In the current dangerous world, the body uses anxiety to help the mind recognize threats and keep well out of their way. As true with mental illnesses as well, it is not the mere presence of anxiety that can create a problem, but the intensity of it, or its effect on a persons everyday activities. Everyone does feel anxious at some point or another in their life, but only about 5% of these people experience it on a scale that is severe enough to resort to professional help. Anxiety comprises both, mental symptoms, as well as physical ones. Psychologists term it the ‘fight or flight’ response. When the body is in a state of danger, it readies itself automatically to either fight the situation, or escape from it.  

Simply put, anxiety is the body’s reaction to stress. It is what is responsible for a person being able to cope with a tense situation, and to retain focus on an important task. It assists in coping with demands and requirements of everyday life. When anxiety becomes too much, however, it can be counter productive, and hamper the persons’ performance. Luckily, successful treatments for anxiety related disorders are available. Further research only brings about improvements in therapies that aid people with disorders to lead fulfilling, and productive lives. Studies have shown that a healthy diet can actually reduce the symptoms and signs of anxiety. Food can not cure a disorder, but altered food habits can certainly benefit an overtly anxious person. 

Caffeine: Control the amount of caffeine you consume. Caffeine is present in tea and coffee, and a variety of soft drinks as well. It can increase a person’s heart rate, and disrupt their sleeping patters. Trying to overcome tiredness by drinking a cup of coffee may have its immediate benefits, but it comes with long term fall outs as well. 

Alcohol: Alcohol can too increase the symptoms of anxiety, and disrupt a person’s sleep cycle. A number of people resort to alcohol to ‘calm their nerves’ but the result of over indulgence can heavily outweigh the benefit of initial relaxation. For some people, dehydration, a hangover, or insomnia can make them feel even worse than they did before they had a drink. If taken in large quantities, alcohol can even act as a depressant, which will make the drinker feel more anxious, or sluggish. Alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the body. It can cause mood swings, and can increases the symptoms of hypoglycemia as well. 

Complex Carbs: Turn to ‘comforting carbs’ during periods of high stress. Such foods act as mild tranquilizers as they increase the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that calms the brain. Potatoes, whole wheat bread, and pasta are examples which take longer to digest than simple carbs such as white bread. Staying fuller for longer can stabilize your blood sugar; a great way to control anxiety and stress. 

Water: Remain well hydrated. Consciously make yourself drink eight or more glasses of water a day. Dehydration can lead to stress, to headaches, and even fatigue. 

Multivitamins: B Vitamins are essential in unlocking the energy in food. Vitamin B 6 assists in manufacturing serotonin in the brain. Keep in mind that you should choose a daily supplement that supplies a 100% of the daily recommended vitamins and minerals. 

Tension, Stress, and Anxiety may be inevitable, but there is no harm in managing stress and anxiety, and relieving tension by watching our diet. So it really is true! A healthy body can lead to a healthy mind as well!