Consider diet as a contributor to anxiety/panic attacks

lmcece · Post by **lmcece** » Sun Dec 26, 2010 5:17 am

If anyone has not considered your diet as a contributor to anxiety, please consider it. For 7 years I went to extreme depression and anxiety attacks. They were so bad that I could barely leave my house. One contributor to my anxiety was Sugar. I read the book "Sugar Blues" and it sounded just like me. So I tried eliminating sugar from my diet and at a high protein diet. Wow! What a turn around. My attacks have been almost elminated. I do still have some minor ones but I can get through that with self talk. Please look at your dietary habits and if you are eating a lot of sugar try eliminating that from your diet. Anyone can try it for a month and see if you don't feel better. Your diet could be contributing to the extreme anxiety.

wantrelief · Post by **wantrelief** » Sun Dec 26, 2010 5:25 am

I do agree that we are what we eat. I am going to really try after the holidays now to kick up a better eating plan for myself. I'm being more adventureous with good foods. the more sugar I ate this holiday, especially yesterday, the constantly hungry I was. I can't gain more weight, but yes, sugar isn't good for anxiety and neither is CAFFEINE. I'm off caffeine pop now (diet coke). Switched to caffeine free. try that too. Good comments Imcece

Paisleegreen · Post by **Paisleegreen** » Sun Dec 26, 2010 2:23 pm

I agree...I can tell if I have a protein meal...such as turkey, chicken, tuna, eggs, etc. I eat almonds and them to my yogurt. I cut way back on my sugar intake and now any sugary items I can't eat because they are too sweet!

Even though I'm staying away from chocolate and candy bars, if I do have a nibble and can taste the difference and I stop eating it. I'm just not interested, the protein meals help to keep the craving away.

I also have eliminated a lot of sodium as well. I can even taste it in the candy bars, such as Reese's Peanut butter cups, etc. I try to cook my own veggies w/o salt and add it later if it needs just a little bit at my plate. Sometimes I sprinkle it into my hand so that I see the salt crystals. It really does make a difference.

lulu79 · Post by **lulu79** » Sun Dec 26, 2010 6:35 pm

this is great info i will work on this,I am a sweet addict and I am constantly anxious. thanks

Paisleegreen · Post by **Paisleegreen** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 3:14 pm

Hi Lulu79--Me too. I miss my usual ice cream or hot chocolate w/whipping cream. But I'm really enjoying feeling better and reducing my Remeron. I'm down to 15 mgs from at one time up to 37.5mgs and working w/ any symptoms that might come my way. So far, so good, and that's with the Christmas Holiday and short days and little sunshine.

Juno · Post by **Juno** » Fri Dec 31, 2010 3:05 pm

That is so true. I discovered I had Celiac disease, which causes anxiety and depression if you eat wheat/gluten. Now I'm so much better. Just eating healthier and exercising can be amazing in combating anxiety and depression.
I think I have issues with sugar too. Another issue that can be a problem is food intolerances. They are like food allergies but more subtle. They can cause food cravings, overheating, anxiety and lots of weird symptoms. I have food intolerances and as long as I stay away from tomatoes, I'm great, super calm. From what I know food intolerances are also an immune response to food like allergies, but different in some ways. Books by nutritionists can help clarify.

flippinkid · Post by **flippinkid** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 3:14 am

I indulged in a few cookie eating sessions over Christmas and feel I have taken a step back in my progress. But I know what has caused it and am getting back on track now.
I also gained 3 pounds! Oh well