You Are What You Eat

Do you remember that old saying?  “You Are What You Eat”.  I never really thought about it until I came across an article stating certain foods can cause you to become more anxious.  I was dumbfounded, but equally intrigued as I read this interesting find.

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver… Mahatma Gandhi

I have a fitness app called FitOn.  It’s fabulous.  So many workout videos to choose from.  You can pick from what area of the body you want to work out, your time limit, or your style – cardio, HIIT, core etc.  If you are looking for a way to change up or add some new fun workouts to your weekly routine – check the app out.  You just may like it.  Click below to explore.

Also on the app, are many articles and interesting reads.  One that I came across was about certain foods and their possibility of increasing anxiety.  In today’s world, it seems people are much more anxious than 10+ years ago. Maybe it is because of our economic times?  Maybe it is because world news is much more readily available?  Regardless of the cause, finding out that what we eat may trigger this, was an eye opener.

In reading this article, there is a gut-brain connection – which can directly influence each other.  When our diets are balanced – we tend to find our digestive health and mental health also balanced.  However, poor diet choices – along with poor sleep and an increase in stress – can lead to an imbalance disrupting the gut-brain connection and can in fact trigger anxiety.  

Top Foods That Can Trigger An Anxious State:

1. Coffee and Caffeine – stimulates the Central Nervous System which in turn can affect anxiety.  If you are often nervous, restless, jittery, or shaky, then you may want to take a break from this morning routine for a while.
2. Refined sugar and carbohydrates – candy and processed carbs can not only increase your risk of diabetes or obesity, but they can harm you with the immediate blood sugar spikes and crashes. These fluctuations can cause mood swings and increase cortisol which is the body’s stress hormone.
3. Processed foods – fast food may be a great way to get some food into you fast, however it can negatively impact your brain health.  They are low in essential nutrients – like vitamin B which is needed for brain health and high in fat, sugar and preservatives – which cause inflammation. 
4. Alcohol – in moderation, can have actual health benefits, but for some, it can cause disruption in sleep patterns which have connections with being anxious if you have a lack of sleep.
5. High sodium – This is obvious.  High salt can increase cholesterol which strains the body and heart.  It can also cause inflammation and increased cortisol which in turn causes stress resulting usually in being anxious.
6. Gluten – For some, gluten (found in wheat) can be sensitive.  Those who eliminate or fast from gluten for some time have noticed their anxious symptoms become alleviated.  

What should you do if you crave these items or these items are a big part of your diet?

Take a break from them.  In other words, fast from them.  Yes, it may be difficult, hard, excruciating and exhausting, but it will be worth it.  Ridding your body of these foods can help ‘clean’ up your body.  Giving your body a chance to become refreshed. Renewed. Restored.  Think of it as a whole recycling purpose for your body.

What Can You Choose Instead?

• Matcha – matcha green tea is full of antioxidants that support brain health and L-theanine which is an amino acid known for calm.  
• Berries – packed with antioxidants – vitamin C to lower stress.  
• Fruits and Vegetables – leafy greens to root veggies are high in vitamins, fiber and minerals which are excellent for gut health and mental health.  
• Omega 3 fatty Acids – healthy fats – like omega 3 fatty acids are anxiety reducing.  They have anti-inflammatory properties that also support brain health. 

The above is only a start.  Diet alone cannot decrease all of your anxiety.  This, combined with changing your lifestyle choices like sleep patterns, work load, and exercise routines can create a well-balanced, relaxed and stronger you. 

Why wait any longer to create new healthy habits? Why not start now!  Ditch the bag of chips and glass of wine and swap them out for a strawberry banana smoothie and home-made energy bites.  

Side Note:  To read more about delicious smoothies and/or want the recipe for some delicious and simple energy bits, click the links (each photo) below.

Now, go and make that change.  Even if you have to baby step it with a small one like omitting take out for a couple weeks, then adding in (or rather taking out) another item.  You will only receive benefits and in the end – you will feel more rested, more alert, have more energy and the most of all – be less concerned, distressed or anxious.  

Life is about balance – you may just need to tweak your day a bit to establish it.