Whenever people speak up about anxiety or stress, many tend to think it’s just a made-up word. But what they don’t know is that the situation can be quite severe if one doesn’t seem to take care of themselves. With the whole COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and stress can easily trigger individuals and that can result in many consuming pills to calm their nerves down. Good thing is, instead of popping pills, there’s a much healthier and easier way to calm those uneasy feelings: food.
Chamomile Tea
No one can say no to tea, especially when you have had a long, tiring day. A journal called Phytomedicine has come up with a hypothesis that there is a strong probability that those who drink chamomile regularly may experience a reduction in symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The tea can also help improve your sleep.
Dark Chocolate
For some, the taste of dark chocolate can be polarising but according to the pros, you might change your mind. Dark chocolate is still chocolate as it still contains sugar and fats, but somehow our taste buds react differently to this bittersweet delight. It is known that flavonoids in the chocolate can reduce neuroinflammation to improve blood flow as well as having a high tryptophan content that can boost the serotonin in the brain.
Salmon
We know how hard it is to say no a nice, juicy steak. However, it’s ideal to have a proper diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and what other protein besides salmon that can provide you with such nutrition. Especially when it can help maintain cortisol and adrenaline from spiking when you’re tensed. All you need to do is season it lightly with just the basics: salt and pepper. You can also add a few herbs such as rosemary to elevate the flavours of the fish.
Kale
The first thing we do when we hear the word kale is we run. The taste may be displeasing however there’s no doubt that it’s good for your health. These leafy greens contain vitamin C and beta-carotene which can help spike up your antioxidant levels. So the next time you’re trying to make a salad with the regular iceberg lettuce, you should try switching things up with kale instead.
Not only does fermented food help build a strong immune system, but it can also help with your gut microbiome. Foods such as miso, sauerkraut and kimchi contain probiotics so you can say no to all the supplement pills you’re consuming to maintain a stable immune system.
Pictures by Sebastian Coman Photography, Dan Gold. Dovile Ramoskaite, Portuguese Gravity, David B Townsend & Lisa Hobbs