Foods that can reduce anxiety (2024)

FAQs

What foods calm my anxiety? ›

Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.

It essentially requires you to identify three things you can see, three things you can hear, and three ways you can move your body. “It's basically a way of distracting yourself from your anxiety by shifting your attention to your senses,” says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at Clarity Clinic, Chicago.

Exercise. The physical symptoms of anxiety are caused by the 'flight-or-fight' response, which floods the body with adrenaline and other stress chemicals. Exercise burns up stress chemicals and promotes relaxation. Physical activity is another helpful way to manage anxiety.

Vitamins B9 and B12 are both thought to treat symptoms of anxiety. Folic acid has many uses in the body, and a vitamin B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression. When taken in conjunction with B12, these B super-vitamins help metabolize serotonin, which is important for mood regulation.

Psychotherapy and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety disorders. Signs that it's time to talk to a mental health professional include: Constant or nearly constant anxiety. Anxiety that gets in the way of your daily activities, like work or social life.

Exercise may offer some anxiety relief, whether you're looking for non-pharmaceutical ways to manage symptoms or want to add some movement to your current anxiety treatment routine. Sore muscles aside, it won't hurt. Some of the best exercises for anxiety include cardio, natural walks, and yoga.

The root of a plant native to the South Pacific, kava is perhaps the best-researched herb for anxiety relief. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies show that kava significantly reduces anxiety.

What helps calm nerves? ›

Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them some of the best fruits for reducing anxiety. For instance, strawberries provide 59 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, which may be beneficial for fighting anxiety and stress.

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.

Distract yourself

Small things like leaving the room or going outside can be effective. One other technique that some people use when calming their anxiety is counting backwards. When trying out this technique, find a quiet place, close your eyes and count backwards until you feel your anxiety subside.

1. Get more physical activity. If you're stressed, moving your body consistently may help reduce stress levels and improve mood. A 6-week study of 185 university students found that participating in aerobic exercise 2 days per week significantly reduced overall perceived stress and perceived stress due to uncertainty.

Lower stress and anxiety

Bananas have several compounds which help reduce stress while also helping you sleep better. Most noticeably, it contains vitamin B9 — a nutrient with antidepressant properties. It also contains tryptophan, which, much like vitamin B6, has sleep-inducing properties.