Stress-inducing anxiety is a common occurrence. Being in a stressful society with endless to-do lists as well as deadlines that are tight and not enough time to relax can create lots of stress. Luckily, your diet can help. Studies suggest that there’s some connection between the foods we consume and our mood. Furthermore, there are evidence to support the importance of focusing on foods that are nutrient dense that can help us feel more peaceful and less stressed.
Antioxidants are a buzzword in the beauty and nutrition realms. But what exactly are they? What role are antioxidants playing in overall mental well-being and what is it that makes them an Brain Food? In a nutshell, antioxidants are the molecules which fight the harm due to free radicals. They are unbalanced substances found in our bodies. They can damage cells, trigger diseases, and accelerate the process of aging.
Free radicals are the result of body functions that are natural, like digestion, breathing and metabolism of cells. In the absence of antioxidants, free radicals can damage our bodies in a short time through a process referred to as an oxidative stress. It’s crucial to be aware that free radicals serve crucial roles. For instance, your immune cells in the body utilize free radicals in order to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Activities and factors that can increase your production of free radicals as well as stress oxidative in the body are:
- excessive exercise
- Inflammation and injury
- refined and processed food trans fats, synthetic sweeteners, as well as certain dyes and other additives
- smoking
- environmental pollution
- radiation
- exposure to pesticides and other drugs
- industrial solvents
- UV light
Effects of antioxidants and the mental wellbeing
There is increasing evidence that suggests that an imbalance between the oxidative stress system as well as the antioxidant defence system might cause the growth of anxiety and depression. The theory is that anxiety is associated with a lower total antioxidant level. Increasing food intake with items that are rich in antioxidants can help reduce anxiety-related symptoms. The theory is that antioxidants help rid free radicals and reduce these pathways that protect neurons from damage to the brain, which could result in the remission of anxiety or depression symptoms.
Depression and anxiety usually occur in tandem and about 50% of depression sufferers having anxiety. Certain therapies, online counseling and medication can ease anxiety but only about a third of those suffering from the condition are seeking treatment. In my clinic, a significant part of my discussion when discussing the treatment options is the vital role that diet plays in aiding in the management of anxiety.
Alongside healthy guidelines including having a balanced diet drinking enough fluids to remain hydrated, and limiting or eliminating caffeine and alcohol There are numerous other aspects of a diet that could aid in relieving anxiety. For instance, complex carbohydrates are metabolized slower, which helps keep a steady blood sugar levels that can lead to a more relaxed feeling.
Antioxidants could help people suffering from depression or anxiety
The increased intake of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression for those with low the levels of blood antioxidants, as per an upcoming study from India. The study concluded that an antioxidant treatment could be beneficial as an adjuvant therapy to people suffering from stress-related psychiatric disorders. Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent types of psychiatric illnesses caused by stress. To fight the changes in biochemistry that occur as a result of stress, there’s antioxidant defense within the body’s biological system. Antioxidants such as vitamin E as well as vitamin C and beta-carotene are thought to function as a second non-enzymatic defense against oxidative stress and its negative consequences.
Better mental health by eating a healthy diet
Talk with your physician if your anxiety symptoms are extreme or last longer than 2 weeks. However, even if your doctor prescribes therapy or medication to treat anxiety, it’s worthwhile to inquire if you can also achieve some luck by altering your diet. Include turmeric, blueberries cacao beet, spinach, hemp seed, avocado and chia seeds into your diet. It is also possible to make an antioxidant-rich, light and refreshing salad. Consider a mix of dark leafy greens seeds, and fruits like strawberries, kale, as well as pumpkin seeds!
Find Help
If you’re feeling overloaded and stressed, get help from an accredited psychologist or top psychologist in India who can guide you through specific strategies to help you. Talk therapy allows for the open and honest discussion of things that make you feel anxious. Through the relationship you have and therapist you’ll be able to discover and comprehend the way these stresses are affecting your life. You’ll also create strategies to deal with the effects. Online counseling provides you with an opportunity to talk about your feelings, thoughts, and worries. This provides a deeper understanding of the issues , and more time to devise strategies for coping to help manage difficult situations. The purpose of online counseling is to encourage changes and enhance the quality of life by self-awareness and self-discovery.
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