A balanced diet filled with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables is central to keeping anxiety at bay.

Anxiety is a normal emotion, although when it becomes uncontrollable it can develop into a clinical disorder. While mild cases of this condition can be managed by lifestyle changes, therapy, and exercise, there are also medications available to treat anxiety. Studies have shown that certain types of food may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

Food can affect a person’s mood due to the reactions that food hormones have on the body. Following a balanced diet filled with protein, fruits, and vegetables is recommended. Also, foods with selenium, magnesium, and essential fatty acids have shown promise with to improve a person’s mood. Should symptoms of anxiety persist, it is recommended to see a physician for professional advice.

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References

Felman, Adam. “Anxiety: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454. 

“Facts & Statistics.” Adaa.org, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics. 

S;, Spedding. “Vitamin D and Depression: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Studies with and without Biological Flaws.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24732019/. 

Sawchuk, Craig N. “Find out How Food and Anxiety Are Linked.” Mayoclinic.org, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 24 May 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/coping-with-anxiety/faq-20057987. 

Banikazemi, Zarrin, et al. “Selenium Intake Is Related to Beck’s Depression Score.” Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, Kowsar, 28 Mar. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884624/. 

Fernandes, Maria Fernanda, et al. “The Relationship between Fatty Acids and Different Depression-Related Brain Regions, and Their Potential Role as Biomarkers of Response to Antidepressants.” Nutrients, MDPI, 17 Mar. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372961/. 

Jackson, Sarah E., et al. “Is There a Relationship between Chocolate Consumption and Symptoms of Depression? A Cross‐Sectional Survey of 13,626 US Adults.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 29 July 2019, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/da.22950. 

Boyle, Neil Bernard, et al. “The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress-A Systematic Review.” Nutrients, MDPI, 26 Apr. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452159/. 

Mao, JJ, et al. “Long-Term Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27912875/.

Ashuni Pérez is a writer in the culinary, as well as health and wellness industries. With a background in teaching and digital media, she loves to learn and help others discover more about their food, where it comes from, and how best to prepare it. A foodie through and through, she is always searching for new recipes and the freshest ingredients.