Anxiety has become a mental health disorder of recent times and out of control, can even threaten human life. The big question here is not whether our present lifestyle conditions and the quantum of pressure are causing it to happen more often, but whether you are suffering from it or not? Whatever the level of anxiousness you might be undergoing, it is affecting your life. It can cause tremendous strains on your career, family and as well as on your personal life.
Characterised by constant nervousness, worries, and fear, it is something that is directly related to our poor brain health. Besides medication, there are numerous ways that are available today that can help you reduce its symptoms like meditation and deep breathing exercises. Simultaneously, there are foods and other supplements that prove as great aid in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression by boosting our mental health and thereby, boosting the health of our brain. Dr Prakash Chandra Bhatt, a scientist in pharmaceutical biotechnology, tells Manzoor-ul-Hassan of Healthwire that which are the brain-boosting foods and how they give relief from tension and anxiety.
Fatty Fish
Many fatty fishes like salmon, herring, and trout are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It has been established that omega-3 is a vital component for strong cognitive function along with good mental health. Omega-3 has vital components that regulate the neurotransmitters in our brain and promote the functioning of the brain by reducing inflammation. Along with Omega-3, fatty fishes are also good resources of vitamin D. Deficiency of vitamin D in the body can cause mood disorders, anxiety, and even depression. Supplements of vitamin D are prescribed by medical practitioners to those who suffer from anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Yogurt and other probiotics
Yogurt and other probiotic fermented foods like Kimchi and Tempeh contain strains of healthy and good bacteria. These good bacteria have a direct impact on our brain health. When we take probiotics like yogurt and other supplements, they affect our gut health positively by balancing the bacterial microbiome. Our gut is directly related to our brain and the health of our gut directly impacts our brain and mental health.
Also, yogurt has an anti-inflammatory impact on the body. Inflammation is the root cause for almost all diseases, including the onset of anxiety depression and stress. It also inhibits neurotoxins and free radicals that can damage our brain nerve tissues and cause mental disorders.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a rich source of polyphenols, and especially flavonoids. These help in reducing neuroinflammation and death of brain cells and also aid in proper blood flow to the brain. Dark chocolates are also very high in tryptophan, an amino acid which the body uses to create mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, like serotonin in the brain. Dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium and food rich in magnesium and its supplements are recommended to people suffering from the problems of constant depression.
Eggs
Eggs, particularly the yolk of egg, is another rich source of vitamin D. Along with it, eggs are considered as an excellent source of proteins that the body needs for its proper growth and development along with the development of the brain cells and tissues. Eggs have the enabling tryptopha
Other foods
Almonds: The vitamin E in almonds is good for boosting mood and works as a great aid in anxiety prevention.
Citrus fruits: These fruits are rich sources of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that can help fight inflammation and reduce cell damage that promoted anxiety and mood disorders.
Dairy products: Like eggs, milk and milk products are good sources of proteins that contain amino acids and help in the production of neurotransmitters – dopamine and serotonin. Both having the potential to help in anxiety.
Chia seeds: Is a good source of omega-3, the brain-boosting nutrient.
Asparagus: Is a good source of folate and a deficiency of folate can lead to anxiety and other symptoms of poor mental health