Quentin Vennie writes for Rodale Wellness about struggling with anxiety, and his ensuing “diet reset.” Vennie discovered several foods that we consume often that can contribute to anxiety.
Anxiety-causing food and additives
Sweeteners
Several foods found on this list of anxiety-related foods include sugar. Sugar and other artificial sweeteners alone are a problem, but they are also found in many of the food products Americans buy. We love our fruit drinks, sodas, and processed foods. Yet these items can wreak havoc on the body with lots of empty calories and sugar.
For instance, sodas have Aspartame, an artificial sweetener. This has been found to block serotonin production in the brain. It often causes mood swings, insomnia, headaches, and may have a link to some kinds of cancer.
Fried Foods
Another target for Vennie is foods that have been fried. Fried foods are tough on the digestive system. They also aren’t very nutritious, being cooked in hydrogenated oil. Eating fried foods can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Salt
Foods with salt are also an anxiety-causing food. Surprisingly, foods that are advertised as fat-free can actually contain lots of salt and sugar. This can cause fatigue, making a good night’s sleep more difficult. This leads to health concerns, and inadequate amounts of sleep can have a negative impact on anxiety.
Dairy
Dairy products can also lead to anxiety. Foods such as milk and cheese can cause constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. In fact, Vennie notes that some people begin experiencing anxiety symptoms right after eating dairy.
Gluten
Bread products are not just bad news for those who have gluten intolerance. Gluten can lead to depression and other kinds of mood disorders.
Coffee and Alcohol
Finally, two more beverages are known to affect anxiety: coffee and alcohol. Coffee is a stimulant which can make you feel more nervous. On the other hand, alcohol is a depressant and toxic to the body in large amounts.
Want to know more about the connection between food and anxiety?
Read the full article here: 10 Foods to Avoid If You have Anxiety
