Yogurt and other fermented foods contain healthy bacteria called probiotics. Some specific probiotics for anxiety include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. These probiotics can promote a healthy mental state and brain functions.
Including yogurt and other fermented foods in the diet can benefit the natural gut bacteria and may reduce anxiety and stress.
Plain Greek Yogurt
Yogurt provides key minerals that may help with symptoms of stress and stabilize mood, but it also provides probiotics.
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.
Besides the homey warmth of this true comfort food, milk has loads of B vitamins that reduce anxiety and improve mood. For instance, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) raises serotonin levels to perk you up.
Foods high in calcium, like dairy products, can lower cortisol levels. Calcium has been known to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone associated with anxiety.
In addition to reducing feelings of anxiety, yogurt has also been found to reduce inflammation in the body. Some researchers suggest that chronic inflammation may contribute to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Yogurt works to convert stress hormones in the brain into feel-good hormones. The gut microbiome plays an important role in mental health. The probiotics found in curd increase the friendly gut bacteria in the body, thereby relieving you of stress.
Yogurt also helps reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn and nausea. This is because it has a high alkaline content which helps neutralize stomach acids.
Greek Yogurt
With its high supply of Vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and protein, Greek yogurt shrinks anxiety very quickly by lowering your blood pressure. Spruce up the flavor and nutrition by making yourself a parfait.
Vitamins B9 and B12 are both thought to treat symptoms of anxiety. Folic acid has many uses in the body, and B9 deficiency has been linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression.
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. For an extra stress-busting boost, top bananas with almond, peanut, or cashew butter.
Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals.
Try these when you're feeling anxious or stressed: Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
Foods rich in protein contain amino acids to help produce key neurotransmitters in preventing and treating depression and anxiety. Protein packed meals and snacks help you avoid sugary, processed foods, which can trigger anxiety and depression.
Low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, can occur after eating. It's followed by insulin production and an increase in epinephrine, which may be associated with symptoms of anxiety.