Recent studies have shown that gut bacteria can influence your mood, and maybe even your mental health.
Fermented foods are the latest trend for boosting your good gut bacteria, since they contain probiotics, which are great for digestion.
But what about foods that fight anxiety specifically? Here are just a couple of foods that can help you fight off that feeling.
- Dark chocolate. Don’t you just love when dark chocolate shows up lists of health foods? It feels like you're cheating. However, a lot of “dark” chocolates these days can be 49 or even 50 percent chocolate, which means that you’re still getting way more sugar than cocoa. That much sugar can actually aggravate those anxious feelings, so for at least 65-70% when choosing a treat.
- Yogurt. It doesn’t even matter what kind it is (though staying away from the high-sugar stuff is always good), you’ll still get the good bacteria from yogurt that makes your gut happy.
- Miso soup. If you’re out for sushi, try some miso soup before your rolls. Not only does it fill you up, but it gives you the benefit of probiotics and soothes the stomach.
- Kombucha. Since it’s a fermented tea, it’s great for that gut bacteria we were talking about, and it’s great for encouraging weight loss. Not only will it keep that anxiety at bay, but it’s a great alternative to soda. ##MN_RESP##
- Sauerkraut. This lovely combo of cabbage and veggies goes great as a side or in a sandwich. This fermented food is one of the best for gut health, and it’ll help out your allergies too.
Do any of these foods make you feel calmer? Which ones?
