I guess its not enough that anxiety rears its ugly head during normal circumstances…taking a test (and finding out the score); going on a job interview/review; maybe it’s a first date?
I just found out that we need to also watch what we eat – certain foods can cause anxiety. Here are examples of some of the culprits to look out for.
SUPPLEMENTS & OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS – Ever notice that you are a bit jittery and shaky after you take cold, cough or allergy medicine? Some headache relievers may cause the same reaction. They may include stimulants that will raise your heart rate, mimicking a panic attack.
DEFICIENCIES IN NUTRIENTS – Many nutrients are important role players in your nervous system function – B complex, C and E vitamins to name a few. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids help lower the risk of anxiety, as does selenium (helps to control mood), and magnesium (stress reliever).
FOOD ADDITIVES – Here I’m talking more about the man-made sweeteners – aspartame, food dyes like yellow #5 and high fructose corn syrup. Click here to read about my article on how Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the United States contains Yellow #5 and 6, and how bad it is! I steer clear of both for myself and my family. These neurotoxins can mess with your nervous system functionality – causing symptoms of anxiety.
NOT EATING – You’re busy at work; driving the kids around; doing what feels like 5 million things at once; and eating is the last thing on your mind – right? Well, when you don’t eat, your blood sugar levels go down. When blood sugar levels go down, in come the shakiness, headaches, etc. Welcome panic attack.
NOT DRINKING ENOUGH – Studies have shown that even being mildly dehydrated can cause one to feel angry. tense, and fatigued. Drinking enough water everyday can be one of the easiest ways to ward off anxiety and calm your nerves. (Tufts University study in 2009).
THAT DELICIOUS CUP OF COFFEE…I look forward to my iced coffee every morning (and sometimes at 3 pm as well!) The caffeine jolt helps me start my day and keeps me going through that 3 pm dip in energy. BUT caffeine causes your heartbeat to race, which can bring on a panic attack. You start thinking, “why is my heart racing?” and then next thing you know, you are all jittery and worried and panic sets in.
ALCOHOL – Alcohol has been known to lead to panic attacks, and the fact that it has a negative effect on the body’s central nervous system, doesn’t help the brain to aid in calming down your mind.
Please note that I am in no way an expert on this topic. I have a tendency to get a bit anxious at times and don’t like the feeling so I did the necessary research. These all make sense. Have you noticed anything that causes you to be more anxious?
Allison Jones says
This is great to know! I get super anxious and never even considered that my diet might not be helping. Thanks for sharing.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Dana says
Thanks Allison! I never knew either and some of these items really make sense.
Shann Eva says
Great tips. My doctor actually told me to steer clear of over the counter cold medications because I’m a naturally anxious person, and this would just make it worse. I also have cut back on caffeine, but didn’t know about the other ones. Thank you!
Dana says
I have seasonal allergies and I have to be careful when I take allergy medicine because of that very reason. Sometimes I have to push through the stuffiness. I am trying so hard to cut back on caffeine. I’m down to one cup a day.
Carly @ Fitliving blog says
Interesting list! I knew that caffeine could lead to anxiety, but some of the others are new to me. Thanks for sharing!
Dana says
I was a bit sad about the alcohol (wine) part 🙁
John Gatesby says
You are so correct! A healthy, fibre rich, devoid of sugar and processed food, goes a long way in not only removing anxiety but also restores you to a good health and you feel a lot better. Also add regular exercise to this.