7 Natural Foods To Calm Anxious Feelings
Anxiety is not the same as stress and should not be overlooked. Chronic anxiety can be debilitating and can affect many aspects of our lives and overall health. In this article, we will cover 7 natural foods to help calm anxious feelings thus enabling you to lead a more peaceful life.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a natural food that can help calm the anxious feelings of people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. The reason for this is because it contains a compound called apigenin, which has been shown to have an anti-anxiety effect.
The way chamomile tea works to reduce anxiety is by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA receptors are responsible for regulating how we feel, and when they're depleted you can experience symptoms like insomnia, depression, and anxiety. When apigenin binds to these receptors, it replenishes them and helps restore balance in your brain chemistry.
Chamomile tea also contains flavonoids (plant chemicals) called polyphenols that have been shown to have antidepressant properties. These flavonoids are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant effects on the body's cells.
2. Bananas
Bananas are a natural food that can help you calm down an anxious feeling. They contain biotin, which is a B vitamin that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are unstable, it can cause anxiety and other mood disorders. Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which helps your body convert tryptophan into serotonin, the brain chemical that makes you feel better when you're anxious or depressed.
Another way bananas help you calm down is with their potassium content, which helps regulate calcium and sodium levels in your body. This keeps your heart rate steady and reduces muscle tension—both of which can contribute to feeling more anxious. Bananas also contain magnesium and manganese, which help maintain healthy bones and muscles so they don't feel like they're going to give out on you when you're feeling anxious or stressed out by life's demands!
3. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a natural food that can be used to calm anxious feelings. A recent study found that people who consumed dark chocolate had lower levels of anxiety than those who did not. The researchers concluded that this was because dark chocolate has high levels of magnesium, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
The benefits of magnesium are not limited to reducing anxiety. Magnesium also plays a key role in muscle relaxation, bone health, blood pressure regulation, and even brain function. In fact, one study found that people with low levels of magnesium were at an increased risk for depression.
Dark chocolate contains many other nutrients that contribute to overall health. These include iron, copper and manganese—all essential minerals for maintaining good health.
While dark chocolate may have its health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation as it contains high amounts of sugar and fat which can lead to weight gain if eaten in excess amounts or on a regular basis over time.
4. Almonds
Almonds are known as a superfood, but they're also known to have calming effects on emotions.
The nuts contain vitamin E, which helps the body produce sebum (the oily substance that keeps skin and hair looking healthy). The mineral magnesium is also found in almonds, which helps the body hold onto water and keeps muscles relaxed.
Almonds are also rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep blood sugar stable. This makes them an ideal snack for those suffering from anxiety, since high blood sugar levels can often trigger panic attacks.
Almonds are also rich in magnesium, which helps calm your nerves and relax your muscles. This is a great benefit for those who suffer from anxiety because it can help reduce the physical symptoms of stress like muscle tension, twitching or shaking hands, shortness of breath and rapid heart rate.
5. Spinach
Spinach is a great natural food to help you relax, especially when you are feeling anxious. Spinach contains many vitamins and minerals that are good for your health. It has many antioxidants that protect your body from free radicals and helps your body fight off diseases. It also contains folic acid which helps regulate blood pressure and prevents heart disease.
Spinach also contains magnesium which helps reduce stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Spinach is a very versatile vegetable that can be added to many dishes or eaten raw with a dip such as hummus or ranch dressing. This green leafy vegetable can be used in soups and salads as well as smoothies or juices to naturally calm those anxious feelings!
6. Eggs
Eggs are a natural food that can help you control your anxiety. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help with stress and anxiety. Omega-3s also help prevent inflammation, which is associated with depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in most types of fish, but eggs are an excellent source of them as well. Eggs also contain vitamin A and choline, both nutrients that play an important role in brain health and function.
Eating eggs regularly can help improve your mood and reduce symptoms associated with anxiety disorders such as panic attacks or social phobia (anxiety related to public speaking).
Eggs are a great food for those who suffer from anxiety because they’re easy to prepare and come in many different varieties. You can fry them up like pancakes or scramble them with veggies for breakfast, or use them in recipes such as quiche or omelettes that provide you with plenty of protein and healthy fats too!
7. Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fats, which are known to help with mood and brain function. Omega-3s can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to depression.
Salmon is also rich in B vitamins, which are essential for energy production, nervous system health, and mental health. B vitamins also help the body break down carbohydrates into glucose for energy, which can help you feel more mentally alert during stressful times.
Omega-3s and B vitamins are both found in many foods, but salmon is one of the best sources of both. If you're looking for a healthy way to boost your mood and fight stress during the winter months, try adding more salmon to your diet!
To support your body's stress response, indulging in simple activities that fill you with a sense of peace—such as breathing exercises and meditation, for example—is always a good idea. But sometimes it takes more than deep breaths to feel comfortable in the face of today's stressors. For these times, try eating these foods. These foods are not just good for your emotional well-being; they're also great for your physical health.
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