Anxiety makes one to be fearful, worried or apprehensive. With symptoms such as; dizziness, nausea, increased heartbeat and sweating among others, anxiety affects millions of people who only link it to stress and life events not knowing that they might have been feeding it into their body systems.
The following list shows top five worst foods and drinks that may cause or increase your anxiety levels. Hopefully a follow up post will include the best foods for anxiety and stress, but that has not been written yet...
I. Caffeine
A lot of people are too much dependent on caffeine as a stimulant to jump start their day and increase alertness making them work harder and longer without thinking much on the associated side effects. According to mental disorder statistics, too much caffeine induces anxiety disorders
Caffeine as a stimulant is a worldwide legalized drug that increases heart rate and blood pressure. It can consequently cause nausea, insomnia, diarrhoea, agitation and even restlessness. Caffeine is contained in tea, soft drinks, coffee and some chocolates. The body contains adenosine which is a chemical that inhibits the activity of the nervous central system. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system therefore competing with adenosine.
In some people, caffeine creates a pleasant feel and alertness while in others it causes panic and anxiety. Anxiety symptoms include; nervousness, sweating palms and ringing ears among others. It is therefore advisable to reduce caffeine intake especially if with anxiety disorders or if highly sensitive to adrenaline surge since it might cause racing heartbeats which triggers panic attacks.
Again, unregulated caffeine intake depletes the body of magnesium. Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation and turning off of adrenaline. Therefore, instead of energy drinks with high caffeine content, consider taking a lot of natural water and decaffeinated coffee and tea. Also, herbal tea and dandelion coffee
II. Alcohol
Most people argue that alcohol promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. The truth is alcohol affects mood by interfering with a neurotransmitter that regulate mood-serotonin. Other than that, alcohol contains sugars that may in the long run cause fluctuation in blood sugar levels leading to experiences of dizziness, confusion and restlessness.
At times, alcohol causes dehydration. The body needs to stay hydrated for smooth functioning of the physiological processes e.g. quick healing and removal of toxins; functions which are derailed by uncontrolled alcohol intakes. Dehydration also makes the body to work under duress, causes fatigue and muscle weaknesses which can make one become anxious and nervous the next day.
Alcohol is abused mostly by people suffering from anxiety disorders. According to research, it affects the central nervous system inhibiting the brain activity to keep the mind and body calm, this leads to long term health conditions and emotional problems
Instead of seeking relaxation in alcohol, it is advised to try yoga and meditation and supplement it with spritzers drinks.
III. Processed foods and sugars
Processed foods with high refined flours and sugars contain fructose which feeds microbes and gut bacteria. With uncontrolled consumption of these kinds of foods, a good environment for abnormal bacteria and microbes to thrive is created in the body creating an imbalance of gut flora in the existence of beneficial bacteria
After consumption of sugar, bursts of energy are experienced for short duration preceded by a sluggish and tired feeling. A condition called hypoglycemia, resulting due to dropped sugar levels. This blood sugar fluctuations cause adrenaline and cortisol hormones to be released causing anxiety and panic. Therefore, consider whole foods, balanced with proteins and starch so as to protect oneself from anxiety symptoms related to blood sugar.
Research done on rats sustained with sugary diet revealed that sugar is indeed addictive since they became anxious when the sugar diet was withdrawn. For sugar-holics therefore, try natural sugar foods, fruits and other sugar source foods with minimal contents of glucose, dextrose and fructose not forgetting gradual reduction in the amount added to tea and cereals.
Research done on rats sustained with sugary diet revealed that sugar is indeed addictive since they became anxious when the sugar diet was withdrawn. For sugar-holics therefore, try natural sugar foods, fruits and other sugar source foods with minimal contents of glucose, dextrose and fructose not forgetting gradual reduction in the amount added to tea and cereals.
IV. Fast foods and High-fat comfort foods
Fatty foods are considered so much comforting during consumption but research indicates that they are much linked to depression and anxiety.
According to Dr. Stephanie Fulton and his research, they cause production of chemical reactions in the brain similar to the one caused by illicit drugs that eventually leads to depression.
With lots of fat content, fast foods lead to obesity and mental health problems and therefore advisable to maintain a healthy diet of whole-grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables instead.
V. Yogurt
Yogurts contain acids which cause magnesium deficiency in the body. Magnesium tends to maintain alkaline balance in the body favourable for most body functions. It also relaxes muscles and turns off adrenaline secretion. A lot of acid in the body antagonizes these functions leading to tight unrelaxed muscles and high adrenaline levels thereby resulting in acid indigestion and sometimes a feeling of nausea.
Instead of yogurt or other drinks that contain acids, try coconut milk or apple juices. Green vegetable juices and Izze natural soda from alkaline mineral water and fruit juices also work best in restoration of body alkaline conditions.
Another form of acid- lactic acid, contained in some drinks crystallizes in body muscles causing soreness.It is also linked to panic attacks and anxiousness. Read product labels and choose ones without lactic acid in their ingredients.
Consider reduced consumption of above anxiety triggers and you will experience reduced rashes of adrenaline, reduced panic attacks and eventually you will slowly overcome that fear, panic and anxiety.
