When a person is in a state of anxiety, they might want to use diet to help alleviate their anxiety. However, it's crucial to avoid certain foods when anxious, as they can make the situation worse. If you're not sure about this issue, you can take a look. I've summarized a few points that I hope will be helpful to you.
In fact, drowning one's sorrows in alcohol will only make them deeper.
Alcohol is a derivative of sugar or starch; it is not food but rather a substance that can become a drug. It can destroy our brain cells, stimulate nerves, and damage the brain, causing initial excitement, followed by depression, and ultimately leading to addiction and poisoning. Therefore, the anxiety-relieving effect of alcohol is only temporary, and excessive consumption will worsen the condition.
American nutritionists have pointed out that alcoholism and depression often go hand in hand, with 16%-50% of alcoholics suffering from depression. The link between heavy drinking and negative moods is because alcohol depletes DHA in the brain, especially in the case of a low-fat diet. Therefore, trying to drown one's sorrows in alcohol is not advisable.
In addition to alcohol, these 5 types of food can also cause anxiety.
1. Coffee
Like alcohol, coffee seems to temporarily satisfy our needs. After drinking coffee, we often feel less fatigued and more energized. This is because caffeine stimulates our nervous system, triggering the release of the stress hormone cortisol. The "energized" feeling we experience is actually just bringing us back to a normal level.
Besides this energizing effect, coffee has more side effects on the human body. Once consumed in excess, it increases the secretion of adrenaline, which can make a person more irritable, reduce libido, and affect the quality of sleep at night.
2. Soda-based foods
Things like soda crackers and soda water can give us double the anxiety. They not only contain caffeine, but many also contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame. A study at Northwest Ohio University specifically examined the effects of aspartame on depression and found that this sweetener can significantly worsen the condition of patients with depression.
Furthermore, aspartame contains aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Phenylalanine can reduce the concentration of the calming neurotransmitter "serotonin," which in turn reduces libido. Aspartic acid, on the other hand, adds fuel to the fire, further stimulating the brain and triggering anxiety.
3. High-sugar foods
Non-dairy creamer, also known as vegetable fat powder, is a new product made mainly from refined vegetable oil, hydrogenated vegetable oil, casein, etc. It is widely used in the production of foods like french fries, cookies, donuts, cheese sticks, and some milk tea beverages due to its rich milky flavor. While high-quality non-dairy creamer may not contain trans fats, many on the market do.
Foods containing non-dairy creamer can not only lead to weight gain but also increase feelings of anxiety. A study found that people who frequently eat fried foods, processed meats, high-fat dairy products, and sugary desserts have a 58% higher chance of developing depression than those who don't eat these foods.
4. Foods high in MSG
This mainly refers to processed foods, such as beef jerky. Beef jerky is now increasingly touted as a healthy snack. However, processed beef jerky is richer in monosodium glutamate (MSG), making it more delicious. Moderate consumption of MSG can help relieve brain nerve fatigue. But, excessive consumption is not good.
The monosodium glutamate in MSG can be converted into an inhibitory neurotransmitter during digestion. When consumed in excess, various nerve functions in the body are suppressed, leading to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness. Some people may also experience feelings of agitation and anxiety.
When anxious, it's crucial to avoid these foods to prevent worsening anxiety and causing significant physical effects. The foods listed above are commonly consumed by people. If you want to eat them, remember not to consume them when you are feeling very anxious, as this won't improve your mood. You need to find other ways to manage your anxiety.