We are living in anxious and stressful times. With all the things happening around us we may not consider that food can help with anxiety. I am not talking about a big piece of cake or a bag of potato chips. I am talking about healthy foods. There are not any foods that will cure anxiety but there are foods that will help you cope. Anxiety can not only impact mental health it can also have an impact on physical health. Anxiety can cause insomnia, digestive issues, irritability, panic attacks, headaches, stomachaches, and skin disorders.

Fruits and vegetables are foods that help calm anxiety and stress. Eating foods for a healthier body can work wonders in dealing with anxiety. Foods that help with anxiety include asparagus, avocado, blueberries, turkey, almonds, kale, salmon, oranges, and spinach. Following a clean eating diet helps with anxiety. You want to eat foods minimally processed. You should eat foods close to their natural state. Read labels and avoid food with additives.

Research shows that gut health helps with anxiety. Consuming probiotic foods like yogurt may promote mental health and brain function by inhibiting free radicals and neurotoxins that can damage nerve tissue in the brain and lead to anxiety. Other foods high in probiotics include soft cheese, kefir, sauerkraut, dark chocolate, and miso. There are supplements with probiotics. I do not take them. I know people who do, and they believe the supplements work for them.

Inflammation can increase anxiety symptoms. It can lower serotonin levels which can lead to feelings of anxiety. Sugar, fried foods, refined carbohydrates, excessive alcohol, and foods with trans fats can cause inflammation.

Coping with anxiety can be challenging. If you are at the point where you cannot function in your daily activities, please seek professional help. There are several places that offer free mental health counseling. Search the Internet for a location in your area.