Anxiety disorders can keep you up at night — tossing and turning. It’s like a lightbulb that comes on at the most inconvenient times and won’t switch off. Your body feels exhausted, but your mind feels wide awake and racing. You go through the events of your day, analyzing and agonizing over every specific detail. Is the real problem what you had for dinner?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States in any given year, about 18% of the population. That makes anxiety disorders the most common mental illness in the country.
There are many symptoms of anxiety that may, in part, be put down to lifestyle — hectic work schedules and busy lives can sometimes contribute to feelings of anxiety. But have you ever wondered whether there are foods that cause anxiety?
The health benefits of eating healthy foods don’t just stop at weight loss! Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet can help your entire body, including your nervous system, which plays a large role in feelings of anxiousness. Common anxiety-related gut symptoms and conditions include indigestion, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and nausea. Anxiety exacerbates Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Eating certain foods may cause anxiety conditions to feel worse; just like eating some foods can have a positive, calming effect on your body and mind. While diet isn’t the main cause of anxiety for many people, a healthy diet can help with the management of some anxiety symptoms.
Knowing what foods to eat and what foods to avoid eating with anxiety may help you to manage your symptoms. Check out these FOODS TO AVOID from Dr. Julie Gatza, co-founder of the Florida Wellness Institute.
Sugary Foods & Drinks
After consuming excess sugar, you will generally feel a burst of energy and then a drop in blood sugar levels. This can not only leave you feeling tired and sluggish, it may also make you feel anxious.
Fast Food
Sometimes when we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, the idea of indulging in a big fast food combo is tempting. Unfortunately, having a burger, fries, and soda may lead to feelings of anxiety after eating it, due to the number of preservatives and food chemicals it may contain.
White Bread
White bread is nothing more than sugars and starches that will send your blood sugar soaring, creating a crash later, which will leave you shaky, cranky and full of anxiety. If you choose to buy bread, be sure to buy 100% whole grain or even better, sprouted grain bread.
Chips
Chips are a big no-no in terms of avoiding foods that heighten anxiety. Chips, which are full of (usually) unhealthy fats, can cause your arteries to clog, encourage overeating, and can make your blood pressure rise due to the sodium and processed ingredients
