The words of Thomas Jefferson echo in one’s mind ,“How much pain have cost us the evils which have never happened.” Anxiety has been one of the many nemeses inflicting pain and horror on us for a long time. It is like that boogeyman tailing us in the darkness of night and on every opportunity it finds us to be weak. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2017 study , 284 million people in the world suffered from Anxiety Disorders , 3.8% share of global population with disorder. In the following article , we discuss about foods that act as a trigger for anxiety and worsen it and are best to be avoided.
Caffeine

One of the most consumed drinks globally and also one of the worst foods to ever have for those suffering from Anxiety Disorder. It is a CNS stimulant belonging to the methylxanthine class. It is known to set off body’s fight-or-flight response. To quote a 1983 study published in the British Journal of Addiction, habitual usage of caffeine was found to cause deleterious effects known as ‘caffeinism’. It causes nausea, nervousness and light headedness in users. Do away with Caffeine in your lives.
What to use instead
Go for Matcha Tea , Golden Milk as a substitute which are healthier for you.
Refined and Synthetic Sugars

Of all the foods that an undesired for Anxiety issues , sugar remains as the prime villain. As per a 2016 study published as Neurobiology of Learning and Memory , it has been proven that sugar consumption leads to neurocognitive outcomes and worsens the anxiety issues and body’s ability to deal with stress. It is termed as white poison and for good reason and should be avoided totally.
What to use instead
Use Agave nectar ,Coconut sugar, Honey ,Monk fruit extracts or Date paste as healthier alternatives.
Alcohol

Often time it is seen that people ask ,’Can I have a drink?’ when they’re stressed and tensed. It appears to numb the anxiety but the next morning hangover aggravates the stress. Citing a 1984 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry , a study on alcoholic males for Agoraphobia and Social Phobia provided some grim results with more than half of the subjects reporting both the problems after drinking. Alcohol is not the solution and should never figure as one ever in your lives if you’re dealing with anxiety. It tends to exacerbate the problem.
What to use instead
Kava , L-theanine ,Valerian have proved useful as alternatives to alcohol. Homeopathy can also provide a range of solutions for overcoming anxiety issues and the same can be consulted free of cost from reliable online doctors at Dr.Reckeweg or Willmar Schwabe clinics.
Soda

One of the most popular American staples and go-to drinks , soda is considered an antithesis to provide any solution to Anxiety. It is known to be mixed with food colours and additives like Aspartame, which is a silent killer , found added in diet soda and chewing gums. It can worsen anxiety , cause mood swings and lead to insomnia. Cut it down from your lives.
What to use instead
Freshly-squeezed lemonade , Sparkling water, Sparkling water with a splash of juice or Maple Water can do a lot of good to you in place of the regular soda.
Fried and process foods

It will definitely cause revulsions in your mind to hear this but if you’re ever going to control and eliminate your anxiety , consider doing this soon. Fried food , one of the most popular takeaways and snacks across the world , it is considered as the major contributor to digestion problems which in turn leads to anxiety issues. Most of the fried foods like French fries , Onion rings are cooked in hydrogenated oil. It not only leads to weight issues but also affects the heart health. Cut down on processed and fried foods from your lives and go light and easy with healthier choices.
What to use instead : Oven-baked chips, Baked asparagus fries and using air fryer for cooking.
[…] (READ: FOOD THAT WORSEN ANXIETY) […]
[…] to the brain may cause permanent damage to various motor and cognitive functions. Starting with anxiety, impaired brain development, decreased memory capacity/ retention capacity, depression sometimes […]
[…] Avoid caffeine, it can worsen the […]