Anxiety

[Smartmam]

My anxiety leve is so high. For tiny tiny stuff I feel panic attack coming up. It effects my breathing. Any suggestions regarding to food. please

[mvillarreal]

Do you mean like what kind of food will help reduce your anxiety? I would say try going plant-based for a while and see how it feels. If it doesn't help, it doesn't help, but I find that I don't stress as much when I eat plant-based (not just vegan; healthy, plant-based natural foods).

[Jeff1943 in reply to mvillarreal]

A purely plant based diet leads to a deficiency of vitamin B12 which cannot be obtained by eating plants.

Consuming the full complex of vitamins B is essential for a healthy nervous system.

[mvillarreal in reply to Jeff1943]

Apricots, peaches, avocadoes, broccoli, bell peppers, and some other foods are very high in vitamin B12. Besides, even if you don't go completely plant-based, I find that it helps to at least reduce your intake of meat and dairy, as well as some of the "heavier" vegetables like potatoes and high-starch foods. But it's fine to have a cheat day now and then, too, especially if your anxiety is not acting up too much.

[Jeff1943 in reply to mvillarreal]

Sorry mvillarreal, but vitamin B12 is not found in any vegetables or fruits, not even trace levels. Only in meat, fish and dairy products. If you Google "sources of vitamin B12" you will find this is confirmed.

This is the reason people who only eat plants need B12 supplements or injections.

[mvillarreal in reply to Jeff1943]

Oh yeah. I guess you're right. Based on what I've researched, though, it looks like you can still get it through vitamin supplements, nutritional yeast, non-dairy milks, and meat substitutes, but anyway, you don't need to go completely plant-based to treat anxiety. But reducing heavy foods can be helpful.

[Jeff1943 in reply to mvillarreal]

For example, Medical News Today warns:

"Plant foods do not produce vitamin B-12, so it is vital that vegans find alternative sources of vitamin B12 to remain in the best health."

[Smartmam in reply to Jeff1943]

I was taking B12 and I was fine. My blood test showed my B12 level is fine. So my GP asked me not to take the supplement. I am going to start B12 tablets again .

Hopefully it will help. I don't eat meat. Not a vegetarian either. I just can't eat meat chicken.

[Jeff1943 in reply to Smartmam]

I do not know of any foods that can help with anxiety except I've heard milk and chocolate can boost serotonin levels (the happy hormone).

Anxiety can certainly make you feel breathless, it's a common symptom, but breathing is something the nervous system automatically ensures you do, you have no control over it and couldn't stop yourself from breathing if you tried. So don't worry about not getting enough oxygen.

You say that even the smallest things can bring on a panic attack, once again this is a normal symptom of anxiety where every problem is magnified ten fold by our nervous system that has become over sensitised. A leaking tap becomes a major crisis, a headache must be a brain tumour and the common cold must be the Coronovirus! Always the worst case scenario!

Panic attacks are horrible but it is 'only' a feeling, it cannot of itself cause any damage to your mind or body. This reassurance should allow you to accept panic attacks for the time being, agree to co-exist with the bad feeling but do so without fear. It is the fear hormones that you release when you are afraid and panicking that maintain your nerves in that sensitive state. Lose you fear of panic attacks and you stop flooding your nerves with fear hormones and your nervous system loses its over sensitivity - and you stop having panic attacks.

It's also advisable to identify what is causing your anxiety overload: this could be over work, worry, disappointment, loss, toxic relationships, a job you hate - hopefully not all of them at the same time😁!

Having identified the cause of your anxiety you would be advised to neutralise it even if this means ruthless drastic action by you, otherwise your anxiety disorder just goes on and on.

I wish you God's speed in your recovery and do be reassured your anxiety is following a well worn track.

[Smartmam in reply to Jeff1943]

Thankyou. Bless you. Most of the time I had everything under control.

Something just trigger it. Then suddenly I feel everything is wrong. I haven't done anything right in my life. My words just stuck inside.

Breathing, yes .

Time is going to pass. Thanks very much for your help. I have taken notes of your kind advice. 😍