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take note! This tropical fruit is your best defense against anxiety attacks
About 7.3 percent of people worldwide suffer from severe anxiety — a broad term used to describe a variety of disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and phobias. Doctors recommend medication as the main course of treatment. However, there are many strategies you can use to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, from exercise to breathing techniques and eating foods that can help. Banana is one such tropical fruit that provides relief from your anxiety symptoms. Read on to know how.
When you feel anxious, your body releases large amounts of a hormone called adrenaline, which spreads throughout your body – causing your heart to race and your mind to jump.
Anxiety is a widespread condition that affects millions of people around the world. Even though symptoms may vary – this mental health disorder can be extremely debilitating for many people. According to experts, apart from taking the necessary treatment to reduce the problem, it is important to adopt a healthy dietary pattern that is rich in nutrients that helps in reducing the symptoms of anxiety.
Holistic dietary intake – along with therapy and medication, can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety. Bananas are a tropical fruit that many people love – because they’re packed with nutrients that really help you feel good.
How do bananas help in reducing anxiety levels?
Banana – according to studies, is a powerhouse of potassium – which has given this fruit a reputation as a solution to muscle cramps. Potassium is a star when it comes to muscle contraction and healthy communication between muscles and nerves. But it may also have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system which may support mental health.
Experts say that when you feel anxious, your body releases too much of a hormone called adrenaline, which spreads throughout your body – causing your heart to race and your mind to jump. Starts doing it. And this is where the potassium in bananas comes to the rescue – as it keeps the adrenaline in check.
Potassium is a natural beta-blocker
Studies also say that potassium acts as a natural beta-blocker – lowering blood pressure by reducing tension in your blood vessel walls and blocking blood pressure-raising hormones like adrenaline. It keeps your heartbeat steady and muscles functioning properly, including the muscles involved in the anxiety response.
In recent research conducted in China, low potassium levels were linked to higher levels of anxiety and depression – suggesting grounds for increasing potassium intake. Since one banana contains about 400 mg of potassium – eating at least one banana a day often can help keep anxiety levels at bay.
According to experts, bananas are also rich in tryptophan – an essential amino acid and serotonin precursor – which is a known building block of the happiness neurotransmitter and helps significantly in reducing stress levels.
Other tried-and-tested solutions to reduce high levels of anxiety
Doctors say that apart from eating bananas, it is also recommended that you eat a varied and balanced diet that includes high-quality, nutrient-rich carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Always aim to eat whole foods, vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, lean meat and especially fish. Other foods that may help include:
- oats
- Brazil nuts
- turkey
- chia seeds
- spinach
- green tea
- Turmeric
- pumpkin seeds
- eggs
That said, in addition to your diet, along with some other ways to support yourself during times of anxiety, you might consider doing breathing exercises. According to studies, deep breathing stops the physical symptoms of anxiety. You can try 4-7-8 breathing – a technique that involves a four-count inhale, a seven-count hold, and an eight-count exhale.
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