Foods To Avoid If You Have Anxiety, Rearrange Your Diet
shivani k 
Image: Shutterstock
We often get to hear a lot of anecdotes about how our mother would get worked up about what we ate and when we ate it. I’m sure, just like us, you too were often told about what you should eat. Well, what we eat has a direct correlation with our body’s physical health and its day-to-day functioning. So, it’s no wonder that so much emphasis is laid on a proper diet. But were you aware of the fact that what we eat also affects our mental health apart from our physical well-being?
What according to you is the most dangerous mental illness? We searched for the answer on the cyberspace and all the answers read the same — “anxiety.” The Canadian Mental Health Association defines anxiety as a mental illness that adversely affects our lives at all levels and it begins with how we think, how we feel, how we react, etc. According to a few studies, nearly 18 percent of the population of the United States has fallen prey to anxiety (1). And studies have also found that it’s the women who are twice more likely to develop anxiety than the men. Now that we have established how pervasive mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are, we would like to tell you that some of the foods that you might have included in your diet can also act as triggers for these. When we found this out, we did some research and put together a list naming the foods that you should avoid if you suffer from anxiety.
1. Caffeine
Most of us are aware of the foods that contain caffeine – coffee, chocolates, teas, energy drinks, etc. Even though products containing caffeine help us stay alert, they can have an adverse effect on those suffering from anxiety. People suffering from anxiety should try to be calm and composed. However, if they consume caffeine products, they are bound to get high-strung and that can worsen their anxiety. Caffeine can also cause irregular heartbeat, headaches, jitters, and nervousness in those suffering from anxiety (2).
2. Alcohol
People tend to resort to alcohol to unwind and feel less stressed out about their problems in life. Alcohol might seem like an apt choice considering the fact that it has a tranquilizing effect on people, in reality, it is not so. However, American Addiction Centers have explained that alcohol and anxiety go hand in hand. And that instead of making you feel less anxious, prolonged consumption of alcohol can cause serious anxiety disorders (3). Therefore, the next time you want to drink a few shots to get over the pain of your lover ditching you, think again!
3. Sugar
Who said all things sweet can cause no harm to your mental health? Sugar affects our body’s ability to handle stress, which triggers our anxiety levels which in turn keeps us from dealing with the actual cause of the stress, thereby exacerbating it further (4).
4. Gluten
Gluten is a class of proteins that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten contains two proteins glutenin and gliadin which are found to have negative effects on the health of a few individuals, especially the ones suffering from celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder which is related to the consumption of gluten. Those who are suffering from celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten are more likely to fall prey to depression and anxiety (5).
5. Trans Fats
Another terminology for trans fats is hydrogenated fat and these are considered to be the worst foods that can be ever included in your diet due to their ill-effects on our physical well-being. They even take a toll on your moods as well. But how can one get depressed due to junk food? This happens because these unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation in our brains; and if it affects our mental health (6).
6. Soda
Summers or winters, we just love sipping on soda any day, anytime. But sodas contain additives and artificial food colorings, and they are also rich in aspartame. Aspartame not only blocks the production of serotonin (it regulates our sleep and helps in moderating anxiety) in our bodies, but it also considered responsible for anxiety, headaches, mood swings, and insomnia, all of which are indirectly linked to cancer.
7. Dairy
Dairy products contain a protein called ‘casein’ which is known to aggravate anger and depression in humans. Furthermore, dairy products are inflammatory and affect the digestive system in a bad way wreaking havoc in the rest of the body. So, the next time you’re feeling anxious, don’t go for that milk tea, it might not make you feel all that better.
These were just some of the foods that can affect your mental health. What we would like to tell you is that it’s always better to first visit your doctor and find out if you are suffering from any form of mental disorder. And once you get to know that, you can consult your dietician or nutritionist, and chart a proper diet plan for yourself (7). Eat right, sleep well, and live healthily! Do you suffer from anxiety too? What steps have you taken to combat it? Do let us know in the comments below.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
