Anxiety-

Did you know your food could be increasing or decreasing your anxiety?

If you are someone who has anxiety or knows someone who has anxiety, this is for you...

Anxiety, Depression, and Mood disorders can develop from chronic stress and systemic inflammation. The foods we eat can contribute to this or be healing, but we must listen to our bodies. And at the same time -decreasing and managing anxiety is a personal choice, whether or not it's with food and/or medication, so this in no way is a one-way street.

Since food is one of my wheelhouses, here are some tips to help with anxiety through food.

So, let's break down food and its influence on anxiety-

1) Decreasing or eliminating foods that are stimulating (i.e., caffeine- need to be careful and understand how your body reactions to this)

2) Increasing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) precursor foods (i.e., poultry, bone broth, fish, and eggs)

3) Providing your body with a balance of acidifying foods (i.e., vinegar, animal protein)

The best foods for anxiety are complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean proteins in balance. This will allow for blood sugar stabilization and reduce inflammation.

Do you eat the following?

Lean beef, lamb, chicken, and legumes -- organic if possible. These are rich in amino acids, which support brain function. They are also rich in B vitamins (especially B-6), which, with the amino acids, create neurotransmitters that support a healthy mood function.

Eggs-- ideal protein for the brain and memory function-- also have 13 different vitamins and minerals.

Olive oil, butter (preferably raw, unsalted), and coconut fat -- these are healthy fats for the brain and are easily digested.

Salmon, or tuna (fresh wild or wild canned in water) -- rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help support the brain and decrease inflammation.

Fermented foods- support intestinal health, enhance healthy bacteria, and promote GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter for brain health.

Sweet potatoes and parsnips --are great for a sweet tooth but also reduce inflammation.

Blueberries and raspberries- fresh or frozen - have antioxidants that reduce inflammation and help with brain functions.

Lemons- just the smell will increase well-being and support liver detoxification.

Oats- anti-anxiety foods-- are best eaten in the evenings, contrary to popular opinion, as they are so relaxing.

Green Tea- is rich in theanine, a relaxing amino acid.

Coffee-- can boost one's mood, but we are not all the same, so be careful-- this can increase a person's anxiety while it may not for someone else.

More foods could help or hinder someone's anxiety—this list isn't all of them. At the same time, there is no "one size fits all," so some foods will not help everyone because they are sensitive to gluten, dairy, soy, or other food items. They will not help decrease one's anxiety and inflammation. Understanding your body is essential because it tells you what it needs.