Feeling anxious? You're not alone. Many of us have felt the effects of stress, worry, and fear due to the uncertainty of life. If you’re looking for natural ways to improve your state of calm and reduce your anxiety, there are certain nutrients that can help.
In the midst of our daily lives we often find ourselves feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed. When these feelings become too much to handle, it's important to maximise our efforts to nourish our mind and body. Stress and anxiety are bound to leach nutrients from our body’s systems. What if there was a way to reduce anxiety symptoms with the help of certain nutrients?
Your macronutrients are needed to support your wellbeing and support anxiety. Proteins when broken down release amino acids which are the building blocks of neurotransmitters that support our brain messaging system. Complex carbohydrates help increase serotonin in your brain. Essential fatty acids are needed for the messages to be transmitted from one cell to another.
Micronutrients common to be reduced in the body due to stress such as B Vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated to have an impact on reducing anxiety. Each of these is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in the body, and they have powerful properties when it comes to supporting mental health and well-being.
Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B5 supports your adrenal glands and is known to regulate stress hormones.
Vitamin C supports the nervous system in running smoothly.
L-Taurine an amino acid, raises GABA levels which help to reduce anxiety and stress hormones aiding in calming the nervous system.
Lavender a calming flower and alleviates anxiety and sleep disturbances.
L-Theanine is also an amino acid derived from green tea that raises GABA levels and is used to reduce over excitement and attain balance, thus supporting in feeling calm.
Lemon Balm a plant from the mint family and is well known for its calming effects.
Having a diet rich in nutrients is one of the best ways to fuel your body and mind. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods is essential for providing your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains can ensure that you are getting all the necessary micronutrients to help support mental health and reduce anxiety symptoms.
The B vitamins and magnesium can be found in foods such as wild-caught salmon, sunflower seeds, spinach, and kale. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon as well as in plant-based sources like chia and flax seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds. Adding these nutrient- dense foods to your diet on a regular basis can help to maximise the effects of the nutrients on reducing anxiety levels.
In addition to making sure you are eating a nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly can have a positive effect on mental health and reducing anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters, and it can help to reduce stress levels. Getting into a regular exercise routine can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, while also improving overall physical and mental health.
When it comes to reducing anxiety, focusing on the mind-body connection is essential. Eating a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods and exercising regularly can help to support the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Taking the time to focus on nourishing your body and taking care of your mind can be an effective way to reduce anxiety levels and improve mental health.
Taking care of the your mental health will ensure you feel calmer and support anxiety in the long run. When you understand which nutrients can help reduce your anxiety levels, you can make better decisions about your diet and lifestyle that will have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
