7 Foods That Can Help Curb Your Anxiety

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If you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, you don’t need us to tell you about how some days are entirely manageable while others are completely debilitating. But how often do you turn to the foods you eat for relief rather than prescription meds or excessive solitude? These seven foods can work wonders on your anxiety levels if you consistently integrate them into your weekly diet.

1. Chia Seeds

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A 2011 study from The Ohio State University found that omega-3 fatty acids work especially well to reduce not-so-fun symptoms of anxiety. And chia seeds are loaded with these healthy fats. So make a creamy pudding, toss them in your smoothies or even hide some in your morning oatmeal.

2. Cashews

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These tasty members of the nut family are amazingly high in zinc, which has been linked to the reduction of anxiety. They’re also loaded with a slew of mood-stabilizing vitamins and minerals like B6 and magnesium. So blend some homemade cashew butter or toss a handful of these guys into your next stir-fry.

3. Rolled Oats

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Whole grains are particularly effective at stabilizing your mood because complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and don’t spike your blood sugar like refined ones do. And oats are just such a wonderful comfort food that also happen to be super nutritious.

4. Halibut

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This mild white fish comes with a surprising boost of selenium, an important antioxidant when it comes to resolving anxious feelings. And like the chia seeds at the top of this list, it boasts a hefty dose of omega-3 fatty acids as well. So start rotating this fish into your dinner plans. After all, you can only eat chicken so many times…

5. Kefir

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This funky, drinkable member of the yogurt family is chock full of probiotics, and a happy gut makes for a happy brain. The good bacteria in your digestive system plays a surprisingly major role in producing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. And if you can stomach the sourness of plain kefir rather than one sweetened with sugary fruit blends, you’ll fare even better.

6. Blueberries

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Antioxidants to the rescue! This cute little superfood packs a major punch of nutrition that can help alleviate unwanted anxiety symptoms. From vitamin C to flavanoids to phytonutrients, blueberries have the power to improve your cognitive function, as well as relax your anxious mind. So keep a bag of these babies in the freezer at all times… you know, just in case.

7. Chamomile Tea

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And where would we be without a soothing cup of chamomile tea? It’s literally nature’s medicine. A 2012 study suggests that sipping on this tea each day for a few weeks can visibly help to relieve anxiety. We keep the herbal blend stocked in our pantry so we can sleep soundly no matter the kind of day we just had.