Foods to Ease Anxiety and Improve Mood

Foods that Improve Mood 

Did you know that some foods can increase feelings of anxiety and depression, while others can increase positive feelings of wellbeing?

According to Psychologies Magazine, “In the presence of something good, the brain releases four main feel good chemicals – endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine – and in the presence of danger, the bad feeling chemical – cortisol.” Read on to learn how to activate the good neurotransmitters and alleviate the “bad” ones.

Foods for Joy and Enthusiasm

Dopamine increases motivation, enthusiasm and pleasure, and reduces depression, addictions and dissatisfaction. According to Livestrong, you can increase dopamine by eating foods with tyrosine, the amino acid that creates dopamine. 

·       Tyrosine: Beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, avocados, bananas, watermelon, almonds, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, chocolate and green tea.

Foods for Calm and Confidence

Serotonin increases feelings of calmness and confidence. According to Livestrong, you can increase endorphins by eating foods with vitamin B6 and B12, folate, omegas, selenium and tryptophan, which all signal the brain to release serotonin.

·       Tryptophan: Turkey, chicken, beef, pork, fish, dairy, eggs, pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils, spinach, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, asparagus and bananas.

·       Vitamin B6 + B12: Fish, turkey, chicken, beef, spinach, leafy green vegetables, avocado, green beans, carrots, bananas, walnuts and sunflower seeds. 

·       Folate: Asparagus, raw dark leafy green vegetables, chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, yams and legumes.

·       Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish (especially salmon).

·       Selenium: Chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.

Foods to Ease Anxiety

Guess what? Yeast - foods with sugar and carbohydrates - cause anxiety, depression, irritability and fatigue. According to the Candida Diet, you can remove yeast from your body by avoiding sugar and carbohydrates, and eating the following antifungal foods:

·       Coconut oil; Garlic; Onions; Seaweed; Rutabaga; Olive oil; Ginger; Lemon and lime; Pumpkin seeds; Cayenne pepper

Have you ever experienced the feeling of panic, dread or anxiety known as the “fight or flight” response? According to the Mayo Clinic anxiety is caused by the hormone, cortisol, which triggers this “fight or flight” response.  You can reduce cortisol, and anxiety, by eating magnesium and omegas.

·       Magnesium: Spinach, chard, broccoli, celery, tomatoes, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, flax seeds, black beans, kidney beans, lentils, avocado, yogurt, figs, banana, salmon, goat cheese, artichokes and oatmeal. 

·       Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish (especially salmon)