Study has shown that good nutrition is linked to mental health. The evidence indicates that diet can have a profound impact on prevention of specific mental health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, and anxiety.
If you suffer from anxiety, try avoiding the following ingredients that can end up making you feel worse.
1. Sugar
Taking too much sugar than usual can raise blood glucose levels. At the same time your hormones, adrenaline and cortisol are released, which can cause anxiety and panic attack.
A 1985 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that reducing sugar intake had a positive impact on emotions. The study quoted in the text demonstrated that the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) reflected a more stable and less distressed individual after following a two weeks dietary change.
2. Caffeine
Caffeine may looks like a god sent but instead causes mood changes, delivers adrenal stress, low blood sugar, mood and energy swings, fatigue—all of which can be interpreted as the early stages of an anxiety or panic attack.
3. Gluten
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley and rye products. The inability to digest and absorb this protein can contribute to anxiety in several ways. Consult a doctor about getting tested for gluten intolerance. Also, removing gluten from your diet, can create a significant change in your body, which not only affects digestive health, but other areas of the body as well.
4. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils are produced in a factory, usually from genetically modified crops that have been heavily treated with pesticides called Bacillus thuringiensis. It cannot be washed off. Thus excessive consumption of food product that contains pesticides can cause neurological damage that can trigger symptoms of anxiety. Canola oil, sunflower oil and grapeseed oil are for instance some examples of vegetable oils.
5. Sodium
Go to the grocery store and look for food that claim “fat free” status, but do you know that many of these products contain a huge amount of sodium? Experts say that too much sodium in our diet can induce anxiety and depression as well as taking a toll with your immune system response. Some of the high-sodium foods to avoid are instant noodle, cured meats, bacon, pickles, and fast food.
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