For many people, anxiety is a normal part of the daily routine. Most people worry about the outcome of their actions, their relationships, their job, and so on. Eventually all this worry can lead to a nervous panic, which can interfere with normal everyday life and lead to other symptoms and complications.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder are conditions that affect nearly 13 million adults in the United States and are characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of anxiety towards everyday situations and events. In most cases, anxiety reduces the ability of the individual to function normally within society.
Those who suffer from anxiety report an inability to control their feelings as things escalate. Eventually things become overwhelming and panic sets in. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear which lead to incredible physical and mental distress. They are accompanied by shaking, racing or pounding heart rate, trembling, and difficulty breathing.
They can also cause fast or deep gasping to intake air, known as hyperventilation. These attacks occur unpredictably and can be related to specific environmental and psychological triggers. Do you want to stress less, sleep better, and feel abundantly happier… without drugs or anything crazy?
In 2013, a study conducted at the Okayama University Medical School may have made an invaluable discovery that could open new perspectives when it comes to the prevention of panic and hyperventilation attacks in at-risk individuals.
One of the more common causes of these panic attacks is a low serotonin level in the body. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating the feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and contentment. Our bodies synthesize serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan, in a process that also requires vitamin B6 and iron.
The study we mentioned above analyzed the level of iron and vitamin B6 in patients who visited the emergency clinic due to a severe panic attack or panic-induced hyperventilation.
Researchers found that both vitamin B6 and iron levels will significantly lower in people who suffered from these attacks in comparison to people with healthy levels of both. This research is extremely important for people who currently suffer from anxiety as it might help prevent the sudden onset of emotions.
Therefore, an essential part of dealing with anxiety should be consuming a diet that contains foods high in vitamin B6 and iron. Whole-foods, rich in fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and seeds, and low in processed and packaged foods can drastically improve your mental health.
Here is a list of foods rich in these nutrients!
Vitamin B6:
– Sweet potatoes
– Spirulina
– Hemp seeds
– Green beans
– Quinoa
– Lentils
– Oatmeal
– Green Peas
– Potatoes
– Sunflower seeds
– Bananas
– Avocado
– Asparagus
– Almonds
– Watermelon
– Cashews
– Beans
– Spinach
– Walnuts
– Pistachios
– Prunes
– Kale
– Collards
– All squash and pumpkin
– Brussels sprouts
– Hearts of palm
– Plantain
– Pineapple
– Chickpeas
– Artichokes
– Figs
– Nutritional yeast
Iron:
– Chia seeds
– Dill weed
– Parsley
– Sea vegetables (kelp, nori, spirulina, dulse, etc.)
– Spinach
– Green peas
– Black-strap molasses
– Quinoa
– Almonds
– Raisins
– Jerusalem artichokes
– Medjool dates
– Chickpeas
– Dandelion greens
– Morel mushrooms
– Pumpkin seeds
– Hemp seeds
Make sure you increase the intake of these foods, not only will you improve your mood and prevent these attacks, you will also boost your overall health!
