This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

The Top 6 Anti-Anxiety Foods

Overcoming anxiety without medications, can involve any combination of meditation, exercise, sunlight therapy and nutrition support, including, but not limited to; probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D3 and DMG.

Here are the top 6 anxiety reducing foods:   

1.  Cashews are, according to Dr Andrew Saul from the Food Matters film, very beneficial in reducing anxiety.  Two handfuls of cashews provide the equivalent mood boosting effects as a therapeutic dose of Prozac. How does this happen? They are one of the highest natural sources of tryptophan, the precursor for the production of serotonin, which is the body's feel good hormone.

Find out what's happening in Ramseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2.  Blueberries are more than a delicious fruit. Many consider it to be a superfood. It's rich in vitamins and phytonutrients, with a variety of antioxidants that are considered extremely beneficial for relieving stress. Many experts also believe that peaches fall into this category as well, because they have nutrients that appear to have a sedating effect.

3.  Acai berries are a super food that have received a great deal of press recently. It may not be the weight loss fruit that many people claimed it was, but acai berries are still rich in phytonutrients and their antioxidant levels are off the charts.

Find out what's happening in Ramseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

4.  Almonds are an underrated food. They contain zinc, a key nutrient for maintaining a balanced mood and have both iron and healthy fats. Healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet.  Low iron levels have been known to cause brain fatigue, which can contribute to both anxiety and a lack of energy.

5.  Chocolate, especially pure dark chocolate, without added sugar, is also a great food for those living with anxiety and stress. Chocolate reduces cortisol, which is the stress hormone that causes anxiety symptoms. There are also compounds inside dark chocolate that improve mood.

6.  The maca root is not exactly a popular food item in grocery stores, but the powder can be added to several foods and beverages and is found in a variety of health food stores. It's believed that this root has more phytonutrients than nearly every type of fruit and vegetable.  It is also high in magnesium and iron, two important nutrients for controlling anxiety. It also used for increasing stamina and energy.


One of the best things you can add to a healthy diet, is to drink plenty of pure water. Many studies have found that dehydration occurs in as many as 25% of those with persistent stress. 

All of the above foods are beneficial for dealing with your anxiety. They provide vitamins and nutrients that are known to calm the mind and body while also increasing energy and stabilizing your mood. Combine those foods with a balanced diet that is free of processed foods and fried foods, you could very well  see a marked difference in your anxiety levels.

For more Information:

http://www.hungryforchange.tv/article/6-anti-anxiety-foods-to-calm-your-mind





The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Ramsey