Anxiety can have a significant impact on a senior's quality of life. While various factors can contribute to anxiety, one often overlooked aspect is nutrition. A well-balanced diet filled with the right foods can play a key role in managing, and even alleviating, anxiety symptoms. Here, we'll talk about several anxiety-relieving foods, such as chamomile tea, fatty fish, and dark chocolate.
The Link Between Mental Wellness and Nutrition
Anxiety may manifest in numerous ways, such as a racing heart, constant worry, or even difficulty sleeping. Nutritional choices play a surprising role in either exacerbating or alleviating these symptoms. We can cultivate a more balanced brain chemistry, benefitting our mental well-being by choosing foods rich in specific nutrients.
Three Calming Consumables to Combat Anxiety
Here are two foods and one beverage that will help seniors maintain a relaxed and happy mind.
Chamomile Tea and its Benefits
Let's start with a time-honored remedy for soothing nerves: chamomile tea. This herbal infusion has long been used to calm the mind and promote sleep. Its power lies in an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to specific receptors in your brain helping to decrease anxiety and initiate sleep.
Our delicious recipe suggestion is a warm cup of chamomile and honey tea. Simply steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes, add a spoonful of honey, and enjoy. This beverage can offer a moment of tranquility in your day and support your mental well-being.
The Power of Fatty Fish
Next on our list is fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are necessary for brain health and can also reduce anxiety symptoms. Omega-3s contribute to the flexibility of your brain's neurons and help to reduce inflammation, which may help to lower anxiety levels.
Our simple recipe idea is grilled salmon with lemon and herbs. Marinate a salmon fillet in olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and your choice of herbs. Grill to your preferred doneness, serve with a side of veggies, and you have a nourishing, anxiety-alleviating meal.
Dark Chocolate: A Delicious Anxiety Reliever
Dark chocolate is a treat that does more than just satisfy your sweet tooth. It contains antioxidants like flavonols, which have been linked to improvements in brain function. It can also boost serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.
For a nutritious dessert, try our dark chocolate almond bark recipe. Melt a bar of dark chocolate, stir in a handful of roasted almonds, spread the mixture on a parchment-lined tray, then chill it. Small servings of this delicious bark can help reduce anxiety while providing a delightful end to your meal.
Rest Easy With Senior Helpers Yardley
The connection between nutrition and mental well-being is unmistakable. Incorporating anxiety-relieving foods into your daily diet, like chamomile tea, fatty fish, and dark chocolate, can potentially help manage anxiety symptoms.
Another way to reduce anxiety is to enlist the help of a trusted in-home caregiver. At Senior Helpers Yardley, we're here to support seniors living at home and their family caregivers. Residents of Southampton, Bensalem, Langhorne, Morrisville, and Levittown can contact Senior Helpers Yardley today for more information about our services, from companionship to meal planning and preparation. We look forward to hearing from you!