W've undergone a series of unexpected incidents over the past few years. We spent much of my life working with an illness that We automatically attributed to my environment when We were originally diagnosed with anxiety and depression at 14. It wasn't until twelve years later that things took the worst turn.
We were formally diagnosed with extreme Generalized Anxiety and Panic Condition, a condition that crippled me physically and socially. Due to a mixture of anxiety drugs and painkillers, all of which were prescribed to me, We fought a two-year opioid addiction to my anxiety medications and survived an accidental overdose.
Within myself, We were fighting a battle We werebadly losing. The day We considered taking my life was the day that We realized its meaning. We set out on a journey to not only improve, but save my life after meeting a dead end with my doctor.
Below is a list of the top 10 foods that We personally avoid while coping with my depression:
- With caffeine
Caffeine, a known stimulant and psychoactive substance, has long had a reputation for stimulating the combat-or-flight response of the body. Caffeine can also make its users feel nervous, nauseous, light headed, jittery and, yes, also anxious, somewhat close to the symptoms associated with anxiety. I recommend that you rethink that morning cup of coffee if you suffer from anxiety and instead opt for a herbal tea or a green juice.
- Artificial sugars and processed ones
This is one that seems impossible to ignore simply because it hides sugar in everything! Studies have shown that, while sugar does not trigger anxiety, it causes changes in the body that can intensify symptoms of anxiety and affect the capacity of the body to cope with stress effectively.
A sugar crash is similar to a caffeine crash and can also cause changes in mood, heart palpitations, concentration problems, and exhaustion, all of which can be perceived as the early stages of an anxiety or panic attack.
- Gluten
Gluten is a protein that is present in products made from wheat , barley and rye. Gluten can also be a major cause for depressive symptoms for many anxiety sufferers. Study has also established that people (like myself) with celiac disease and gluten allergy are at higher risk of anxiety , depression, and mood disorders. Speak to your doctor about having checked for gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. The difference between dealing with anxiety and handling it for the better might be cutting out gluten.
- Foods manufactured
Generally, processed foods, as well as a bunch of additional additives and preservatives, are high in the previous two items listed on this chart. It is said that processed flours and sugars feed the gut 's toxic bacteria and microbes. With further studies being carried out, the general consensus is that gut health is a big contributor to chronic anxiety, and by proliferating healthy bacteria in your gut, many mood disorders can be managed. So, next time you're at a family BBQ, skip the hot dogs on the grill and select a fruit salad.
- Alcohol
We just like an occasional cocktail, huh? But what happens when one glass of wine turns into three glasses of wine and dessert during dinner? It is said that alcohol in excess or at all (for some) causes the symptoms of anxiety. Alcohol is a toxin which, by negatively affecting the levels of serotonin (the feel good chemical) in the brain, contributes to improper mental and physical functioning.
The body and nervous system are also impaired by alcohol and can cause hypersensitivity, elevated heart rate, decreased levels of blood sugar and acute dehydration. If you're going out with a few colleagues for dinner, this time around, you might want to skip the cocktail menu.
- Dairy Goods
I'm sure we all remember those Got Milk commercials that came up during our favorite TV shows' commercial break. Well, research indicates that individuals with anxiety claim they have experienced a rise in symptoms of anxiety within minutes of eating milk products. Around 10 % of adults are intolerant to lactose, and even more are thought to have trouble digesting the casein present in cow's milk. Did I mention its effect on kids?
The fact is, milk is sort of inflammatory. It ravages the digestive tract, triggering, among other things, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. So, if you're looking for ways to cope with your anxiety, I think the answer to Got Milk 's question? That should be a huge, fat one, NO!
- Soda
Do not presume for a second that you should always indulge in America's favorite soft drink since you started a sugar cleanse a week ago. Aspartame is one of the most common (and potentially hazardous) ingredients used in products like diet soda and chewing gum, in addition to the artificial food coloring and additives used in soda. Aspartame is also thought to be responsible for headaches, insomnia , anxiety, mood changes and has been related to some types of cancer, in addition to preventing the development of serotonin in our brains (such as sugar). Thirsty still?
- Cooked foodstuffs
Fried foods are not only difficult to digest, but they provide very little nutrients as well. A sure-fire way to intensify the symptoms of anxiety is to combine bad food choices with unsafe cooking methods. Most fried foods are boiled in hydrogenated oil, such as French fries, chicken and onion rings. Not only does it have a number on your waistline, but it's awful for your heart as well.
Your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease can also be increased by fried food. Moderation is essential. Try the kiddie size fry instead of the big one the next time you find yourself at Five Guys.
- Juice from fruits
Like soda and other store-bought drinks , fruit juice is packaged with sugar. Three different types of sugar are available: sucrose, glucose and fructose. Fructose is the sugar found naturally in fruits and vegetables and is typically added to beverages flavored with fruit juice and fruit. The problem is that the body only processes fructose in the liver and it is not the preferred source of energy for the body. When we eat fruits and vegetables, what stops us from absorbing too much fructose is fiber. We place our bodies at risk of overconsumption when we get rid of this fiber.
So if you want fruit juice, make it at home, and if you're a passionate juicer (like me), I suggest that you restrict the amount of fruit that you put into your green juices. Stick to the law of 80/20 and you will be good to go.
- Foods which are high in sodium
We all ought to be aware of the fat-free craze of the past few decades by now. The unfortunate truth of this fad is that sugar and/or sodium are still high in most foods that are fat free. Researchers also concluded that too much sodium may have a detrimental influence on the nervous system of the body in our diets, causing tiredness and weakening the immune system. The secret to a safe mind, mood and body is restful sleep. Not to mention, sodium overconsumption leads to weight gain, high blood pressure and the accumulation of fluids.
In maintaining good health and a healthy diet, salt is important, but too much can cause episodes of panic and send you down a slippery slope of anxiety , panic and depression.