Dietary Considerations for Anxiety

Dr Robert A. Anderson writes in his text ,"Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine", that recommendations for the nutritional support of anxiety emphasize complex carbohydrates (whole grains, brown rice, barley, millet, corn, heat), whole wheat pasta, seaweed, vegetables, kasha, and foods which contain L-tryptophan (bananas, milk, sunflower seeds). A good diet for anxiety is also low in protein, fat, and strong spices, High levels of lactate are associated with anxiety and panic disorder and therefore foods which contribute to lactate production should be avoided and include caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, sugar, and highly acidic foods. Dr Harold Mandel also suggests daily exercise and meditation can help with anxiety.