A lot of people confuse anxiety with enthusiasm. When they really want to say, "I'm excited about..." but end up saying, "I'm anxious for..." It would seem that the moments of excitement in our life are shorter lived. Whereas worry might have a negative impact for many days.
Anxiety over how other people see us and whether or not we measure up to expectations is at the root of social anxiety. This makes individuals lose interest in enjoying the better things in life.
Social Anxiety Vs. Fermented Foods
Relationships. Friendships. Festivals, fairs, plays, and backyard barbecues. In the outdoors. You may suffer from social anxiety if you associate them with bad emotions. Similarities were sought between fermented foods and social anxiety in a research published in Psychiatry Research.
Seven hundred students were polled on their diets and attitudes toward fermented foods. They were questioned on various topics, including their use of fermented foods during the previous 30 days. Consumption of fermented foods was associated with lower signs of social anxiety. One other factor was activity level; individuals who consumed more fermented foods also seemed to engage in exercise.
Getting some exercise is a great way to "loosen up" and get the blood pumping; therefore, this is a significant factor. Positivity may be easily achieved by doing something as simple as getting a good night's sleep.
RELATED: 4 Ways To Get Your Social Anxiety Under Control
Pro Pro-biotic
The way we think affects how we feel physically. When you're anxious, your heart races, your sweat glands swell, your skin becomes red (flushes or blushes), your muscles tense up, and your digestive system gets a jolt. The importance of the gut-brain axis is emphasized heavily in the research. The research suggests that the probiotic bacteria in our guts transmit signals to our brains that help determine how we're feeling. Fermented foods include probiotics that aid in producing the chemical messenger gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
The neurotransmitter GABA isn't required for normal body function, but it's routinely prescribed for conditions including anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, and hypertension. GABA is a natural supplement with the same effects as pharmaceutical antidepressants and tranquilizers. If you're feeling anxious or on edge about an upcoming social gathering, a pickle may help calm your nerves.
5 Foods Better For Anxiety Than Meds
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, especially naturally fermented varieties rich in lactic acid and probiotics, may calm an anxious stomach by aiding digestion.
Sauerkraut is great for your digestive system and general well-being if it is raw and natural.
Pickles
Pickled cucumbers are a delicious fermented snack full of beneficial minerals and vitamins (including vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and folate).
They aid in liver function and have high levels of antioxidants naturally—yet another fermented snack with beneficial bacteria for the digestive tract.
Tempeh
Tempeh, a fermented dish from Indonesia, has many of the same nutritional advantages as tofu but is far more flavorful.
Even though it requires more work than pickling, tempeh may be preferable because of its many health benefits, including its ability to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer and to promote healthy digestion thanks to its high content of vitamin K and beneficial probiotic bacteria.
RELATED: 4 Tips to Decrease Anxiety Throughout the Day
Kimchi
Kimchi, a traditional Korean food made from fermented cabbage, has several health benefits beyond merely those associated with probiotics.
Kimchi aids digestion and protects against stomach cancer and ulcers, in addition to lowering cholesterol.
Fermented Onions
The fermented onions will take your mind off the crowds and your social anxieties, but you may also want to chew gum. The pungent odor of fermented onions indicates that the fermentation process was successful, making them a useful weapon in fighting for a healthy gut and heart.