These days, people have a lot going on. Even if we take a mental health day, we still find ourselves checking our work email. And for those of us who have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, sometimes we have no time to actually seek out a therapist who we feel comfortable enough talking to. So, it makes sense that we’re always on the lookout for quick ways to keep anxiety at bay.
There isn’t one food out there that’ll cure the issue. If there was, the world would be a lot less hectic. But, adding a few foods that have been known to curb nervous thoughts in your brain couldn’t hurt.
So if you suffer from occasional anxiety (and who doesn’t?), having a list of go-to foods may be beneficial. After all, “you are what you eat,” and most of these foods seem to be on the healthy side.
But for anxiety that keeps you from doing the activities you love on a semi-regular basis? You’ll want to see a doctor for that, to get you on a strong path towards wellness.
If you want to start filling your pantry and fridge up with foods that’ll put you more at ease, here are some of the top choices.
1. Chamomile Tea
This should be a no-brainer. “Chamomile” may very well be a synonym of “calm” — especially since so many people recommend it before bed.
Research has proven that chamomile is a great way to ease anxiety on a short-term basis. The fact that it’s also delicious and refreshing is just a bonus.
2. Oysters
Columbia University professor and psychiatrist Dr. Drew Ramsey actually suggests adding oysters to your diet as a way to ward off anxiety and depression. He believes that the high amount of vitamin B12 is extremely beneficial. Sure, people either love or hate oysters, but if you’ve never had them before, it’s worth a shot.
3. Asparagus
Finally, another reason to eat your greens!
Science has found out that those with anxiety and depression often have a folate deficiency. And guess what asparagus is high in? Yep — folate. That means it’s a great dinnertime side, or even a perfect snack, for when you’re going through a stressful time.
4. Bananas
Bananas can serve as beta-blockers and are so effective that Spoon University thinks two per day may very well settle your anxiety. Potassium has also been noted as being a key nutrient in helping anxiety, along with your heart and your brain.
Fortunately, bananas are the perfect addition to any cereal, oatmeal, or even an ice cream sundae. They are certainly a versatile fruit.
5. Blueberries
Not only are they cute and the perfect topping for a healthy sundae, but blueberries have also been known to help with symptoms of anxiety. You can thank their antioxidants for helping calm you down. Blueberries really pack a punch when it comes to making you feel great and healthy overall, so you should consider popping a few even if you’re already at ease.
6. Oats
If you’re battling anxiety, you might want to start your mornings with a bowl of oats.
According to the Huffington Post, oats contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that’s great with making you feel less stressed out. As a bonus, they’ll keep you full and satisfied until lunch rolls around.
7. Green Tea
Chamomile isn’t the only tea that helps ease anxiety.
Green tea is also great at easing your mind, since it contains the amino acid L-theanine. Green tea has other benefits as well. Healthline reports that green tea may help prevent cancer and lower the risk of heart disease. So, drink up!
8. Chia Seeds
Surprisingly, chia seeds contain magnesium that helps battle both depression and anxiety. They also contain iron, which might help make you less tired. In general, they’ve been found to be a pretty great addition to most diets, meaning that all the hype around chia seeds is definitely worth it.
9. Avocado
Millennials, next time a Baby Boomer mocks the fact that you enjoy a piece of avocado toast on occasion, make sure to let them know how healthy avocado really is. Not only do they have healthy fat, but they’ve got a ton of B vitamins. As you probably know, those are essential in boosting your mood.
10. Eggs
The verdict always seems to change with eggs.
Are they good for you? Are they bad for you? Well, I’m not a dietician, but I do know this: Eggs provide a great source of protein (6 grams per egg, to be exact), and they’ve also been linked to helping with both anxiety and depression, due to them containing vitamin D. So, they’re not the worst thing to have for breakfast in my book.
11. Bell Peppers
Next time you’re close to a veggie tray, make sure to load up on the bell peppers.
Chew Some Good states that peppers have polyphenols, which nurture a bacteria called lactobacillus. It just so happens that lactobacillus reportedly lessens anxiety and depression, meaning that peppers are a great food to snack on if you’re feeling a little panicky.
12. Almonds
Personally, I feel like almonds are the best nut around.
You can dress them up in a ton of ways as an easy and healthy snack. They’re also rich in Vitamin E, meaning that they’re a great way to try to combat low levels of anxiety. Plus, you can also consume them via almond milk, a popular milk alternative.
13. Dark Chocolate
Dessert fans, rejoice!
Dark chocolate is known for being one of the healthiest chocolates out there. It’ll make you feel better just knowing it’s in your presence, but also due to its cortisol. Cortisol helps reduce stress and tension, so it’s a no-brainer that it’s a fabulous solution — especially come dessert time.
14. Salmon
Salmon is healthy for a ton of reasons.
But it’s an extremely important choice if you’re having anxiety spells. Healthline states that the EPA and DHA in salmon help regulate the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body, both of which are good for helping keep your anxiety at a healthy level.
15. Water
I have a theory that water cures a ton of ailments.
And it’s true for anxiety as well. When we’re dehydrated, we can become more stressed. That stress can very easily lead to an anxiety attack if it’s not properly maintained. So if you’re feeling a little shaky, you might want to visit the water cooler.
16. Shrimp
If you can’t handle yourself with a shrimp cocktail, just know that the B12 in shrimp is doing wonders for your anxiety. Also, shrimp is delicious and a wonderful source of protein. Next time you grab a salad, opt for the shrimp topper to feel a little better if you’re having a bad day.
17. Yogurt
Yogurt is also a great source of B12, especially for those who eat a vegetarian diet. A great breakfast if you’re feeling anxious (and even if you’re not) is yogurt with a handful of blueberries on top. And you can even add some oats, almonds, and bananas if you really need that extra boost.
18. Spinach
As mentioned before, magnesium has been tested as a way to help manage anxiety and depression.
More studies still need to be done, but you shouldn’t skip out on spinach while the scientific details emerge. The leafy green is packed with magnesium, as well as a bunch of other incredible nutrients. Seriously, Popeye was really onto something.
