Feeling stressed, on edge or anxious? Here are 5 foods proven to help calm your mood and reduce stress and feelings of anxiety from professional footballer Thomas Hal Robson Kanu
Are you looking for a natural, proven way to reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety?
Anxiety is a social problem that’s continued to increase in recent years, with over 250 million yearly cases estimated worldwide. This has left more and more people now searching for ways to cope with the stresses of life.
When feeling anxious, it can be easy to fall into a vicious cycle of comfort eating, but if you can avoid this, your body and brain will thank you.
Thomas Hal Robson Kanu, Professional footballer and founder of The Turmeric Co. reveals 5 foods that help to reduce stress and anxiety…
Tweak your diet for an instant brain boost
Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make that can have a huge impact, including dietary alterations.
You probably know how much of an impact food has on your body, but you may not realise just how much different foods can alter your mindset.
foods that are proven to boost your mood and help your brain
The five ingredients and foods in this list can be incorporated into your diet easily, and have the power to help you through stressful times.
Long term, these foods can help you to build a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Let’s jump in and explore the foods that are proven to boost your mood and help your brain to be more resilient and positive, even through the most turbulent of times…
Reduce stress with Turmeric
Turmeric has a long list of proven benefits for both brain and body. One of these benefits is the fact that the curcumin within has been strongly linked to a boost in both serotonin and dopamine.
But what does this boost do for the brain?
These substances are mood-regulating neurotransmitters. They help the body to moderate things like sleep and metabolism, as well as providing a natural high or feeling of contentment.
Many antidepressants and anxiety medications are aimed at boosting serotonin levels in your brain. With turmeric, you are able to do this naturally, potentially mitigating the need for a prescription.
Looking for a convenient way to get your daily dose of turmeric? Turmeric shots are a great option for anyone looking to quickly increase their curcumin intake.
Reduce stress with Avocado & fish: omega-3s
Both fish and avocado are known to be superfoods, but have you ever wondered why?
One of the main reasons these foods are so good for the mind and body is the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are often recommended for heart conditions because they lower blood pressure and reduce the level of harmful fats getting into your bloodstream.
They have another benefit, too. Omega-3 fatty acids interact with molecules in the brain that regulate your mood, and over 30 different studies on the use of the substance to aid anxiety and mental health disorders show extremely promising results.
Additional benefits of Omega-3 include anti-inflammatory properties, which has also been linked to a reduction in anxiety, but whether this is a cause or effect relationship is a matter of debate.
Reduce stress with Oranges: vitamin C
When your mum told you to get plenty of vitamin C, she was coming from a place of wisdom. Why? Because this little vitamin has been found to ease your anxiety as well as having benefits for the immune system.
Vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties, and studies have shown that oxidative stress can have a negative impact on your mental health. So, it stands to reason that vitamin C would be positive for your mental health.
Studies have found this to be true, and vitamin C has been shown to lower anxiety and stress levels. Fortunately, there are plenty of great sources of vitamin C easily available including citrus fruits, or even supplements if you need an added daily dose.
Reduce stress with Almonds: magnesium
Magnesium is an electrolyte, which means it plays a role in so many of your body’s important functions including rebuilding tissue, hydration, and even the function of your nerves and muscles.
On top of this, it has been shown to effectively treat anxiety. If you don’t have enough magnesium, it can prohibit serotonin from being released in the brain, which we know is one of the most vital aspects of regulating your mood. As a result, it’s vital to incorporate magnesium into your diet.
Almonds are rich in magnesium, but you can also get it in abundance from spinach and kale. Remember to eat your greens!
Reduce stress with Yoghurt: probiotics
Scientists are starting to understand far more about the health of our gut and our mental state. This theory is backed up in the book “Gut: the inside story of our body’s most under-rated organ” by Giulia Enders, and goes some way to explaining the benefits of yoghurt.
Yoghurt contains probiotics which boost gut hormones and keep your digestion regular. Furthermore, it can help with absorbing nutrients from your food. So, what does this have to do with your mental health and stress levels?
It has been found in several studies that your gut health corresponds with your mood, including your anxiety levels. Gut bacteria can even help you to produce serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Another tool to fight low mood and stress.
If you’re looking to improve your wellbeing, mental health and general lifestyle through the means of functional nutrition, Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu suggests trying an energy-refuelling, brain fog eliminating, health-boosting Raw Turmeric Shot from The Turmeric Co.
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