Whether it’s interviewing for a new job or giving a public speech, there are things in life that can trigger an anxiety attack. It can vary from butterflies in your stomach to disabling symptoms. There are many aids for anxiety. I used to keep a container of Tic Tacks and take one, telling myself it was a pill for relaxation. I could fool myself a lot in those days. What if you can’t? Then you need some scientific techniques and if you’re focused natural, eating bananas may be one option.
What’s so special about bananas?
If you’ve ever taken a beta-blocker for blood pressure or a heart condition, you know it can actually reduce anxiety, too. In fact, it’s used for that, too. Beta blockers prevent the adrenaline that drives anxiety, from binding to the beta receptors. In doing that, it helps keep blood pressure and pulse rate lower, and also reduces anxiety. Bananas have shown to be a natural beta-blocker, with other benefits for your health.
Bananas are a good source of potassium, too.
Potassium is important for your body. It helps the body rid itself of excess sodium, which can increase the blood volume. By doing that it can help lower blood pressure. You also need it when you’re under stress or anxious. When anxiety hits, metabolism increases and potassium levels drop and need replacing. It also has B vitamins, known to aid the nervous system and contains tryptophan, which converts to serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are found in people with anxiety, but whether the anxiety causes the low levels or the low levels cause the anxiety is not known.
Timing is everything.
You can’t wait until anxiety hits to eat the banana and expect immediate relief. In order to get the best results, you have to eat a banana or two approximately a half hour before you face the stress. Eating a banana on your way to work and having a few others to snack on throughout the day might be helpful if your stress is coming from your work environment. If you’re nervous about a social situation, eat a couple before you go or on the way.
- You’ll get anxiety relief from bananas, but they can also help lower your blood pressure, and lift your spirits. Bananas are good for depression and provide relief from stress.
- Eating pineapple can also help with anxiety. Just like the banana, it helps calm the mind, but in the case of the pineapple, it’s because of the magnesium it contains. Foods high in magnesium can promote relaxation.
- Both strawberries and blueberries are high in serotonin and can help provide that calming relief necessary for anxiety. In fact, studies show that blueberries may be more effective than some medications now used.
- Make a smoothie that contains strawberries, bananas, blueberries and pineapple to help relieve anxiety. Another aid is green tea. Green tea is also known to lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
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