12 Foods That Fight Anxiety and Stress, According to a Nutritionist (2024)

Recent research suggests that dark chocolate might help you feel centered and calm.

By Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT
12 Foods That Fight Anxiety and Stress, According to a Nutritionist (1)

For approximately 31% of Americans, anxiety can manifest itself as a debilitating disorder at some point in their life — women are almost twice as likely as men to develop one, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Nearly anyone would admit they're overworked, stressed, exhausted, and burnt out — but changing what's physically on our plates may help us feel so much better.

There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting pathways in your gut may affect mental health and anxiety symptoms, adding weight to the role that the gut plays as a bodyguard to the rest of your immune and neurological systems. In addition to adequate therapy and treatments prescribed by your care provider, a wholesome diet can help boost the natural prowess of your GI tract and could serve as yet another way to help regular your mood. A large meta-analysis of randomized control trials published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine in 2019 found that adopting a healthier diet significantly reduced depressive symptoms associated with anxiety disorders — and the research also suggested that women especially reaped significant benefits in dietary interventions. Placing an emphasis on veggies, fruit, 100% whole grains, nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dairy products may benefit us in multiple ways at the biochemical level.

But if you're wondering about those CBD edibles and drinks you're suddenly seeing everywhere, they may not help as much as you may think. There's insufficient reliable evidence regarding CBD dosing, safety, and the effectiveness for health conditions — and, technically, CBD is still considered illegal when used in food and beverages, until the Food and Drug Administration adds CBD to the "generally recognized as safe" list. According to FDA experts, CBD could potentially harm you by causing livery injury, affecting other prescribed drugs you may be taking, and could also be contributing to male reproductive toxicity.

Another factor to consider: Your body can use only a fraction (less than 20%) of the CBD it digests, not to mention the fact that a 2017 study found that 26 percent of CBD products tested in a randomized trial contained less CBD than advertised. Products made with CBD, just like other processed offerings, may contain ingredients that'll make anything taste better, including added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat-filled oils.

While there’s no magic food that can “cure” or “treat” anxiety and depression (talk to your doc if you’re concerned), there are a few shifts that we can make in our daily food choices that have been studied for mood-boosting properties. Assuming we all want to eat food that’s delicious, nutritious, and safe, try more of the following picks instead.

*With additional reporting by Jaclyn London MS, RD, CDN

1

Fermented Foods

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Fermented foods like miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics, the friendly bacteria that live in your GI tract and help defend against harmful pathogens and microbes. Eating more probiotics can help take care of your gut microbiome, potentially benefiting that gut-brain connection.

2

Cherries

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Cherries contain antioxidants like quercetin, which can help promote feelings of calmness. Eating more fruits and veggies in general has also been linked to decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression and increased happiness levels. Some studies have shown that eating five or more servings per day helps boost your mood, yet according to the Centers for Disease Control, only 10% of Americans hit that recommendation.

3

Dark Chocolate

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Its bitter flavor profile is polarizing for some, but promising research could tip the scales in favor of a frequent treat. A 2019 survey-based study published in the journal Depression & Anxiety suggests that people who eat dark chocolate regularly are less likely to report depressive symptoms. While more research is needed to confirm any causation due to the study's limited size, adding a small amount in your routine certainly can't hurt.

RELATED: 10 of the Healthiest Chocolate Brands on the Market

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4

Chamomile Tea

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Who doesn't love a cup of warm, soothing cup of tea after a long day? If you can, spring for chamomile: A 2016 clinical trial, with results published in the journal Phytomedicine, suggests that those who drank this tea over a long-term period "significantly" reduced severe generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. Chamomile's role in anxiety reduction may have something to do with it's ability to enhance your efforts to get to sleep on time.

5

Kiwi

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Some initial studies also indicate that the combo of vitamins C and E plus folate may help to reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic inflammation. Plus, they may help to promote serotonin production, the neurotransmitter associated with well-being and happiness.

6

Seafood

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Seafood is another under-consumed food in the U.S. and there’s early evidence to support adequate intake (8-12 ounces per week) with a cognitive boost and mood enhancement due to the essential omega-3 fatty acids. Try adding more salmon, mackerel, sardines, and shellfish to your plate, or algal oil if you're vegan or vegetarian.

RELATED: 30+ Easy Salmon Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight

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7

Avocado

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This nutrient-packed fruit is filled with vitamin B6 and magnesium, a combo that may help with serotonin production in your brain. Adding avocado slices to omelets, salads, and even smoothies will also help you get more fiber and healthy fats in your diet.

RELATED: 20+ Amazing Avocado Recipes

8

Beans and Legumes

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Chickpeas, lentils, beans, and legumes also provide antioxidants, vitamin B6, and magnesium. They're protein-rich powerhouses, so try them as a swap for red meat in sautés and in stir-fry dishes

9

Plain Greek Yogurt

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Yogurt provides key minerals that may help with symptoms of stress and stabilize mood, but it also provides probiotics. Look for plain, unsweetened versions with at least five strains of live and active cultures on the ingredients' list to use in breakfasts, snacks, and dips.

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10

Whole Grains

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Prebiotics, meanwhile, fuel your body’s probiotics so they can survive and thrive. Find them in 100% whole grains like oats, barley, and bran, as well as various fruits, vegetables, and beans. Eating more of these foods helps serotonin receptors in your GI tract function properly and they've been linked to reducing risk of chronic disease.

RELATED: 11 Healthiest Whole Grains You Should Be Eating

11

Milk

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It may sound like an old wives' tale, but there’s some science behind the time-honored glass of milk before bed. A cup of milk provides minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Magnesium in particular has been studied for its role in anxiety — yet 68% of Americans aren't getting enough of this mineral.

12

Pumpkin Seeds

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An ounce of pumpkin seeds provides nearly 20% of your daily value of magnesium, plus potassium. Sprinkle these seeds (and nuts, like walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, and cashews) on your meals or snack on 'em plain for a nutrient boost.

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Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., NASM-CPT

Nutrition Lab Director

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

12 Foods That Fight Anxiety and Stress, According to a Nutritionist (2024)

FAQs

12 Foods That Fight Anxiety and Stress, According to a Nutritionist? ›

eat foods rich in zinc, like whole grains, oysters, kale, broccoli, legumes, and nuts. eat foods rich in magnesium: fish, avocado, dark leafy greens. eat foods rich in vitamin B, such as asparagus, leafy greens, meat, and avocado. eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, for example, wild caught salmon.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety? ›

It's an easy technique to remember and use in the moment, it's available to us the majority of the time, and it can be a simple strategy to help us focus and ground when anxiety overwhelms. Put simply, you name three things you can see, name three things you can hear, and move three different body parts.

What foods help reduce stress and anxiety? ›

turkey and other tryptophan-containing foods, such as eggs, dark chocolate, cheese, pineapple, bananas, oats, and tofu. nuts, especially almonds — an excellent source of vitamin E that may help prevent vitamin E deficiency, which is linked to mood disorders. chia seeds, which are a good source of omega-3s.

What are 5 foods you should eat when you are stressed? ›

Foods that are promoted on the Mediterranean diet are the same foods that are good to eat when you're stressed: fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.

What are the 4 C's of anxiety? ›

More specifically we expect positive association between caring and anxiety and a negative association between the other four Cs (competence, confidence, character, and connection) and anxiety.

What are the 4 R's of anxiety? ›

One helpful way to practice Self-Awareness Self-Care is to nurture a regular habit of checking in with yourself around The Four R's of Resilience: Rest, Relaxation, Replenishment, and Release. These categories speak to four foundational pillars of personal wellness relating to sleep, stress relief, diet, and exercise.

What are the best 2 foods to rid anxiety in your body? ›

Research has linked foods like avocado, oranges, or oysters to reduced feelings of anxiety. Drinks like water and 100% fruit juice can also be beneficial if you have a lot of anxiety and stress.

What is the best breakfast for anxiety? ›

Eat complex carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals.

What food triggers anxiety? ›

If you eat lots of processed meat, fried food, refined cereals, candy, pastries, and high-fat dairy products, you're more likely to be anxious and depressed. A diet full of whole fiber-rich grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish can help keep you on a more even keel.

What 4 foods raise cortisol? ›

“Eating foods such as processed meats, high sugar foods, caffeine and alcohol, which provide little nutritional value, have been associated with more psychiatric symptoms and can increase cortisol levels—our primary hormone responsible for stress,” she said.

What is the root cause of anxiety? ›

A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are. Other mental health disorders.

How I cured health anxiety? ›

Through talking therapy, I managed to get to the potential root causes of why my anxiety surrounding health and death might be the way it is. For anyone else experiencing health anxiety I would recommend talking therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy for this reason.

What are the 3 P's of anxiety? ›

The 3 P's stand for Pervasiveness, Permanence and Personalisation. Pervasiveness looks at how much of your life a concern impacts – How big? Permanence looks at how long an issue is going to be of concern – How long? Personalisation looks at how much you feel you are to blame – How much?

What is the number one way to reduce anxiety? ›

1. Get more physical activity. If you're stressed, moving your body consistently may help reduce stress levels and improve mood. A 6-week study of 185 university students found that participating in aerobic exercise 2 days per week significantly reduced overall perceived stress and perceived stress due to uncertainty.

What is the 5 things rule for anxiety? ›

The 54321 (or 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) method is a grounding exercise designed to manage acute stress and reduce anxiety. It involves identifying 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

What is the 5 5 method for anxiety? ›

First, you may want to start with a simple deep breathing exercise called the 5-5-5 method. To do this, you breathe in for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and then breathe out for 5 seconds. You can continue this process until your thoughts slow down or you notice some relief.

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