Source ForPressRelease.com

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety. Of those, 7 million have general anxiety disorder while 15 million have social anxiety, 14.8 million major depressive disorder and 7.7 million are affected by post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. With the exception of the latter, women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders as men.



Symptoms can include fear, tension, excessive worry about everyday events/problems, irritability, difficulty concentrating, chronic relationship issues, elevated heart rate, muscle tension and tightness of the chest.

Psychologist Robert Myers, PhD. works with patients suffering from anxiety in his position at Brand New Day, a Medicare approved health plan that offers a special program for those with mental illness. He says there are a number of lifestyle changes including diet and exercise that have brought hope to sufferers along with medication and therapy.



“While exercise and meditation are both important, one’s diet can have a profound impact on his mental health,” said Myers.  “Many studies have been conducted on which foods can alleviate and aggravate anxiety.” 



Among the foods that can ease anxiety:

·      Dark chocolate – Contains a high level of tryptophan and magnesium, both known to reduce anxiety.

·      Water – A University of Connecticut study shows that even mild dehydration can cause mood problems including anxiety so drink plenty of water.

·      Fatty fish – Eaten in moderation (2-3 times/week), some fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout contain Omega 3 fatty acids that are known to regulate neurotransmitters that promote healthy brain function and reduce anxiety.

·      Eggs -- Eggs contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps create serotonin, a known anxiety reliever.

·      Yogurt -- Yogurt contains healthful bacteria and multiple studies show that they can reduce the inflammation that can help relieve anxiety, stress and depression.

Among the foods that can aggravate anxiety:

·      Soda – Sodas contain aspartame, which blocks the production of serotonin thus affecting one’s anxiety level and mood swings.

·      Caffeine – Found in many foods from coffee and energy drinks to weight loss pills and some flavors of ice cream, excess caffeine can increase one’s anxiety level. 

·      Alcohol – While OK in moderation, alcohol is a toxin that can negatively impact the levels of serotonin in the brain thus fueling anxiety.

·      Processed foods -- Generally, processed foods are high in gluten and refined sugars, both of which can adversely affect mood and increase one’s anxiety level.

·      Sodium – Foods high in sodium like pizza, fried chicken and those with a “fat free” label can trigger panic episodes and send you down a slippery slope of anxiety

“People should consider making a variety of lifestyle changes to help manage their anxiety,” said Myers.  “Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and lean protein is generally a good rule to follow.”



For those diagnosed with anxiety or any other mental health issue like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar, major depression and paranoid disorder, Brand New Day offers its Harmony Program.  Here, members benefit from a team approach to care that may involve their medical doctor, psychiatrist, behavioral health trained life coach and a nurse.



Brand New Day is the Medicare product name of Universal Care, Inc., a privately held California Knox-Keene Healthcare Service Plan licensed by the California Department of Managed Health Care and contracted with the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services as a Medicare Advantage contractor.

Established in 1983, Universal Care, Inc. is owned and operated by an experienced group of managed care executives and physicians.