Overcoming Agoraphobia Through Healthy Eating

Enjoying a variety of foods can rouse an interest in your diet even when you don't feel like eating. an agoraphobia diet requires a variety of foods such as:

Eat fruit and vegetables

Green leafy vegetables are especially recommended as these are a good source of folate, the nutrient that has been shown to improve mood.

Eat cereals

The sugar in many fruits, vegetables and wholegrain cereals tend absorb slowly in the blood stream and this helps to keep energy levels more stable and optimise mental and physical performance. Cereals are a good source of fibre which helps prevent constipation, a common digestive upset that occurs if you are constantly anxious.

Eat protein rich foods

Foods such as lean meat, fish and poultry are rich in protein and amino acids which are vital nutrients for the body.

Omega 3

Omega 3, the source of fatty acids found in fish, tuna and salmon are essential for good mental and physical health. There has been ample research in recent times which suggests that Omega 3 can play an important role in improving mood and anxiety disorders and may even have an anti-depressant effect, similar to some medications. Consuming 2-3 meals per week of oily fish combined with other Omega 3 foods such as eggs is a recommendation of any healthy diet plan.

Dairy foods

Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheeses are rich in nutrients and tasty snacks for experiencing low appetite. A glass of warm milk before bed is a common remedy to promote sleepiness.

Drink lots of water

Drinking eight or more glasses of water per day can help prevent dehydration and constipation. Irritability and low mood can be present even with mild dehydration.

Limit fatty foods

Restricting saturated fat food products encourages a healthy heart and a good metabolism.

Limit alcohol

Alcohol can make depression and anxiety worse since it is a depressant and chemically affects mood. Drinking can also affect quality of sleep.

Eat sugar in moderation

Sugary foods such as biscuits, cakes and soft drinks do not last long in the blood stream and can leave you feeling tired and down when it wears off. High sugar intake can make the already anxious person even jitterier.

Limit caffeine

If you suffer from Agoraphobia and / or other anxiety disorders then try to stay clear of too many caffeinated products such as coffee, energy drinks and cola drinks as it can leave you feeling worse. Caffeine can increase anxiety and nervousness and can impact on sleep quality.

Consider supplements

If you have not been eating enough good quality foods over a long period of time then vitamin supplements could help you meet your dietary needs. It may be helpful to talk to your doctor about what vitamins you may be lacking and ask about recommended supplements.

So, it can be seen that there are many different food sources that can improve your emotional health and in turn anxiety and Agoraphobia. However, getting started on a healthy eating plan can be difficult especially if your energy and motivation is low. If you draw up a daily meal plan and shop according to your ingredient list then you are more likely to eat healthier than if you had to go to the shops just to buy salad and bread. Try shopping on the internet, there are plenty of supermarkets that now deliver groceries.

Eating healthy can help improve your emotional health. Although it is just one way to reduce anxiety and overcome Agoraphobia but it doesn't solve all your problems. To manage your Agoraphobia before it gets too difficult, follow this link.