Best Foods for Anxiety and Depression
“The best way to lower cortisol in the body is to focus on an anti-inflammatory diet,” Barth says. “That means fewer processed foods and more whole foods.”Fortified whole grains and some animal sources have lots of B vitamins in them — particularly vitamin B12, which can help with metabolism of cortisol,” Barth explains. Try:
Beef.
Chicken.
Eggs.
Fortified cereal.
Nutritional yeast.These foods reduce inflammation. “The best activated form is through fatty fish, but you can also get it from some plant sources,” Barth says. Such foods include:
Anchovies.
Avocados.
Chia seeds.
Flax seeds.
Herring.
Mackerel.
Olive oil.
Oysters.
Salmon
Sardines.
Tuna.
Walnuts.
Magnesium-rich foods
“Magnesium is hugely beneficial when it comes to reducing inflammation, metabolizing cortisol and relaxing the body and mind,” Barth says. She suggests:
Avocados.
Bananas.
Broccoli.
Dark chocolate.
Pumpkin seeds.
Spinach.
Organ meats.
Eat These Foods to Reduce Stress and Anxiety