More Texans Are Asking: Why Am I Feeling More Stress Lately?

Is Your Diet Making Your Anxiety Worse? I Did Some Digging and Here's What I Found

Why Am I Feeling More Anxious Lately?

I don't know if it’s the last election, the economy, or just the holiday season mixed with cold weather, but I’ve noticed myself feeling more anxious lately. At first, I chalked it up to my surroundings, WORK stress, the news, and LIFE in general. But after some digging, I started to wonder if my diet had something to do with it.

A recent article from USA Today got me thinking. It listed the top 10 states struggling with anxiety, and that made me reflect on my own habits. Maybe I wasn’t eating the right things. Maybe my diet was contributing to my stress. So, I did some research, and what I found surprised me.

The Connection Between Food and Anxiety

When my daughters or coworkers say, "I'm struggling with anxiety today," I sometimes joke, "Anxiety is just that pressure on your shoulders and neck when you don’t know what you’re doing." Of course, they don’t always appreciate that comment, but in reality, there’s some truth to it. Anxiety often feels like a weight we can’t shake off.

What I didn’t realize is how much food plays a role in managing that weight. According to sources like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, and Best Brain Possible, what we eat can directly affect how we feel. Some foods can fuel anxiety, while others help calm it down.

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Simple Diet Changes to Reduce Anxiety

Before we get into what foods help, let’s start with a few simple changes that can make a big difference:

• Cut back on caffeine. Coffee and energy drinks can make you jittery and mess with your sleep, which only makes anxiety worse.
• Start your day with protein. A protein-rich breakfast keeps blood sugar levels steady and helps you feel more balanced.
• Choose complex carbs. Whole grains like oatmeal and whole wheat bread can help regulate serotonin levels and improve mood.
• Drink more water. Even mild dehydration can affect mood and increase stress levels.
• Limit alcohol. It might feel relaxing at first, but alcohol can disrupt sleep and make anxiety worse over time.

Seven Foods That Help Calm Anxiety

If you’re looking to tweak your diet to support a calmer mind, consider adding these anxiety-fighting foods:

1. Fatty Fish - Salmon, tuna, and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and reduce inflammation linked to anxiety.
2. Dark Chocolate - Good news for chocolate lovers! Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that boost brain function and lower stress hormones.
3. Berries - Strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are packed with vitamin C, which helps the brain handle stress more efficiently.
4. Bananas - These aren’t just a grab-and-go snack, they’re natural beta-blockers that reduce the physical effects of stress, like a racing heart.
5. Asparagus - High in folate, asparagus helps regulate mood and may help lower anxiety levels.
6. Kiwis - Kiwis are rich in vitamin C, E, and folate—all of which play a role in brain health and mood regulation.
7. Chamomile Tea - Chamomile has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for relaxation, anxiety, depression, and even insomnia.

The Bottom Line

I’m not saying food is the magic cure for anxiety, but after adjusting my diet and adding more of these foods, I’ve noticed a difference. If you’ve been feeling more stressed lately, maybe it's worth looking at what’s on your plate. Small changes can make a big impact.

Want to learn more? Check out the video below for a deeper dive into how nutrition affects anxiety, depression, and sleep!