Berries including raspberries, strawberries and even blackberries are all a good source of vitamin C which can help in combating stress to a great extent. Low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety and depression.
Blueberries
When we're anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Small but mighty, blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C that have been shown to provide anxiety relief.
Berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are loaded with anitoxidants and fiber. Yet it's the high amount of Vitamin C, that makes berries a stress fighting food. Vitamin C assist the body to return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after they have peaked.
Cherries. Cherries contain antioxidants like quercetin, which can help promote feelings of calmness. Eating more fruits and veggies in general has also been linked to decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression and increased happiness levels.
The best stress-relieving drinks include ginger, chamomile tea, valerian, black tea, coconut water, milk, green tea, coffee, lemon balm tea, water, and vegetable and fruit juice. Aromatherapy is another self-soothing practice shown to have benefits for mental health. You can read more about it here.
These include carrots, dark leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, cucumber, apples, bananas, grapefruit, other citrus fruits, fresh berries, and kiwifruit.
A 2016 study published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing found that higher doses of dietary tryptophan resulted in significantly less depression and irritability and decreased anxiety. Other foods high in tryptophan include nuts, seeds, tofu, fish, lentils, oats, beans, and eggs.
The B-vitamins in bananas, like folate and vitamin B6, are key to the production of serotonin, which can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. For an extra stress-busting boost, top bananas with almond, peanut, or cashew butter.
“Vitamins B, C, and (water soluble) magnesium have been impactful for many who have anxiety and depression. It's important to remember that supplements and medications are proven aids at decreasing symptoms.
Strawberries have high levels of antioxidants (polyphenols), are packed with vitamin C, and are a good source of potassium and manganese. Potassium helps regulate serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation can cause a number of problems in the body—chronic inflammation has even been linked to serious conditions such as stroke, heart attacks and cancer. Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can help promote all-around well being. See what other foods help fight inflammation.
Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
Foods (and drinks) that are stress- and anxiety-provoking
Caffeine. Sugary drinks and foods. Processed foods, such as chips, cookies, frozen foods and ready-made meals. Foods high in trans fats and excessive saturated fats, such as fried foods, red meat, full-fat dairy, butter and baked goods.
In addition to reducing feelings of anxiety, yogurt has also been found to reduce inflammation in the body. Some researchers suggest that chronic inflammation may contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
Besides the homey warmth of this true comfort food, milk has loads of B vitamins that reduce anxiety and improve mood. For instance, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) raises serotonin levels to perk you up.
This is because, as a nutrient-dense carbohydrate, potatoes trigger insulin to allow tryptophan into the brain. This process ultimately creates 5HTP and boosts serotonin… naturally! So consider eating a potato when you're feeling anxiety start to creep in, along with these other Best Foods for Stress Relief.
Apples. If you haven't had an apple a day in awhile, it might be a good time to start. The high levels of antioxidants may help lessen the symptoms of anxiety (anxiety is thought to be correlated with a lowered total antioxidant state).
Answer. Several fruits and vegetables contain tryptophan, which is a building block to creating mood-boosting serotonin. So if we consume produce rich in tryptophan, our bodies can make more serotonin. Plantains, pineapple, bananas, kiwi fruit, plums, and tomatoes contain high amounts of tryptophan.