamines are chemicals your
immune system releases when they target an invader in your
body, causing allergy symptoms in response.
While the connection between histamine and anxiety isn’t
fully understood, research
suggests that those with anxiety disorders may have more
trouble breaking down histamine, a condition known as
histamine intolerance. When histamine builds up in the body,
it can lead to symptoms that mimic anxiety, including
increased heart rate and gastrointestinal distress, which
can amplify anxiety.
The histamine content in cheese and meats increases during
the aging process. That’s because its proteins break down,
freeing an amino acid called histidine, which can be
converted into histamine.
2. Fried foods
French fries, fried chicken, onion rings, donuts and
beer-battered fish are some examples of the plethora of
fried foods that are often cooked with vegetable oils, a
process that increases
inflammation and contributes to feelings of anxiety.
Many experts are concerned that omega-6 fatty acids found
in seed
oils – such as safflower, sunflower and grapeseed oils –
used in cooking could contribute to inflammation. The body
converts linoleic acid, the most common type of omega-6,
into arachidonic acid, which plays a complex role in
inflammation and has been associated with both inflammatory
and noninflammatory reactions in the body.
That inflammation may contribute to generalized
anxiety disorder, post-traumatic
stress disorder, panic disorder and certain phobias,
according to research published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.
3. Sugary foods and beverages
Sugar has been shown to feed bad bacteria (flora) in your
gut and promote inflammation.
Additionally, consuming high amounts of sugar can cause blood
sugar spikes and crashes, which can affect
your mood and contribute to anxiety. When blood glucose
rapidly fluctuates (specifically when it drops), it can
mirror anxiety symptoms or make existing anxiety even more
intense.
We find added
and refined sugars in so many foods these days,
Often you don’t realize they’re in savory foods, like salad
dressings, store-bought tomato sauces and … ketchup.
Watching for those and being careful about what you’re
consuming becomes so important.
4. Highly caffeinated drinks
Beverages that contain caffeine,
such as coffee and energy
drinks, can increase anxiety.
This is because caffeine activates adenosine receptors,
which are involved in mediating the body's fight-or-flight
response, in the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Experts say that excessive intake of caffeine can boost the
risk of panic attacks, especially in people who have
diagnosed psychiatric conditions. Research found in the
journal General
Hospital Psychiatry revealed that consuming the amount
of caffeine found in five cups of coffee can induce a panic
attack in people with panic disorder and increase
anxiety in those who don’t have the disorder.
5. Alcohol
There’s substantial evidence behind alcohol’s potential
contributions to anxiety and depression. Recent research suggests
that regular, high
consumption of alcoholic beverages may contribute to
long-term anxiety, but more studies are needed to understand
this relationship.
Foods and Drinks That Reduce Anxiety
On the other hand, there are many foods that can help
support a healthy gut, which can contribute to a steady
mood. However, it’s important to note that if you’ve been
dealing with crippling anxiety, these foods likely won’t
make much of an impact. Talk to your health care provider
and licensed therapist for support.
Generally speaking, these foods can help reduce anxiety for
some people:
1. Fatty fish
Fatty fish are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which can combat
inflammation in your body and promote serotonin
production, which can help keep anxious thoughts at bay.
Research indicates that those who regularly enjoy seafood
have a reduced risk of developing depression,
which can go hand-in-hand with anxiety.
Choose these fish:
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Herring
2. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants,
so it’s no surprise it’s been linked with benefits for
your gut and mood. Studies suggest
that a high intake of inflammation-fighting
antioxidants, whether through food or supplements, is
associated with improved anxiety and depression
symptoms.
Recent research found that consuming dark chocolate
with 85% cocoa can have a prebiotic-like effect on your
gut. Prebiotics enable
gut-healthy probiotics to flourish, which can help
support a positive mental state.
3. Fermented foods
Studies have long shown that regularly consuming fermented
foods can help alleviate anxiety thanks to their
high levels of probiotics, which can support a healthy
microbiome and a stable mood.
Fermented foods include:
- Yogurt and kefir
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
- Pickled
vegetables
4. High-fiber foods
Fiber from whole foods – such as fruits, vegetables,
whole grains and beans – help manage blood sugar levels,
which can help stave off anxiety.
High-fiber foods break down much more slowly in your body
and they prevent that insulin spike
and that sugar crash that people might feel when they eat a
sugary doughnut, If you can even out your blood sugar, it
can be more calming for your system.
5. Herbal teas
If you’ve ever sipped on a cup of chamomile tea before bed,
you know firsthand how powerful a soothing herbal tea can be
for relaxation. Sipping on lavender tea, for example, has
been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Apart from chamomile and lavender, other herbal teas that
may contribute to calmness and support digestive health
include:
- Peppermint tea
- Ginger tea
- Ashwagandha tea