Food has the power to dictate your health. Yes, even mental health. So, what we put on our plates can dictate how we feel both physically and mentally. If you’ve been feeling anxious lately or suffering from anxiety, then it’s time you reconsider your diet. After all, the food you might be consuming may be triggering your symptoms. So, here are a few food items that you need to avoid if you suffer from anxiety.
5 Food Items That Might Trigger Your Anxiety
1. Caffeine
When it comes to anxiety, our favourite cuppa joe may be causing more harm than good. Coffee, tea, energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages may cause a fight or flight response in the body. Caffeine blocks adenosine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for relaxation and sleep. It can leave you feeling jittery, and nervous and increase your heart rate. So, it’s wise to avoid caffeine and replace drinks with decaffeinated options.
2. Added Sugar
While fructose and natural sugar found in fruits promote good health, it’s the added sugar that can trigger anxiousness. While sugar is something we do lean on when we feel mentally disturbed, it can add to other issues. That’s because on consuming sugar, the body releases insulin. This is to stabilise blood sugar levels. But a sugar rush leads to one’s body overworking to attain a regular state. This can cause irritability and set off extreme highs and lows in one’s mood. So, avoid added sugar and lean on to naturally sweetened fruits and veggies.
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3. Processed Food
Loaded with salt, processed food items like packaged deep-fried chips, biscuits and other food items have an overall negative impact on one’s health. However, the detrimental effects of processed food on one’s mental health are concerning. Processed food can increase one’s blood pressure and heart rate. This in turn can set the body on an overdrive with higher adrenaline levels and inability to relax.
4. Refined Carbs
Refined carbohydrates are essentially food items that lack fibre and micronutrients. Food items like refined grains, cakes, sugary cereal, pastries and white bread are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. When consumed in excess, they are known to heighten symptoms of anxiety and depression. Milled to remove fibrous parts, refined carbohydrates may fill you with energy but also cause mood swings and restlessness.
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5. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol might increase serotonin levels, but this only leads to a temporary sense of calm. Once the serotonin levels drop, it can increase anxiety levels and cause irritability and even sadness. So, drinking alcohol is not advisable for someone suffering from anxiety as it can impair judgment and make it difficult to cope with emotions.
So, these are 5 food items you must avoid if you suffer from anxiety or a feeling of anxiousness.
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