Foods That Calm You

How often do you feel stressed or anxious? Whether this stress is coming from a tedious work task, an over-booked schedule, an approaching deadline, family or relationship struggles – or a million other things – stress is a way of life.

Food choice can often be the last priority when we are busy and stressed. But in fact, the wrong foods can actually increase our stress levels.

Good news though: smart food choices can be one of the best remedies for stress. Many nutrients create a calming effect on your mind and body.

Here are five foods that can ease your stress and nourish your body and mind:

Salmon & Foods Rich in Omega-3's

Salmon is rich in both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, proven to help regulate dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters. This can help boost your mood, thus containing calming and relaxing properties.

These fatty acids can also help regulate brain function to reduce symptoms of anxiety. When consumed often, EPA and DHA are seen to prevent brain cell dysfunction, which is common in people with anxiety.

Salmon is also abundant in Vitamin D, which is proven to aid in reducing the feelings of anxiety. People with anxiety are seen to have low levels of calcidiol, which is a byproduct of broken down Vitamin D.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavonols, which act as antioxidants and can increase blood flow to the brain, enhancing cell-signaling pathways. When the brain is receiving these effects, we can respond better to stressful triggers.

Small amounts of dark chocolate can also boost our mood because of the comfort it brings from having a soothing taste. Comfort foods can give calming qualities, so incorporating dark chocolate into your diet can be widely beneficial in boosting your mood and decreasing anxiety.

Turmeric

Turmeric is known to indirectly promote brain health and decrease anxiety, due to curcumin, a compound found largely in turmeric. Curcumin is also known to help handle stressful triggers by having calming effects. Additionally, the curcumin in turmeric can boost your mood by containing properties to regulate dopamine and serotonin.

One of my favorite ways to increase my turmeric intake is by incorporating golden milk lattes! In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together your favorite plant milk with 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla and honey to taste, and a crack of black pepper to increase the absorption of curcumin.

Yogurt & Fermented Foods Containing Prebiotics and Probiotics

Anxiety can oftentimes be linked to poor gut health. There is a strong connection between the brain and the gut, so it is important to feed the gut with good bacteria. Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt into your diet can increase the amount of good bacteria in the gut. Additionally, foods rich in probiotics are linked to mood-boosting properties, which correlates with a decrease in anxiety.

Bananas & Other Potassium Rich Foods

Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which helps regulate electrolyte balance and manage blood pressure. Low levels of potassium are linked to an increase in symptoms of anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Eating a potassium rich diet can ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while decreasing insomniac tendencies. Potassium can also help regulate serotonin, easing feelings of stress and making you feel more happy and calm.