20 Foods That Help Fight Anxiety

You’ve probably already heard that what you eat determines your health, which is one of the reasons mom has always told you to eat your vegetables. There are many great components in many of the foods you eat, not only the vegetables, that can help fight illnesses of all kinds, even mental issues. You may think that the only way to help your anxiety is through medication, but you’d be wrong. In fact, you might be surprised to know that there are many foods containing great vitamins and nutrients that can help you fight anxiety, without medication. You should talk to your doctor before you stop any prescribed medications, though.

Asparagus

Whether or not you are a fan of fresh asparagus, you should add this super healthy vegetable to your regular diet. It tastes great sauteed in butter with some fresh garlic (also found on this list). Asparagus contains vitamin B and folic acid, which are both great for fighting anxiety. Vitamin B can also give you more energy!

Seaweed

Seaweed is high in tryptophan, the same stuff in turkey, which helps you get and stay calm. It also is high in magnesium and is great for overall health.

Green Tea

Green tea contains the calming powers of L-theanine, which has been proven to help people with anxiety issues.

Grass-fed Beef

Most healthy eating articles will tell you to avoid red meat, but not all red meat is bad for you. Grass-fed beef is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help your brain and keep down anxiety levels.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in B vitamins which keep you brain functioning properly. A healthy brain will suffer from less anxiety.

Avocado

Not only are avocados rich in B vitamins and healthy fats, this superfood is also rich in potassium, which can help lower your blood pressure. When someone with anxiety is having a panic attack, their blood pressure usually goes up. So eating avocado can aid in normalizing blood pressure levels.

Blueberries

Blueberries, and other berries, are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants which help clean toxins from the body. They also help relieve stress, and anxiety. Berries are the perfect healthy snack food!

Dark Chocolate

Like berries, dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants. This feel good food is proven to make you feel calmer, in just 1.5 ounce increments. Eat it sparingly!

Salmon

Salmon, and other fish, are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which work wonderful at reducing stress and anxiety. They also keep your brain young and help your memory.

Turmeric

Not all health foods are foods fruits and vegetables, some of them are spices and herbs, like turmeric. It contains the antioxidant curcuminoids, which provides a neuroprotective quality that helps enhance your overall mood.

Almonds

Almonds, and other nuts, contain vitamin E, which can help relieve anxiety. They contain nutrients that help boos energy, mood, and the immune system.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is used to help people sleep and relax, which is great if you suffer from anxiety.

Oranges

Vitamin C naturally lowers blood pressure and it also fights cortisol, which is a hormone released during stress that aids in weight gain. Start each day with some fresh squeezed OJ for a nice mental boost!

Turkey

Tryptophan triggers serotonin, which is why your yearly Thanksgiving dinner puts everyone to sleep. It also helps reduce anxiety.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal, like turkey, also helps get serotonin flowing. Pick thick-cut old-fashioned oats for the best benefits.

Spinach

Be like Popeye and eat your spinach, which can be comforting. It contains magnesium, which regulate cortisol levels. It’s great in salad, on sandwiches, and even in smoothies.

Milk

Dairy products offer a lot of great things for the body, more than just strong bones. Probiotic rich yogurt can help make you happier. Even a simple glass of milk, warm or not, can help you relax because of all the the B vitamins it contains.

Garlic

Garlic is another food rich in antioxidants, and it seriously helps boost the immune system. Add some fresh garlic into dinner and you’ll definitely feel less stressed and anxious. It can also help fight colds and cancer!

Organ Meats

You probably just said, “Ew.” Nonetheless, organ meats are very good for you and get help combat anxiety issues with things link zinc, vitamin D, choline, and more. They also help boost your metabolism.

Oysters

Not everyone is a fan of these slimy delicacies, but the zinc and copper in them may be just what you need to relax and stop being anxious all the time.