Nutrition Tips to Help With Your Anxiety
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience for mothers-to-be. However, it can be a trying time for expectant mothers due to the constant changes their body is going through. Anxiety is increasingly common during pregnancy due to a number of reasons. It’s a constant feeling of fear and worry which can range from mild to severe.
Some common reasons for anxiety during pregnancy are being afraid of giving birth, having a family history of anxiety, fluctuation in hormones, and lack of healthy nutrition.
How Healthy Nutrition Can Help With Anxiety
What you eat can have a big effect on your mental health. According to research, nutritional modifications can play an important role in relieving symptoms of anxiety and are now being considered as an important treatment modality.
Research has also indicated that poor dietary habits or a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and sodium are associated with an increased risk of anxiety and other depressive disorders. Similarly, certain nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin D or tryptophan are associated with an increased risk of anxiety.
If you have noticed symptoms of anxiety like mood swings, constant headaches, breakdowns, anger outbursts amongst others, improving your dietary habits may help! Just make sure you speak with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.
Foods That Can Help Reduce Anxiety
Some foods that you may benefit from during your pregnancy include:
Foods high in tryptophan:
- Egg
- Turkey
- Tofu
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Milk
Foods high in prebiotics and probiotics:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Yogurt
In addition, it’s also important to avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar or salt content. Also, make sure to regulate your intake of sugary drinks.
Remember, pregnancy is a nutritionally demanding state, which is why it’s important to nourish your body with plenty of healthy foods even if you don’t have any anxiety symptoms. A healthy body equals a healthy mind.
If you feel like you can relate to any of these, feel free to talk about it with your health provider. At Birthways Family Birth Center, you can talk to your midwife during any of your prenatal visits about improving your nutrition, and we’ll be more than happy to help you!