Carbohydrate-Guide

How foods may help.

Because anxiety and stress can often overstimulate nerves and cause muscles to be tight and tense, it may be helpful to eat foods rich in calcium and magnesium, two minerals that work together to help regulate nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Dietary support from complex carbohydrates, are a natural defense against stress and anxiety. The amino acid tryptophan is instrumental in the manufacture of serotonin, a mood-enhancing neurotransmitter that will help you relax and feel more calm.

Complex carbohydrates not only ensure proper absorption of typtophan but they also may dampen the stress response by elevating levels of serotonin.

A number of B vitamins help to release energy from carbohydrates, maintain proper nervous system function, and control glucose levels - all of which are useful during stress and anxiety. Specifically, vitamin B6 assists in the manufacture of brain chemicals - such as serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin - that control mood.

Anxiety & Stress Foods RX

For Calcium

• Broccoli
• Cooking Greens
• Dairy Products
• Figs

Complex Carbs

• Beans
• Potatoes
• Rice
• Whole Grains

For Magnesium

• Amaranth
• Avocados
• Sunflower Seeds
• Wheat Germ

For Tryptophan

• Bananas
• Dairy Products
• Peas
• Poultry
• Turnips

For Vitamin B6

• Bananas
• Potatoes
• Salmon