Anxiety is something that can be managed in a variety of ways. Maybe you’ve started with a visit to your GP (always recommended) and altered other elements of your day-to-day routine to help. During a pandemic, it’s entirely normal to feel more stressed or anxious than usual and here at Sadie’s, we’re doing what we can to help by looking at what we know best: food. Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein can be helpful when it comes to managing symptoms, and below are some more that are known for there stress-relieving qualities.
Enjoy x
Matcha Powder
This vibrant green tea powder is popular among health enthusiasts because it’s rich in L-theanine, a non-protein amino acid with powerful stress-relieving properties.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Selenium may improve mood by reducing inflammation, which is often at heightened levels when someone has a mood disorder, such as anxiety. Though it is important not to consume too much selenium as it can cause side effects so to that end, a few brazil nuts per day is more than fine.
Eggs
Eggs are often referred to as nature’s multivitamin because of their impressive nutrient profile. Whole eggs are packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants needed for a healthy stress response.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring, are high in omega-3. Omega-3 is important as it’s a fatty acid that has a strong relationship with cognitive function as well as mental health. Salmon and sardines are also among the few foods that contain vitamin D and a lack of this vitamin in your diet has been proved to have an adverse effect on your mood.
Dark Chocolate
Experts have long suspected that dark chocolate might help reduce stress and anxiety, in part due to it being a rich source of polyphenols, especially flavonoids. One study particular suggested that flavonoids might reduce neuroinflammation and cell death in the brain as well as improve blood flow – all of which will help symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Tumeric
Turmeric is a versatile spice commonly used in Indian and South-East Asian cooking. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Many studies have shown that Curcumin may help lower stress levels by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that often increase when you’re feeling anxious.
Chamomile Tea
chamomile tea is frequently as a herbal remedy because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and relaxant properties, all which have a positive effect on your mood and wellbeing.
Garlic
Garlic is high in sulfur compounds that help increase levels of glutathione. This antioxidant is part of your body’s first line of defence against stress.
Kimichi
Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that’s typically made with napa cabbage and daikon, a type of radish. Fermented foods like kimchi are well-known for their anxiety-reducing properties as they packed with beneficial bacteria called probiotics and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of potassium, which helps regulate electrolyte balance and manage blood pressure, all key if we are to manage symptoms of stress.