Emotional disorders are one of the fastest growing health issues today. Recurring cases of anxiety are common. Anxiety is a major indicator of stress. The Nutrition Journal reports that the prevalence of anxiety disorders is reaching 16.6% worldwide. It also states that approximately 6.8 million Americans suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. Sufferers complain of mood swings and anxious, nervous feelings with out a direct motive. It seems like they cannot control their own bodies.
Complicated medications leave sufferers feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Without any other options, they often turn hesitantly to antidepressants. What they don’t realize is that their emotional well-being may be linked to their diet.
Where Food and Psychology Meet
Certain foods contain chemicals that trigger mental and emotional responses in the body. For example, children who eat a lot of sugar may feel really energized and happy. People who routinely drink coffee often feel down without their morning cup. Even those who eat a diet high in fat may feel lethargic and unhappy most of the time. If your body is unhealthy you will most likely have an emotional effect. This is similar to the way that psychological disorders occur. Only, they involve more complicated chemicals with more extreme mood swings.
Herbs and Emotions
Due to the harsh side effects of antidepressants, many choose natural or alternative medicine to relieve their symptoms. There are some herbs that have shown a promising effect on psychological and emotional disorders. Some of them are listed below.
- Passion flower
- St. John’s wort
- Valerian root
- Amino acid
These herbs have all been used in clinical trials concerning anxiety. Although they may be effective, it is important to understand their function before including them in your health care plan. Most herbs can possibly interfere with medication and other treatments. This is why you should consult with a health care practitioner before including them in your diet.
Diet for those with psychological and emotional issues
There is no specific diet for those who suffer from anxiety disorders. There are some foods, however, that may worsen symptoms and therefore should be avoided. These foods effect hormones and brain chemicals with in the body. It they cannot be avoided completely then they should be monitored closely.
- Potato chips
- Coffee ( caffeine free still contains a small amount of caffeine)
- Processed meats ( they often contain chemical and preservatives that worsen symptoms)
- All junk food( they are loaded with sugar and starch and can cause blood sugar highs and lows)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Energy drinks and meal replacements
These foods all provide very little nutrient value. People suffering from anxiety disorders should eat nutritious and healthy meals. Remember, foods that are harmful to your body are most likely harmful to your mind. These two should be carefully treated as having equal importance. This helps their body to achieve total wellness. Many times their psychological and emotional discomfort is the result of a physical health issue. The mind and body connection is one of the reasons that healthy eating is so important.