When the going gets tough, some of us resort to sugary foods such as ice cream to calm ourselves down. But the problem is, with all that sugar content packed into a single scoop of ice cream, not only will your hormone levels change but you will also experience a sugar rush, followed by a crash.
Anxiety is more common than many of us realize–approximately 7.6 percent of people are affected by it, making it the most prevalent mental health condition out there. The term refers to multiple disorders such as phobias, social anxiety, or an anxiety disorder. So, if you’re in desperate need of a mental boost and a tub of ice cream just won't do the trick, what do you do?
Salmon
Fish like salmon are quite fatty and are packed with omega-3, a fatty acid that helps boost mental health and cognitive abilities. Salmon is also rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), both of which are responsible for boosting brain and neural function and lowering inflammation.
In a study conducted to study the effects of EPA and DHA, 24 subjects that had a history of substance abuse showed significantly lower levels of stress after using supplements containing EPA and DHA. If you’re looking to take steps to reduce anxiety, it might be wise to replace your usual steak or chicken cuisine with salmon or other fish such as herring, sardines, and trout.
Eggs
If you’re an introvert, chances are you’re in need of some vitamin D. That’s because the sun is a source of this nutrient which is essential for the body. However, if you’re not in the mood to get some sun, eggs are an excellent source of vitamin D too.
Eggs also contain copious amounts of amino acids and tryptophan, a type of amino acid, helps elevate your mood by producing serotonin. As an added plus, eggs are packed with protein so your body will get a healthy dose of these large, complex molecules that great for your body and your muscles.
Turkey
As we have already highlighted above, tryptophan can work wonders when dealing with stress and anxiety. This essential amino acid can be found in protein-rich food such as turkey and eggs.
If you’re a meat-lover, then this one’s for you–amino acids present in turkey can not only help boost your mood and reduce anxiety, they also help you sleep. No wonder we always feel sleepy after a filling Thanksgiving dinner!