Foods that trigger Anxiety

What Is Anxiety
Anxiety is the body's response to stress. It's usually a fear or apprehension about some future or current event. Experiencing occasional anxiety is normal but when experienced intensely and persistently it can impact your health in the long term.
When trying to overcome anxiety one of the triggers which we do tend to overlook is the type of foods that may be contributing to the situation. Generally foods that fuel inflammation and pain also ramp up anxiety. Here is a list of the most common culprits.
Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugar and refined carbs promote inflammation. When you eat too much sugar, your body cannot process it quickly enough and as a result, it starts a pro-inflammatory cascade that can lead to physical and anxiety related issues.
Gluten
Many people are sensitive to gluten without knowing it and may experience inflammation, pain, and other health issues including anxiety when consuming gluten containing foods.
Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils, such as corn oil, canola oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, and peanut oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Over consumption of these oils create an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which in turn contributes to inflammation, pain and anxiety.
Artificial Flavourings
It is a good idea to cut down on all artificial ingredients and additives or preservatives, including monosodium glutamate, artificial colouring, high fructose corn syrup, guar gum, sodium benzoate, aspartame, MSG and trans fats.
Conventional Meat Products
Conventionally raised animals are often treated with hormones and antibiotics, fed with grain instead of grass which causes inflammation and other health issues when consumed. Always try and eat organic and ethically raised meat.
Caffeine
Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, sodas and energy drinks may stimulate anxiety like symptoms. Sodas and energy drinks are also full of sugar and artificial ingredients that can further trigger anxiety.
Reduce Anxiety Naturally
Conventional medications generally don’t address the upstream causes or fully solve the problem of intense anxiety. They also have multiple side affects which can impact your health down the line.
It is safer and healthier to reduce anxiety naturally through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and appropriate supplementation. For key strategies on reducing anxiety and living a more enjoyable life, feel free to book an appointment so that we can customise a specific plan for you to help reduce your anxiety.

​To find out more contact me at shannon@shannonbester.com or feel free to fill in the contact form.

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