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Products and services Is it true that certain foods worsen anxiety and others have a calming effect
Answer From Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P. Anxiety symptoms can make you feel unwell. Coping with anxiety can be a challenge and often requires making lifestyle changes. There aren't any diet changes that can cure anxiety, but watching what you eat may help. Try these steps: Eat a breakfast that includes some protein. Eating protein at breakfast can help you feel fuller longer and help keep your blood sugar steady so that you have more energy as you start your day. Eat complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains - for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals. Steer clear of foods that contain simple carbohydrates, such as sugary foods and drinks. Drink plenty of water. Even mild dehydration can affect your mood. Limit or avoid alcohol. The immediate effect of alcohol may be calming. But as alcohol is processed by your body, it can make you edgy. Alcohol can also interfere with sleep. Limit or avoid caffeine. Avoid caffeinated beverages. They can make you feel jittery and nervous and can interfere with sleep. Pay attention to food sensitivities. In some people, certain foods or food additives can cause unpleasant physical reactions. In certain people, these physical reactions may lead to shifts in mood, including irritability or anxiety. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals. Healthy eating is important for overall physical and mental health. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and don't overeat. It may also help to eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, on a regular basis. Changes to your diet may make some difference to your general mood or sense of well-being, but they're not a substitute for treatment. Lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits, increasing social support, using stress-reduction techniques and getting regular exercise, also may help. Be patient, as it may take some time before these changes have an effect on your anxiety. If your anxiety is severe or interferes with your day-to-day activities or enjoyment of life, you may need counseling (psychotherapy), medication or other treatment. With Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?Herbal treatment for anxiety: Is it effective? ShareTweet May 24, 2017 Show references Bonnet MH, et al. Treatment of insomnia in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 20, 2017. Aucoin M, et al. Generalized anxiety disorder and hypoglycemia symptoms improved with diet modification. Case Reports in Psychiatry. 2016;2016:1. Tips to manage anxiety and stress. Anxiety and Depression Association of America. https://www.adaa.org/tips-manage-anxiety-and-stress. Accessed April 20, 2017. Conner TS, et al. Let them eat fruit! The effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on psychological well-being in young adults: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2017;12:e0171206. Null G, et al. Nutrition and lifestyle intervention on mood and neurological disorders. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;22:68. Richards G, et al. Breakfast and energy drink consumption in secondary school children: Breakfast omission, in isolation or in combination with frequent energy drink use, is associated with stress, anxiety, and depression cross-sectionally, but not at 6-month follow-up. Frontiers in Psychology. 2016;7:1. Saneei P, et al. Combined healthy lifestyle is inversely associated with psychological disorders among adults. PLoS One. 2016;11:e0146888. Benton D, et al. Minor degree of hypohydration adversely influences cognition: A mediator analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;104:603. Skypala IJ, et al. Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: A review of the evidence. Clinical and Translational Allergy. 2015;5:34. Sawchuk CN (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 2, 2017. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
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