Anxiety, Men & Food
This time of year can heighten anxiety in many of us due to the dynamics of relationships and families. Men are half as likely to develop an anxiety disorder than women, but for those who do experience it, it can be debilitating.
Anxiety in Men
Anxiety in men can go unrecognised and there are a number of reasons for this.
🔸 Men are less likely to identify they are actually experiencing a problem and/or connect with their emotional experience of anxiety.
🔸 When they do connect with the emotion of the problem they are less likely to seek support.
🔸 When men do seek support it is generally in later stages when the situation has become more critical.
Disorders like chronic anxiety cause damage to the brain or a kind of 'negative plasticity'. To prevent this we need to look after the brain & maintain as many neurons as possible to help enhance their communication with each other.
Neurons need oxygen, glucose, nutrients and stimulation to thrive. Social support & connection, physical activity, recovery and sleep support our neurons.
Anxiety & Food
❗ Food is very powerful as it is information to your cells which create form and function.
✅ B vitamins are key for anxiety: food sources include sunflower seeds, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, walnuts, leafy greens, asparagus, almonds, whole grains.
✅ Caffeine, alcohol, smoking or vaping – these deplete or inactivate your B vitamins.
✅ Vitamin D - get tested and take a supplement.
✅ Omega 3 fatty acids - For overall brain and nervous systems health. This includes oily fish -mackeral, salmon, sardines, flax seeds, chia, nuts and seeds.
It's important to understand the cause of your anxiety alongside how you eat, move, sleep and breath.
Get in touch if you’d like to talk about your health, I’m here to help.
Deborah McTaggart is a Nutritionist in London specialising in men’s health.