Apples. If you haven't had an apple a day in awhile, it might be a good time to start. The high levels of antioxidants may help lessen the symptoms of anxiety (anxiety is thought to be correlated with a lowered total antioxidant state).
Blueberries
When we're anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Small but mighty, blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C which have been shown to provide anxiety relief.
Foods naturally rich in magnesium may, therefore, help a person to feel calmer. Examples include leafy greens, such as spinach and Swiss chard. Other sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Foods rich in zinc such as oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety.
Apples also contain other nutrients that may help fight depression and bring other health benefits. They're packed with manganese, which researchers have found is linked to a lower incidence of depression. They also contain antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation, according to research .
It helps relax your body, making you feel sleepy in preparation for a good night's sleep ( 15 ). Melatonin can also be acquired through dietary sources and supplementation ( 15 ). The first report of melatonin in apples was in 2013 ( 5 ).
A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.
The B-vitamins in bananas, like folate and vitamin B6, are key to the production of serotonin, which can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
B-complex, vitamin E, vitamin C, GABA, and 5-HTP are 5 vitamins commonly used to help with anxiety and stress.
Water has been shown to have natural calming properties, likely as a result of addressing dehydration's effects on the body and brain. Drinking enough water is an important step in managing your anxiety. Even if you're not experiencing anxiety, drinking sufficient water can create feelings of relaxation.
Another large study found people who drink five cups or more of water per day were at lower risk of depression and anxiety. In comparison, drinking less than two cups per day doubles the risk. This link was less noticeable for anxiety alone (although feelings of depression and anxiety often influence each other).
In one 2018 study of over 3,000 adults, those who drank more water had a lower risk of anxiety and depression than those who drank less water. Though the connection between dehydration and depression was stronger, researchers found that anxiety was higher in those who didn't drink enough water.
Symptoms of High-Functioning Anxiety
Excessive anxiety or worry on most days for at least six months. Restlessness. Difficulty concentrating. Being easily fatigued.
The belief that being alone will help you reduce your stress. This is an incredibly common belief, and one that all evidence shows is completely wrong. The lack of enjoyment they get going out and spending time with others as a result of their anxiety.
Citrus Fruits and Strawberries Contain Vitamin C, Which Help Fight Stress. Some studies have found that high levels of vitamin C may help ease stress levels.
Anxiety happens when a part of the brain, the amygdala, senses trouble. When it senses threat, real or imagined, it surges the body with hormones (including cortisol, the stress hormone) and adrenaline to make the body strong, fast and powerful.
Apples are a good source of potassium and vitamin B6 which both aid in sleep. In addition, apples are a great source of vitamin C with about 10 mg per large apple. Vitamin C helps you sleep better because it helps manage your blood sugar, lower blood pressure and even improve your breathing.
If you eat apples at night or in the evening, this pro-digestive fruit can turn against you and load on your intestinal functions. This means apples at night will produce gas and make you severely uncomfortable during the wee hours.
Cherries
Cherries (especially sour cherries like the Montmorency variety) are one of the only (and highest) natural food sources of melatonin.