Fact Friday: 5 Foods to Avoid for Anxiety
Foods to Avoid for Anxiety
1) Sugar
People often reach for sugary comfort foods such as candy and desserts when dealing with anxiety. However, added sugar exacerbates symptoms of anxiety and may even contribute to panic attacks. This is due to spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.
2) Coffee and Caffeinated Foods
Coffee and caffeinated foods have been shown to increase cortisol levels which create a stress-response, even when there is little or no stressors.
3) Alcohol
People sometimes consume alcohol to help them relax, but this frequently backfires. Although alcohol may cause sleepiness, it interferes with the quality of sleep which may increase anxiety.
4) Refined Carbohydrates
White flour, white bread, white pasta and white rice digest quickly. These foods have a high glycemic index which cause unhealthy blood sugar spikes and crashes.
5) Aspartame
Aspartame is often found in diet soda, chewing gum and other diet foods. Aspartame blocks the production of serotonin, causing changes in mood and increasing symptoms of anxiety.
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Kruger Counselling Services
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