Did you know that anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses, and those with anxiety are three times more likely to go to the doctor than someone who does not have anxiety? Anxiety is also highly treatable, and can actually be managed with diet and lifestyle changes, not just medication.
If you suffer from frequent anxiety, taking a good look at your diet, and adding more exercise, and stress reduction into your day could be the difference between anxiety and living a calmer more relaxed life!
Anxiety is something that a large amount of the population suffers from. If you suffer from anxiety, the good news is that there are many ways to reduce the symptoms that don’t involve pharmaceutical drugs.
If you suffer from anxiety, here are 3 tips to help reduce symptoms and achieve an overall sense of calm.
Tip #1: Ditch the Caffeine & Choose Herbal Teas
Caffeine can make you feel jittery which is the last thing you want when you are already feeling anxious. Instead, enjoy a cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile contains two chemicals, apigenin, and luteolin that help to promote relaxation.
Tip #2: Enjoy Omega-3 Rich Foods
Omega-3 rich foods have been shown to help ease anxiety symptoms, and lift mood. Try wild caught salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds, for an omega-3 boost.
Tip #3: Enjoy the Sun
Getting 15 minutes of sun per day can help increase your vitamin-D levels. Vitamin D can help to ease anxiety and depression. For bonus points, go for a brisk walk to get some exercise and sun at the same time.
For this week’s challenge, I encourage you to take a look at your diet and look for cues that your anxiety may be linked to a deficiency, sensitivity, or a particular food.
- Caffeine, alcohol, and sugar have all been linked to anxiety. Try cutting back if you find you consume foods high in sugar, or drink caffeine or alcohol in excess.
- Watch out for food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can exacerbate the symptoms related to anxiety. If you suspect you are sensitive to a particular food, consider scheduling an appointment with a naturopath to run tests and determine if a sensitivity is present.
- Focus on your gut. An unhealthy gut is linked to mental imbalance. Skip the junk food, and enjoy probiotic rich foods such as sauerkraut, and kimchi and lots of fruits and veggies.