Mental and Emotional Health News ~
Panic Attacks and Anxiety Episodes Linked to Vitamin Deficiencies
For many people, anxiety is a part of their daily routine. They deeply worry about the outcome of their actions, their relationships, their job, their life in general.
Eventually this excessive worry can lead to nervous panic, which can interfere with normal everyday life and lead to other symptoms and complications.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder are conditions that affect nearly 13 million adults in the United States and are characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of anxiety towards everyday situations and events.
Often, anxiety reduces the ability of the individual to function well within society.
One of the more common causes of these panic attacks is a low serotonin level in the body. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating the feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and contentment.
Our bodies synthesize serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan, in a process that also requires vitamin B6 and iron.
Researchers found that vitamin B6 and iron levels are significantly lower in people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks in comparison to people with healthy levels of both.
A diet that contains foods high in vitamin B6 and iron is an essential part of coping with anxiety. Whole-foods, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds combined with a decrease in processed and packaged foods can drastically improve your mental and emotional health.
Below is a list of foods that are rich in these nutrients.
Vitamin B6:
Sweet potatoes, Spirulina, Hemp seeds, Green beans, Quinoa, Lentils, Oatmeal, Green Peas, Sunflower Seeds, Bananas, Avocado, Asparagus, Almonds, Watermelon, Cashews, Beans, Spinach, Walnuts, Pistachios, Prunes, Kale, Collards, Squash, Pumpkin, Brussel Sprouts, Hearts of Palm, Plantain, Pineapple, Chickpeas, Artichokes, Figs, Nutritional Yeast
Iron:
Chia seeds, Dill weed, Parsley, Sea vegetables, (kelp, nori, spirulina, dulse
Sea vegetables (kelp, nori, spirulina, dulse, etc.), Spinach, Green peas, Black-strap molasses, Quinoa, Almonds, Raisins, Jerusalem artichokes, Medjool dates, Chickpeas, Dandelion greens, Morel mushrooms, Pumpkin seeds, Hemp seeds
Increasing these foods will improve your mood, and may help prevent anxiety, and anxiety/panic attacks.