Science Confirms 10 Foods Bad for Anxiety

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.

1 WHITE BREAD

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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.

2 CHOCOLATE

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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.

3 KETCHUP

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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.

4 ALCOHOL

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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.