5 Foods That Can Trigger Anxiety

Anxiety can take a hold of us all at certain stages of our lives. For some of us, anxiety can be a more dominant knocker on the door to our well-being. But it can be managed with persistent and consistent action. In the next blog post, we will cover ways to manage anxiety, but today- let’s look at foods that we can eliminate, so that the anxiety can be reduced. Here are 5 foods that can trigger and increase anxiety:

1. Coffee. Personally, from first hand experience, if I have too much coffee I get heart palpitations. Caffeine releases adrenaline in the body and it can also release cortisol, which is a stress hormone. If you are already jittery, coffee can affect the heart rate, and increase anxiety significantly. Weaning off coffee may be a challenge at first and can bring headaches etc, but in the long run- one cup a day or- none, with a decent night’s sleep and a good diet will work wonders for the anxiety long term.
2. White Bread and Pasta. Diabetics are advised to refrain from eating both of these, because they cause a spike in sugar levels. When the sugar levels drop off quickly after the spike, this can also aggravate the anxiety. Combining this, with potential gluten intolerances (bloating is usually an indicator), one will just feel uncomfortable all round, so it is best avoided.
3. Alcohol. Ironically, although drinking alcohol can help people feel at ease and relaxed, once these affects wear off the brain, it disrupts the chemicals in the brain and the hormones in the body. It also dehydrates the body. All of these things combined can set off anxiety in those that are prone to it.
4. Fried Foods. Fried foods are usually trans fats and they also are hard for the body to digest. When the body is uneasy in this way, anxiety can be . triggered. The same goes for processed foods so it is best to remove them from the diet completely, or otherwise, reduce to a minimum.
5. Chocolate. This one is slightly sad to highlight, but it must be done. Dark chocolate is the healthiest, but a lot of chocolate contains caffeine, so always read the label and check. There is also a high sugar content which can trigger anxiety too, so dark chocolate is the healthiest option.

Of course, the mind and body need to be attended to, in the quest to reduce anxiety. Exercise and a good diet combined will work wonders. Additionally, if continuing with the natural and alternative route, there are homeopathic remedies that focus on cells within the body to reduce stress and anxiety too, and various treatments that can boost the body.