Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S and affects almost 40 million adults aged 18 and older, That’s 18.1% of the population every year. While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, the biggest problem is the lifestyle and foods that we eat that keep triggering anxiety in our bodies. Now studies have confirmed these are the ten major culprits causing anxiety and worsening symptoms.
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You must have surely heard from people how it is essential to eliminate foods rich in carbs like white bread, etc. for losing weight. The reason is because processed and fast foods are rich in refined sugars. They can have a major impact on your mood and waistline. A fluctuation in the sugar levels in the body can give you anxiety. Sugar can have similar effects like how certain drugs stimulate the pleasure centre of the brain. You can exchange white bread for whole wheat bread and choose brown bread over white as well.
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Among foods bad for anxiety, it is very rare to find people who dislike chocolate, but people usually crave for this sweet when they are stressed. Chocolate is rich in caffeine and sugar, both of which aren’t good for anxiety. Chocolate can hype your sugar levels for a period of time and once it drops drastically, that is when you can experience anxiety. A good alternative can be dark chocolate.
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Tomatoes are good for health but ketchup is pumped with high amounts of hidden sugar. Ketchup can be a good substitute for puree but it contains sugar equivalent to half a cup vanilla ice-cream. Such unhealthy carbs can increase the sugar levels in your body contributing to anxiety.
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Many people have surely been astonished on finding alcohol on this list as it most people think it’s a good combination with the blues. Alcohol can be a good mood suppressant but it can even play a major role in your body’s hydration and sleep.
Alcohol is known for suppressing the nervous system, this is the reason most people drink it. You may feel relaxed after drinking it but there can be side effects where your sleep can be impacted. Getting insufficient sleep can make you experience anxiety and other disorders. It is stated that fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to problems in mental health. Alcohol alters levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, worsening anxiety. In fact, you may feel more anxious after the alcohol wears off.
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While fruit is healthy for you, it may not be the same for the packaged juice especially since most packaged fruit juice is 10% fruit and the remaining 90% is added preservatives and sugar. Fruit juice is among foods bad for anxiety but if you’re having freshly squeezed juice, then it is not an issue. Consuming juice is only sugar and no fiber, so it can cause fluctuations in the blood sugar levels and it can lead to jitters or bad anxiety. Eat fresh fruit instead.
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French fries, cream filled doughnuts, onion rings, etc. Everybody loves them and these are the favorites of many people but they are the biggest contributors to heart disease. Studies have revealed people who ate fried food at least once per week had a greater risk of both type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and that the risk increased as the frequency of fried food consumption increased.
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Another among foods bad for anxiety, if you see the word ‘reduced fat’ or ‘lite’, then you should take a close look at its ingredients label. Most salad dressings products have hidden sugars in them. The famous tomato basil sauce available in supermarkets contains nine 9 tbsp of sugar in just one serving. Sugar can increase your weight as well as make your anxiety worse. If you think you’re cutting off calories, then you may have just been part of this marketing ploy. You should always evaluate the nutrients present in the salads or bottled condiments you usually buy.
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People usually think it’s fine if the product has diet labelled over it. These items may not increase your weight, but it contains artificial sweeteners which can be harmful for you. These synthetic ingredients are as harmful as real sugar. One of the most used artificial sweeteners are Aspartame, it is used for stunning the production of serotonin. Serotonin is essential for managing your moods and anxiety. You could be harming yourself if you drank a can of diet sodas every day.
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If coffee weren’t bad enough, energy drinks could have two or three times the amount of caffeine. Did you know that these drinks are so dangerous they can cause heart attacks in some people? In 2019, a study based on popular drinks conducted by the AHA (American heart Organization) have warned people about these drinks and have found their relation with heart problems.
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One of the most favorite drinks among Americans is soda but one of the worst foods bad for anxiety. It is filled with sugar and it is rich in caffeine as well. They may not have as much caffeine as a cup of Joe’s, but this drink should be avoided. The sugar content hijacks your brain and functions like a drug for elevating or worsening your mood. Soda can increase body fat and inflammation which will lead to bigger problems. Soda does nothing but pump you with calories and triggers for anxiety