8 Dangerous Foods That Can Worsen Your Anxiety
Chocolate
If you consume chocolate in moderation, you may be pleasantly surprised that your mood will improve considerably – and not just because of its flavor. Healthy, organic chocolate offers plenty of antioxidants that help you fight off bacteria and viruses while regulating different functions throughout the body (including your mood).
However, too much chocolate can bring that sugar rush we talked about earlier, which is a huge mood killer for most people. Unless you can stick to one or two bites per day, it’s best to cut chocolate from your diet altogether.
Dr. Escobar also recommends you to pair this type of treat with a little fat and protein. For example, you can have some Greek yogurt mixed with fresh fruit like blueberries, peanut butter (for healthy fats) and some chocolate chips on top.
Energy drinks
Why do you think energy drinks are so effective in giving you energy?
These beverages literally contain pure, concentrated caffeine. A single shot (two ounces) of an energy drink contains 200 milligrams of caffeine; that’s about the same as a Cold Brew from Starbucks!
A 2016 review published in the Journal of Caffeine Research proved that consuming energy drinks is commonly linked with mental health problems such as stress, depression and – you guessed right – anxiety.
Aside from giving you that crazy jittery sensation, energy drinks also increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Furthermore, the American College of Cardiology warns that these beverages can literally alter the electrical activity of your heart and in rare cases they could cause seizures.
If you really need some energy right away, a cup of coffee is infinitely better in terms of health and nutrient intake.
Looking for more ways to improve your nutrition? Try our other posts:
Have you ever suffered from anxiety before? If so, what did you think helped the most to manage your condition? Share your journey in the comment section and let’s keep our mind, body and heart healthy.
