7 high-anxiety foods to avoid this season

Embarking on a journey to maintain mental well-being during the upcoming season, it’s crucial to be mindful of the impact our dietary choices can have on anxiety levels. In this exploration, we delve into nine high-anxiety foods that might unknowingly contribute to stress and tension. As we navigate festive gatherings and indulge in seasonal delights, understanding how certain foods can influence our mental state becomes paramount.

Bhavya Arora, School Counsellor and Psychology Facilitator (Diploma Programme) at Apeejay School International (ASI) – South Delhi, opines that consumption of certain foods, particularly those containing caffeine, can play a minor role. “When we ingest caffeine, it stimulates our central nervous system, leading to increased arousal and energy levels. This physiological response may result in a heightened heart rate, potentially triggering anxiety, especially in individuals prone to anxious tendencies,” Arora said.

Children, in particular, might be advised against developing habits such as consuming sugary snacks or caffeinated drinks from an early age. She advised. This is believed to prevent their central nervous system from becoming easily stimulated, as habits formed in childhood can have lasting effects on one’s response to stimulation.

But is there a relationship between anxiety and food? Arora believes that while it’s a subjective matter and not a universal truth, it’s acknowledged that certain foods have the potential to act as triggers for anxiety in susceptible individuals.

“It’s essential to recognise that everyone’s response to food is unique, and what suits one person may not be suitable for another. The concept of ‘bio-individuality’ emphasises the importance of finding a diet that aligns with one’s specific physiological needs and reactions. In this context, popular substances like caffeine can be addictive, and the body may become accustomed to their presence, making it challenging to eliminate them from one’s routine,” Arora shared.

She added that when discussing anxiety triggers, it’s crucial to consider the individual’s predisposition to anxiety. “Some may be more susceptible to anxiety, and the consumption of certain foods might act as a trigger for their anxious feelings. However, this is not a blanket statement, as each person’s experience with anxiety is subjective,” Arora said.

Reasons for anxiety in children today

·         Significant changes in life’s landscape contribute to heightened stress levels.

·         Factors like exposure to vast information, easy social media access, and evolving parenting styles are identified as anxiety triggers.

·         The fast-paced contemporary lifestyle, coupled with an emphasis on success, leads individuals to overlook smaller, meaningful aspects of life.

·         The resulting lack of reflection on simple pleasures may contribute to heightened stress and anxiety.

·         The complex interplay between lifestyle, diet, and mental health highlights the need to understand individual needs and adopt holistic well-being approaches.

So what are the high-anxiety foods to avoid this season?

With the holiday season approaching, many of us are looking forward to delicious meals and festive gatherings. However, for individuals with anxiety, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms and make the season more stressful.

·         Avoid processed foods like chips, pies, biscuits, and meats like sausages to name a few. They are often high in sodium and nitrates, which can contribute to anxiety.

·         White bread, pastries, and sugary cereals are quickly digested, causing blood sugar spikes and crashes that can lead to anxiety and mood swings.

·         While caffeine can provide a temporary energy boost, it can also worsen anxiety symptoms in some individuals.

·         Fried foods are high in saturated and trans-fats, which may contribute to inflammation and anxiety.

·         Aerated drinks, juices, and other sugary drinks are high in sugar and calories, which can contribute to anxiety and mood swings.

·         Some kids may be sensitive to dairy products, which can trigger anxiety symptoms.

·         Spicy foods can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms in some kids.

“The complex interplay between lifestyle, diet, and mental health underscores the importance of understanding individual needs and adopting holistic approaches to well-being,” Arora said in conclusion.