Feb 08, 2021 03:55 AM EST
Experts Recommend 5 Best Foods That Help Relieve Anxiety

Uncertainty is one of the most uncomfortable feelings you might have during this time where SARS-CoV-2 is rampant and continues to wreak havoc.

But even before the pandemic, you might have experienced episodes of anxiety attacks, which is not healthy and is challenging to deal with.

People have different procedures in coping with it. One way has the best foods to eat on the table to transfer the attention to food and not deep thoughts.

According to Medical News Today, Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion, but when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it can become a medical disorder.

They add that anxiety leads to excessive fear, nervousness, apprehension, and worry. In case you see yourself in an episode of this emotion, here are the foods you may eat to help you deal with anxiety.

Read also: Try Martha Stewart's Chicken Potpie for a new Comfort Food

Wild Salmon

(Photo : Andrew Burton)
Davis Sockpick prepares freshly caught salmon on the beach along the Chukchi Sea on July 7, 2015 in Shishmaref, Alaska.

You might not always have this at your freezer but if ever you have them, and you experience an anxiety attack, ask a member from your family to prepare you some wild salmon, whether seared or grilled.

Healthline shares that salmon has Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is beneficial brain health. They add that the EPA and DHA's adequate consumption may promote the brain's ability to adapt to changes making you handle stressors better.

Leafy greens

When you want to cope with anxiety, a salad will be a great help. Eat This Not That shares that leafy greens like spinach and kale encompass magnesium.

They referenced research suggesting that lower magnesium consumption has a relationship with higher anxiety-related behaviors. Meaning if you want to feel calmer, you must eat leafy greens. Eat This Not That notes that whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds may also be a great magnesium source.

Dark Chocolate

(Photo : Justin Sullivan)
Whole roasted cocoa beans are displayed for tasting at Dandelion Chocolate on March 17, 2014 in San Francisco, California.

If you want to have a ready to eat the treat if your anxiety hits you, you might want to store dark chocolate in your fridge

WebMD shares that cocoa flavonoids help the cells lower blood pressure and boost the blood flow to your heart and brain, making you less anxious. However, they also remind us that excessive consumption may make anxiety worse because of the caffeine it possesses.

Berries

Another quick munch you can pop in your mouth whenever you feel anxious. Eat This Not That notes Dr. Uma Naidoo's words from Massachusetts General Hospital, saying that the berries can heighten the antioxidant levels in your body.

Dr. Naidoo notes that anxiety is correlated to the body's antioxidant levels, and enriching the diet with antioxidant-rich foods will help manage the anxiety.

Green Tea

Drinking an afternoon tea is relaxing, but did you know that this beverage can also help manage your anxiousness? According to Healthline, Green Tea is High in I-Theanine, an amino acid that might reduce anxiety in people.

A study published in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin suggested that students who drink green tea have lower stress levels.

When anxiety hits you in real-time, remember these best foods to eat to cope with the feeling. Remember that it is still a healthy feeling, and having it occasionally is okay but when it comes frequently, have yourself checked and consult an expert to help you with your dilemma.

Related article: Vegetarian Diet May Cause Mental Health Problems

WATCH: Best Foods for Anxiety and Depression from Mind Over Munch 

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