Solve Math Puzzles And Memory Games to Keep Anxiety Away; Try These Foods Too!

Researchers have found that boosting activity in the brain's areas related to thinking and problem-solving may also buffer against worsening anxiety. According to the study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, researchers used non-invasive brain imaging, and found that people at a risk of anxiety were less likely to develop the disorder if they had higher activity in a brain region responsible for complex mental operations.

"These findings help reinforce a strategy whereby individuals may be able to improve their emotional functioning - their mood, anxiety, experience of depression - not only by directly addressing those phenomena, but also by indirectly improving their general cognitive functioning," said Ahmad Hariri, professor at the Duke University in North Carolina, US.

For the study, the team of researchers investigated undergraduate students whether higher activity in a brain region called dorsolateral prefrontal cortex could help shield these at-risk individuals from future mental illness. Each volunteer completed a series of mental health questionnaires and underwent a type of non-invasive brain scan known as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while being engaged in tasks meant to activate specific regions of the brain.

Anxiety is one of the symptoms of depression, therefore, in order to avoid increasing the risk of developing depression, it is imperative to also look after your diet that will help you stay relieved from excess anxiety. Here are the foods that you should include to your diet.

1. Tryptophan rich foods

Tryptophan may have a positive effect on stress and anxiety because this amino acid helps your brain produce feel good chemicals. Eat chicken, bananas, milk, oats, cheese, nuts and sesame seeds to beat anxiety.

2. Foods rich in Vitamin B

Studies have shown a link between B vitamins, including thiamin and vitamin B1 and mood. A deficiency in B vitamins can trigger depression in some people. Have chicken, green leafy vegetables, oranges, legumes, rice, nuts, eggs and citrus fruits more often.

3. High protein foods

Protein helps stimulate the production of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which carry impulses between cells. Eat foods like eggs, nuts, soy, lentils, fish, meats, Greek yogurt, et al.

4. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids may help uplift and enhance your mood. Include salmons, sardines, green leafy vegetables, et al in your daily diet.

With Inputs from IANS