5 FOODS THAT CAUSE ANXIETY, INSOMNIA
From excessive coffee and refined sugar to even tomatoes, here’s a list of foods that may be making you restless. Moderation is essential
Abhinav Verma
Anxiety is one of the leading causes of insomnia. In most cases, we think that anxiety is psychological, and which is true but did you know the food you eat also affects anxiety? Eating the right food at the right time can help you to balance your nervous system, which can prevent anxiety. We got in touch with nutritionists Kavita Devgan and Tripti Tandon to know more about foods that might be triggering anxiety, and even sleeplessness in some of us.
COFFEE
Drinking excessive coffee is the number one culprit for causing anxiety and insomnia is coffee. It increases stress hormone and it tends to block the sleep promoting adenosine receptors in the brain. Once, you have consumed it, it takes around 16-24 hours to leave our system. The best remedy is to limit its consumption, and not drink it close to bedtime.
SUGAR
One should avoid food that contains refined sugar. After consuming refined sugar, your energy level spikes because of an insulin surge and then after that, your blood sugar crashes. This leaves you feeling tired. When blood sugar levels drop from high to low, the hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released, making you feel anxious.
FOOD THAT IS AGED, FERMENTED OR CURED
Food such as cheese or salami, which is fermented, smoked or cured, causes anxiety. During fermentation process, the protein in the food is broken down by the bacteria into tiny molecules called biogenic amines. Biogenic amines tend to accumulate as the food ages. And one of the most common biogenic amines that is found in fermented food is histamine, which is a powerful neurotransmitter (chemical messengers for the brain). Histamine causes anxiety because it has the ability to increase adrenaline in our bodies.
PLANTS FROM THE NIGHTSHADE FAMILY SUCH AS POTATOES AND TOMATOES PRODUCE A NATURAL PESTICIDE, WHICH MAY CAUSE ANXIETY IF HAD IN EXCESS
ALCOHOL
Alcohol acts as a depressant, interferes with the production of serotonin (chemical produced by the brain that controls how you feel) and hinders the metabolism. You may think that it can help you sleep but it also alters your blood sugar levels, making you feel restless.
PLANTS FROM NIGHTSHADE FAMILY
Plants from the nightshade family such as potatoes, tomatoes, brinjals, and peppers produce a natural pesticide called glycoalkaloids. The pesticide kills insects and worms. But for us, they block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which eventually leads to anxiety. Thus, these veggies should be thoroughly washed before cooking, and must be had only in moderation.