Awesome Foods That Curb Anxiety

Meat

As previously mentioned, some researchers think that tryptophan, which is found in turkey and chicken, can positively affect an individual’s stress and anxiety levels, as this amino acid helps the brain produce feel-good chemicals, like dopamine. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which helps individuals feel calm. Beef and other red meats also contain other amino acids that are critical for one’s mental health and brain function. For one, many types of meat contain B vitamins, including thiamine or vitamin B1, which affect mood.

Similar to vitamin D, researchers have found that a deficiency in B vitamins, such as B12 and folic acid, can trigger depression in some individuals. Meats that are rich in B vitamins that help ward off anxiety include beef, pork, and chicken. Protein found in meat also helps to stimulate the production of norepinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters similar to serotonin that carry impulses between nerve cells. Higher levels of these natural chemicals have proven to boost alertness, mental energy, and reaction time.