Which foods can reduce your stress and anxiety?

Foods that reduce stress

According to a Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 survey, around 7 out of 10 adults had felt anxious within the previous two weeks, and for 6 out of 10, this anxiety had interfered with their daily lives.  

The rise of this mental health issue seems to suggest that the stresses of modern life is a key driver, although many factors are often at play. But what we eat is one lifestyle factor we can control - and relatively quickly.  

With the help of Nurit Raich, food scientist and holistic nutrition coach, we look at the nutrients that are thought to help ease anxiety and stress.

Magnesium-rich foods 

Magnesium is an important mineral for your heart, bones, nerves, and muscles. Because it also supports neurological functions in the brain, it's thought that not having enough may trigger mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. 

"If you're looking for foods that reduce stress, there have been studies linking magnesium deficiency with anxiety," says Raich.  

Not having enough magnesium may increase your cortisol levels, the stress hormone linked to stress and anxiety. However, research is ongoing, and there have been mixed results. While one review found magnesium could help with mild anxiety, it was not effective for people with generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder¹.  

Zinc-rich foods 

The food scientist says: "Zinc is another nutrient that has been linked to decreased anxiety."

We need zinc for cell and protein growth, tissue healing, and a healthy immune system. This important nutrient has been studied for its potential calming effect, and results are looking good.  

In a review of nine studies, people with anxiety had lower levels of zinc, compared to people with no anxiety. It also found that consuming more zinc could reduce your chances of experiencing anxiety within limitations².  

Foods with vitamin C

Vitamin C is another key nutrient in foods which can help ease anxiety, according to Raich. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that protects against cell damage, and it's thought that this helps reduce anxiety by keeping chemicals in your brain and nerves healthy. Vitamin C also helps to fight infections and heal wounds, among other major jobs in the body.  

People with lower-than-normal vitamin C levels are more likely to have stress-related illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Studies have also shown that when they consume more vitamin C their moods could improve.  

Foods with omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy, essential fats needed for things such as making cells and hormones. They can help protect you against heart disease, stroke, and cancer and help control existing conditions such as eczema and rheumatoid arthritis. 

More recently, in a review of studies that included a combined 2,240 people, omega-3 fatty acids were found to treat clinical anxiety symptoms effectively³.  

However, not all research supports these findings. Another larger review of more than 46,000 adults found limited evidence of the effect of omega-3 in people with existing anxiety⁴. 

This said, omega-3 is a healthy addition to your diet, so there’s no harm in meeting the recommended daily requirements. The latter research concludes, "the review does not undermine the potential importance of foods rich in omega-3, such as oily fish, for a healthy diet for general health." 

Fibre-rich foods

We need fibre for stable blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as good digestion.  

Because fibre contributes to a healthy gut - which is increasingly linked to a healthy brain - it's now thought that fibre may contribute to good mental health. We know that fibre promotes good bacteria in the gut, and that having these bacteria may influence your mood and how susceptible you are to anxiety disorders. 

While research needs to continue, early observational data suggests that high-fibre foods are a promising stress-relieving food group. However, there is no current evidence from trials to support supplementing fibre into your diet for relieving anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Fermented foods

Raich says that there are some studies linking our gut microbiome - the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut - to feeling good.

"This is why fermented foods, for example, kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt, and kefir can be great addition too," she explains.

When foods are fermented, bacteria and yeast break down carbs and turn them into acids or alcohol. This process has been used to preserve food for centuries, but we now know this also breeds good bacteria - called probiotics - to support a healthy gut.  

The healthy gut-brain connection is one reason why it may help to eat fermented foods for anxiety. Another is that fermented foods are made from vegetables such as cabbage, onions, radish, and ginger. These are foods that reduce stress even before the fermentation process, because they supply a range of beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C, a range of other vitamins, and fibre. 

A balanced and varied diet will gift you with all of these anxiety-reducing nutrients, while supporting your general health.

Raich shares one of her go-to prepared foods for anxiety:

"One of my favourite ways to incorporate a bunch of feel-good nutrients into one meal is to make a salad that contains spinach, avocado, lentils, almonds, salmon, and a yoghurt citrus vinaigrette - it's super delicious."

Further reading 

1. Botturi et al: The role and the effect of magnesium in mental disorders - A systematic review.   

2. Azargoonjahromi: A systematic review of the association between zinc and anxiety.   

3. Su et al: Association of use of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with changes in severity of anxiety symptoms.   

4. National Institute for Health and Care Research: Increasing omega-3 intake does not prevent depression or anxiety.