Menopause: eating for anxiety

Have you ever noticed how sluggish you feel after devouring a Big Mac meal and slurping down the accompanying large Coke? Yes, by menopausal age, you should have by now realized there is a direct correlation between what you eat and how you feel. Not only are the effects almost immediately noticeable, but in the long run, too, with indicators like weight and blood pressure.

But let’s get specific here and talk about the relationship between menopausal symptoms and food, in this case anxiety. When a woman enters menopause, her estrogen levels go absolutely nuts, and in turn, so does she. That may be an exaggeration, but sometimes you may feel that way. Anyway, estrogen controls many processes in your body, and if your body isn’t making enough, some of its jobs get neglected. Among estrogen’s duties are the stimulation of the production of cortisol, which affects cognition and also aides in the distribution of serotonin. If you are lacking in these hormones, you may feel a sense of uneasiness or anxiety.

There are several ways to balance hormones; among the least invasive is implementing lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet. Below you will find some suggested foods that are tailor-made to decrease your anxiety levels.

Food for mental health

Peaches

A satisfying alternative to a processed sugar filled dessert, peaches contain a natural sedative that can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

Acai berries

Contain phytonutrients that help lift your mood. Also ideal for maintaining a normal blood sugar level; some people feel anxious if they have unbalanced blood sugar.

Maca root

Contain phytonutrients that help lift your mood. Also ideal for maintaining a normal blood sugar level; some people feel anxious if they have unbalanced blood sugar.

Whole grain foods

Are complex carbohydrates that are full of vitamins and minerals that can help your body produce serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel good.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Are found in foods like salmon and walnuts. This essential fat is known to promote not only balanced mood, but also cardiovascular health and cognition.

Milk

Contains tryptophan that promotes relaxation. It’s also known to induce sleep, which can be helpful if your anxiety stems from poor sleeping habits.

Recommendation for Anxiety

Eating the correct foods is important as staying away from the wrong ones, which can be difficult because they are probably your favorites. Banish fried, processed, and sugar-filled foods from your menu and vocabulary. It’s okay if you slip up every once in a while, but remember, “nothing tastes as good as healthy feels.” Follow this link for more diet tips for anxiety symptoms.

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