I have not found a medical term to describe the feeling that some of us with anxiety get, when we experience an anxiety fueled “emotional state of doom”. This is not a panic attack, something different. It is the WORST feeling ever, and is the hardest emotion to deal with. So, I’ll describe it with these words:
Anguish, Wretchedness, Fatalism, Despair, Urgently hopeless, Overwhelming sorrow, Acute distress.
If you’ve experienced this feeling, you know what I’m talking about. You are emotionally troubled to the point of urgently begging for it to stop. 5 seconds become 5 weeks. It is excruciating!!! Almost like a bad conscience X 100.
Years ago, before my mom’s death, I recall going to her house. She wasn’t doing well, and I found her on the bathroom floor. Her face was horrified, her skin clammy and white… She told me that she was feeling what I’ve just described to you above, yet she had no idea what it was. “I just feel so scared that something awful is going to happen… Help me,” she begged.
Last Saturday, I found myself in that same state. Prior to this feeling I had just cooked some elk steaks, and not knowing what else to do, I ate them… Within 15 minutes… The feeling was gone… Completely! How could I have just gone to both extremes so quickly?
I was curious to know what just happened. I jumped on the internet and looked up protein and anxiety, and would like to share what I learned with you.
There are foods and drinks that can affect our anxiety. I’d like for you to consider them as you think about your day-to-day eating and drinking.
GOOD Protein, Beef, Turkey, Salmon, Spinach, Avocado, Nuts, Water, Seeds, Magnesium (in moderation), Vitamin B Complex Carbohydrates, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
BAD Caffeine, Energy Drinks, Alcohol, Refined Sugar, Processed Meat
First off… When you experience a heightened moment of anxiety….eat a steak! I’m serious. You try it, and prove me wrong. Notice how you feel in 15 minutes, as I know it will help you. Experiment with the GOOD food items listed to see how it affects your anxiety level. Just try them first when your anxiety is high. When you have identified the specific foods that helps, don’t just wait for the anxiety to come, include these in your daily diet.. preventing the anxiety from coming on strong to begin with.
As it relates to the BAD list… I’m not your mother, and my intention is not to tell you what you can and can’t eat, (I’m a big Diet Mt Dew fan myself). But I want you to be aware of the things that can bring on anxiety. These things are opening up the floodgate of anxiety and pouring it into your body. You then can decide if they are something that you want to cut back on, or not… simply be aware.
I have to strongly state this. Alcohol is by far the worst anxiety inducer when it comes to heightening anxiety, (research it for yourself). The day after consuming lots of alcohol, (party), you will notice that you are experiencing some of your greatest anxiety levels. You take note, and then decide what you would like to do with your findings.
Start your day off with some protein.. You choose what kind. A scoop of peanut butter if you’re on the go. Most of us wake up in the morning with a bit of anxiety. Protein will immediately combat that as well as.
Eat complex carbohydrates as well throughout the day. Carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains — for example, oatmeal, quinoa, whole-grain breads and whole-grain cereals. Steer clear of foods that contain simple carbohydrates, such as sugary foods and drinks.
Some of you who have tried the Atkins diet, which resulted in you becoming an emotional mess… now you know why. You need the Complex Carbs to function.
Specific Foods and drinks make a difference with anxiety. Incorporate them into your lifestyle both as a daily treatment, as well as a urgent fix to that pesky anxiety that sometimes gets the best of us.
Life Coach 