Foods That Relieve Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by worry, fear and a general unpleasant feeling. It may occur temporarily due to an event or circumstance or may be a dominant and chronic condition. For some people, anxiety can interfere with their daily activities. By modifying your diet and including certain foods that contain essential minerals and vitamins, you can relieve anxiety.

• Iron-fortified cereal and blueberries are a delicious combination to relieve stress.

Calcium

• Calcium is an essential mineral vital to nerve impulses that naturally helps relieve anxiety. Calcium-rich foods include yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, salmon, spinach, broccoli, green beans and figs.

Iron

• Iron deficiency can increase the occurrence of panic attacks and anxiety. Good sources of iron to relieve anxiety are liver, beef, pork, beans, iron-fortified breads and cereals and greens such as spinach, collard and kale.

Protein

• Protein is essential to energize the body and regulate neurotransmitters, which control the nervous system and moods. Yogurt, fish, chicken, beans, tofu, eggs and nuts are good sources of protein.

Vitamin B1

• Vitamin B1, also called thiamine, is vital to nervous system function. Thiamine-rich foods are bread, red meat, legumes, brown rice, yeast and whole-grain cereals.

Vitamin B6

• Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is an energizer and can have a calming effect. Vitamin B6 can be found in fish, butter, soybeans, liver and wheat germ.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C helps to counteract stress hormones and has a calming effect in large doses. Fods rich in vitamin C include blueberries, strawberries, oranges, cherries and raspberries.