5 foods that increase stress and anxiety levels

psychiatrist, psychotherapist, FNCC FMBA of Russia

Today, the life of almost every person is full of stress and anxious situations. This is primarily due to the rhythm of life of modern people, especially residents of megacities. Overstrain has a negative impact not only on the psycho-emotional state, but also on physiological processes.

Many prefer to cope with anxious periods with the help of food. In other words, “snack”. At the same time, some products contain components that can increase the level of mental and nervous tension.

Coffee

One of the most important products that increase stress is coffee. More precisely, the caffeine that is part of the beverage. It is also found in green tea, energy drinks and sweet sodas. Its high doses cause dehydration, accelerated heart rate and increased blood pressure. They also increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to anxiety.

Sugar

Foods with high sugar content, such as confectionery and bakery products, packaged juices, energy drinks, fast food, various types of ready-made sauces, have a negative impact on mental health. Excessive consumption of sugar-containing products causes an increase in blood adrenaline levels, disrupts calcium and magnesium metabolism, and impairs neurotransmitter regulation.

Salt

Excess salt intake affects the body in much the same way as excess sugar. Most of all, it affects the cardiovascular system, because over-salted food provokes an increase in blood pressure. To normalize it, the body produces the stress hormone adrenaline. As a result – a person becomes even more irritable and anxious. Therefore, as a snack is not recommended to choose snacks, salted nuts, smoked and sausage products, canned food, convenience foods and fast food.

Nutritional supplements

In stressful situations, it is very important to avoid food additives, especially artificial monosodium glutamate. These are found in the highest amounts in instant noodles, sausage, sausages, chips, convenience foods and fast food. In large amounts, monosodium glutamate causes an increase in blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages do not help you cope with stress. The popular belief that a few glasses of wine can reduce anxiety is actually a myth. Alcohol is a depressant, after a short-term production of serotonin (the hormone of joy) in the body will begin to actively release tetrahydroisoquinoline – a substance that blocks the production of the “hormone of joy” and dopamine.

In addition to the existing anxious state, a person will provoke a deterioration of physical well-being. After all, it will be quite difficult for the brain to restore the usual “pace” of work. In addition, the level of stress will increase due to the side effects of the post-intoxication period.

Of course, the products described above should not be completely excluded from the diet. For example, sugar and salt are necessary for the normal functioning of some processes in the body. Nevertheless, in anxious moments, the use of these products and substances should be minimized. To get rid of stress, it is better to choose other ways. This can be sports or walks in the fresh air. Remember that everything needs to be balanced.