According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States.
Specific therapies and medications can help relieve the burden of anxiety, yet only about a third of people suffering from this condition seek treatment.
Recent research has found that diet plays an important role in helping to manage anxiety.
Here are the 7 best foods you can try to reduce anxiety:
Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Selenium may improve mood by reducing inflammation, which is often at heightened levels when someone has a mood disorder, such as anxiety.
Selenium is also an antioxidant, which helps prevent cell damage.
Fatty fish
Research has found that people who took high doses of omega-3s (up to 2,000 mg a day) seemed to have the most reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are usually derived from fish oil, have a number of biological effects on the body.
Dark Chocolate
The flavonoids in cocoa help protect your cells. They’re a type of antioxidant that may also help lower your blood pressure, boost the blood flow to your brain and heart, and make you less anxious.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the bioactive compound found in turmeric, has been linked to treating anxiety, depression, and more — possibly due to it boosting serotonin and dopamine levels.
Research has suggested that it may actually be just as effective as Prozac with far fewer side effects.
Chamomile
Among alternative therapies for anxiety, chamomile has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for its calming effect.
It is well tolerated and demonstrates pharmacological activity in animal models of anxiety.
Yogurt
If you suffer from anxiety, yogurt is a great food to include in your diet. The probiotics, or healthy bacteria, found in some types of yogurt may improve several aspects of your well-being, including mental health.
Green tea
Green tea is high in L-theanine, an amino acid that might reduce anxiety. One 2017 study found that students who drank green tea experienced consistently lower levels of stress than students in the placebo group.
For more information about the best for anxiety, please check this video:
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