Foods You Must Avoid To Get Rid of Anxiety Problems

Anxiety is such a tough situation that no one actually would ever want to have. However, if you are someone who is fighting with anxiety, then you surely would love to know the things you need to adopt and things you need to avoid so as to get rid of your anxiety problems. Among all the factors that controls or aggravates anxiety, food is one of the major factors. There are certain foods you need to avoid and certain foods you need to take so as to help yourselves with anxiety. In this article, we will talk about some of the foods you must avoid to get rid of anxiety problems.

1. Caffeine Can Increase Anxiety:

   Caffeine is a very well known stimulant and psychoactive drug that has long been known for triggering body’s fight or flight response. Pretty similar to the symptoms that are associated with anxiety, caffeine can also make an individual feel nervous, light headed, nauseous, jittery and even anxious. In case you are having an anxiety issue then it is recommended to avoid caffeine and instead take a cup of green juice or a cup of herbal tea in the morning.

2. Gluten:

   Gluten is one protein that is present in wheat, barley and rye products. Gluten can also be one thing that might trigger anxiety symptoms. There has been research that has confirmed that many individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerances are at higher risk for depression, mood disorders, and anxiety. It is very much essential for you to talk to your doctor about getting tested for a gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You need to avoid foods with gluten contents in order to get rid of anxiety problems and managing the condition for the better.

3. Artificial and Refined Sugar Can Augment Your Anxiety:

   One more food you must avoid to get rid of anxiety problems is artificial and refined sugar. Sugar does not cause anxiety in general, however it does create changes in the body which can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety. This has been shown by several studies.

   A sugar crash is pretty similar to that of a caffeine crash and it can also cause changes in mood, heart palpitations, difficulty concentrating and also fatigue- all of which can be taken as the beginning stages of an anxiety or a panic attack.

4. Processed Foods:

   Usually processed foods are loaded with a bunch of additional additives and preservatives. Refined flours and sugars are known to feed the harmful bacteria and microbes in the intestine. With more research being conducted, the general consensus is that an individual’s gut health is one of the major contributors to chronic anxiety, and several food disorders can be treated by proliferating good bacteria in the gut. So, it is essential for you to avoid processed foods to get rid of anxiety problems.

5. Anxiety Increases with Foods Rich In Sodium:

   There have been researches that has shown that excess amount of sodium in diets can have a real negative effect on the body’s neurological system and can cause fatigue and damage the immune system. A restful sleep is very much essential for a healthy mind, mood and body. Overconsumption of sodium in foods can cause weight gain, high BP and water retention.

   It is absolutely true that salt is too much important in maintaining good health and a balanced diet. However, taking too much of it can trigger panic episodes and can cause anxiety, panic attack and depression. One should have sodium in appropriate quantity in diet according to their doctor’s advice for one’s medical condition.

6. Dairy:

   One more food that you must avoid to get rid of anxiety problem is dairy and dairy products. Research shows that individuals with anxiety say that they have noticed an increase in their anxiety symptoms within minutes of consuming dairy products.

   Approximately 10% of adults are lactose intolerant, with even more of them having difficulty digesting casein that is present in cow’s milk.

7. Soda can Incline your Anxiety:

   One of the major foods you need to avoid if you have anxiety problems; is soda. Soda contains sugar, artificial food coloring and additives and also Aspartame, or one of the most common and dangerous ingredients in it. Aspartame is responsible for blocking the serotonin production in brains and also causes insomnia, headaches, mood swings and anxiety. It must also be mentioned that some forms of soda can also lead to cancer.

8. Fruits Juice:

   Just like soda, fruit juice and other drinks you get from the store are also packed with sugar. There are different types of sugar, namely sucrose, glucose and fructose. Fructose is the sugar that is found naturally in fruits and vegetables and is usually added to the fruit juice and other fruit flavored drinks. However, the problem is the body only process fructose in the liver and is not the body’s preferred source of energy.

   What exactly protects us from absorbing excess amount of fructose when we eat fruits and vegetables is the fiber. We put our bodies at risk of overconsumption, when we get rid of the fiber.

   So, in case you want to drink fruit juice then prepare it at home instead of purchasing from the store.

9. Alcohol Will Increase Your Anxiety:

   Most people enjoy having occasional drink. However, what happens when you take three glasses of wine and desserts instead of that one glass of wine at dinner?

   Alcohol is also known to trigger anxiety symptoms. When taken in excess amount, alcohol is known to induce symptoms of anxiety. It is actually a toxin that leads to improper mental and physical functioning, by impacting negatively, the levels of serotonin in the brain.

   Alcohol also affects the body as well as the nervous system and can lead to hypersensitivity, increased heart rate, acute dehydration and lowered levels of blood sugar.

So, by now you must be very much aware of the foods that you must avoid to get rid of anxiety problems. So, next time you look for processed foods, artificial and refined sugar, or soda; you need to think twice. Avoid the above mentioned foods and prevent self from the nasty symptoms of anxiety.