No Pressure: 5 Accessible Foods to Help Alleviate Anxiety

Sometimes we face stressful events, leading the body into anxiety and showing symptoms like reduced concentration, insomnia, irritability, and illness. Here are 5 foods that can ease anxiety symptoms and even improve your mood:

1. Bananas

Bananas are a source of tyrosine, an amino acid that helps properly transmit the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, which improves mood and eases anxiety. Additionally, bananas contain another amino acid called tryptophan, which helps increase serotonin production in the brain, leading to feelings of calm and relaxation.

2. Avocado

Conditions such as chronic stress and poor nutrition can deplete the body's vital nutrient reserves, including B vitamins. A lack of these essential vitamins for proper brain function can cause symptoms like fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and emotional instability. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consume avocado, one of the richest foods in B vitamins, known for its ability to reduce anxiety.

3. Turkey Meat

Turkey meat contains tryptophan, an amino acid found in a variety of protein-rich foods, and is considered a high-quality and particularly accessible source. Among its other functions, tryptophan is active in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known as the "happiness hormone" due to its ability to reduce symptoms of anxiety and mental stress.

4. Whole Wheat Bread

Whole carbohydrates are excellent for helping the brain increase serotonin production, a hormone partially responsible for improving emotional balance and mood regulation. It is advisable to include complex carbohydrate foods like whole wheat bread in your diet, as the body takes longer to process them, allowing for long-term effects from carbohydrate products, including serotonin production.

5. Cashew Nuts

Adding some cashew nuts to your daily diet is great for those suffering from mental stress and anxiety. Many studies have proven this food provides several nutrients and is beneficial for improving mental health. Cashews contain magnesium, which helps produce serotonin, the mood-enhancing hormone. They also contain omega-3 acids – a significant compound for promoting heart health, linked to mental health due to its positive effects on depression and anxiety.