Health experts estimate that there are 40 million adults over the age of 18 that have some sort of anxiety disorder. In fact, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States. If you experience mild anxiety that does not require treatment, you may benefit from alternative treatments. With your doctor’s approval, you may use such treatments to enhance traditional treatment, such as anti-anxiety medication or talk therapy. 

The purpose of alternative treatments is to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve overall health without adding unnecessary side effects. While alternative therapies may help reduce anxiety, they may not work instantaneously. You may need to practice them for several weeks to see results. For example, if you are having a severe bout of anxiety, an alternative therapy may not be enough on its own. Continue reading to learn more about alternative treatments that may help reduce anxiety.

Eat A Balanced Diet

According to a 2021 study, following eating patterns that align with dietary recommendations and nutrient requirements may help prevent and treat depression and anxiety. The field of nutritional psychiatry explores the relationship between nutrition, mental health, and mental function. In order to avoid anxiety symptoms, experts suggest that you:

• Eat regular meals, as that can help you avoid low blood sugar, which can produce anxiety symptoms.
• Avoid smoking because nicotine can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, mimicking symptoms of anxiety.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean meats. 
• Drink more water to avoid dehydration, as properly hydrated people have a lower risk of stress. 
• Avoid drinking soda to reduce your intake of caffeine and sugar, two ingredients that can contribute to anxiety.
• Avoid foods that are high in sugar because a sugar rush can trigger a panic attack.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

A 2019 study found that sleep can calm and reset an anxious brain. Sleep experts encourage people to get between six to eight hours of quality sleep every night. If you have trouble sleeping, you may benefit from:

• Exposing yourself to bright sunlight early in the morning and reducing blue light exposure in the evening, especially bright screens within an hour or two of bedtime.
• Going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day.
• Getting regular exercise, as physical activity can help burn off energy.
• Taking short naps (15 to 20 minutes) in the early afternoon to avoid sleep troubles at bedtime. 
• Spending more time outside during the day to expose yourself to natural light. 
• Making sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and comfortable.

Avoid Alcohol And Nicotine

People with anxiety often use alcohol and nicotine to relieve symptoms. Unfortunately, that relief is only temporary. Alcohol and nicotine can both worsen symptoms of anxiety and make them occur more frequently. A 2019 study involving teenagers found that the use of alcohol and nicotine increased the risk of mental health conditions. The group that used alcohol and nicotine were in more distress than those who did not. 

Ease Up On The Caffeine

That morning cup of Joe may put a little pep in your step, but having too much caffeine can give you unnecessary jitters. Too much caffeine in your system can decrease your ability to handle anxiety well. According to a 2017 research review, some people can experience anxiety from consuming caffeine in amounts as low as 200 milligrams per day. That equates to about two cups of coffee. Regarding the review, most of the studies involved people under psychiatric treatment, or people with an existing anxiety disorder. 

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques can be very effective for reducing anxiety. Meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises are just a few techniques that can help you relax the mind and body. Meditation, for example, doesn’t change the world around you; rather, it just changes the way you respond to it. Studies suggest that mediation can help reduce anxiety and improve overall sleep. It changes the brain and body, improving many aspects of physical and mental health. Breathing techniques can be extremely useful, as they can teach you to control your breathing, which can prevent hyperventilating during an anxiety event. 

If your goal is to feel better, consider incorporating these practices into your anxiety treatment plan. They may come in handy when experiencing intense bouts of anxiety.

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Are you in need of a quick breakfast, post-workout recovery drink, or satisfying snack? A smoothie is an easy, versatile way to fuel your body with an array of nutrients. Knowing how to make a smoothie the right way can take your average blend to exceptional new heights. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect smoothie. We want your smoothie to be smooth, nutritious, and brimming with addictive flavors that keep you coming back for more. 

How Do You Make A Smoothie?

The answer is quite simple: you add ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Anyone can do it, but the contents of the smoothie are what make it taste terrible or delicious, and unhealthy or nutritious. A perfectly balanced smoothie should contain a blend of fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, and liquid. You can make a smoothie by following these steps:

• Add 1 cup of liquid to a blender.
• Add 1/2 to 1 cup of vegetables.
• Add 1 to 1.5 cups of fruit (fresh or frozen).
• Add a little protein (nut butter, yogurt, or protein powder).
• Add healthy fats (seeds, nut butter, or avocado).
• Blend until smooth (about 30 to 60 seconds).
• Adjust thickness with more liquid or ice. 

How To Make A Smoothie With Perfect Texture

If you want a perfectly silky, creamy smoothie that is not runny or thick, you can follow this basic formula, adjusting measurements slightly based on your preferences and taste:

• Base (1 cup): choose a liquid such as water, almond milk, coconut water, or homemade juice.
• Fruit (1-1.5 cups): use fresh or frozen fruit for natural sweetness, creaminess, and fiber.
• Vegetables (1/2-1 cup): use leafy greens (spinach or kale) or mild vegetables such as cauliflower.
• Protein (1 scoop): use one scoop of protein powder, or add a couple tablespoons of nut butter or yogurt for satiety and muscle support.
• Healthy fat (1-2 tablespoons): add seeds, nut butters, or avocado for sustained energy and added creaminess.
• Extras (optional): you can choose to add adaptogens, superfoods, spices, supplements, or ice. 

Before we give you the recipes, it can be beneficial to blend your leafy greens with liquid first to yield a smoother consistency. Once you do that, add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. 

Blueberry Banana Green Smoothie

This blueberry banana green smoothie is bursting with fiber, protein, antioxidants, and so much more. It’s the perfect go-to breakfast

Click here to make the smoothie. 

Sneaky Healthy Green Smoothie

Why is it a sneaky healthy green smoothie? It looks like a health bar concoction, but it is a light, sweet, and tropical beverage.

Click here to make the smoothie. 

Cucumber Pineapple Smoothie

Bright, hydrating, sweet, and incredibly refreshing, this cucumber pineapple smoothie is exactly what you need first thing in the morning.

Click here to make the smoothie. 

Beet Carrot Strawberry Smoothie

Loaded with beneficial nutrients from the beets, strawberries, and carrots, this smoothie is exactly what your healthy lifestyle craves.

Click here to make the smoothie.

Chocolate Raspberry Avocado Smoothie

This is a rich and creamy chocolate raspberry smoothie made with bananas, avocados, and a handful of spinach to boost your nutrient intake.

Click here to make the recipe.

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You’ve likely seen an array of mushroom-infused products lately, from mushroom coffee and chocolates to adaptogenic powders and skin care serums. Earthy, rich, and powerful mushrooms have entered the health world in a big way, but they are far from new. For centuries, people have used functional mushrooms in various health and wellness rituals. 

Functional mushrooms are not just some passing health trend; rather, they are being celebrated for their unique, bioactive compounds. Modern science is now confirming what ancient traditions understood: mushrooms have health properties that support immune function, maintain skin health, and support energy levels. 

Why Choose Functional Mushrooms?

Chaga, reishi, turkey tail, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and other mushrooms are considered to be functional mushrooms. Unlike your standard white button mushroom, functional mushroom varieties contain unique compounds like triterpenes, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. Many of these compounds, especially beta-glucans, have been studied for their effects on stress response, physical performance, skin health, and immune function. 

Traditionally, people consumed these functional mushrooms in the form of teas, powders, or tinctures. Nowadays, you can obtain these mushrooms in more easily accessible formats, such as gummies, supplements, and coffee powders. Just make sure that you do your research before you purchase products, because you want to avoid added sugars and unnecessary preservatives, fillers, or binders. 

3 Functional Mushrooms To Try

You can easily incorporate many mushrooms into your daily diet, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Not all functional mushrooms are created equal, nor do they offer universal benefits. Consider your goals before you just start taking mushrooms at random. Make sure the ones you choose fit your health and wellness needs. Below, you will find three, well-researched mushrooms that support common wellness needs. Incorporate them into your routine to help improve skin texture, beat fatigue, and support overall resilience. 

Tremella For Healthy Aging And Skin Hydration

This edible, gelatinous fungus has been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine and cuisine. Due to the high levels of polysaccharides that function similarly to hyaluronic acid, tremella mushrooms have a unique ability to retain moisture. For this reason, you can commonly find tremella mushrooms in anti-aging and moisturizing products. A small study from 2021 found that a hand sanitizer gel with tremella mushroom extract was more effective than a placebo in moisturizing the skin. Other research indicates that the polysaccharides may decrease skin damage caused by UV rays. 

Cordyceps For Energy And Endurance

Traditional Chinese Medicine has used cordyceps, a genus of fungus, to help treat kidney diseases, renal dysfunction, fatigue, and cardiac dysfunction. More recently, researchers have focused on the benefits of cordyceps for athletic performance and energy. In fact, some studies show that cordyceps help increase oxygen utilization and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. That is essential for optimal muscular function during exercise, making cordyceps beneficial for overall vitality and physical performance. A small study from 2024 monitored young adults who were either given a placebo or one gram of cordyceps prior to high intensity interval training. Researchers noted after taking cordyceps, people experienced less muscle damage and after cell repair. Not all research is consistent with these findings, though, so more studies are necessary.

Chaga Mushrooms For Immune Support

Some people refer to chaga as the “king of mushrooms” because it is rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, to which researchers attribute the immune-modulating effects. Research indicates that chaga mushroom acts as a potent immune modulator, encouraging stronger immune function by increasing white blood cell production. Additionally, researchers note that chaga aids the formation of beneficial cytokines, while reducing inflammation in the process. Beneficial cytokines are specialized proteins that regulate the immune system. That could help the body fight infections, from minor colds to more serious illnesses.

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Do you find that your desire to binge your favorite TV show is greater than your sex drive? If you fall into that category, your libido may require a little boost. There is no need to worry because roughly 15% of men and 32% of women lack the desire to have sex regularly. You are not alone, and the beautiful thing is that you can recharge your desires just by seeing what’s in your kitchen. 

You don’t need to head out to purchase sexier lingerie to spice up your sex life. Head on over to the grocery store because eating the right foods can boost your confidence, stamina, and energy levels. Studies have shown that various foods can positively impact libido. Even if you don’t notice an immediate boost in desire, certain foods have a positive effect over time. Additionally, when you eat more of the foods in this article, they positively impact your health in other ways. Because this article is focused on libido, though, let’s explain how adding these foods to your diet can supercharge your sex drive.

Avocado

When has adding avocado to your meal been a bad idea? Never, is the answer, in case you were searching for it. Avocados are naturally rich in vitamin B6, which may decrease premenstrual syndrome symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, and bloating. That may make it easier for women to get in the mood. For men, avocados may increase libido in a more indirect way. If you want more blood to pump to the penis, you need a healthy heart. Avocados are naturally rich in monounsaturated fats, which work to reduce bad cholesterol and inflammation, two things that lower the risk of stroke and heart attack. Reducing cholesterol and plaque build-up in the arteries makes it easier for the heart to pump blood where it needs to go when the mood strikes. 

Green Tea

Is a hot cup of this delicious elixir the key to heating up your sex life, guys? According to research, green tea is rich in catechins, which are compounds that work to reduce belly fat and promote blood flow. Health experts explain that catechins work to improve blood flow in two ways. Catechins fight free radicals that damage and inflame blood vessels, which in turn allows blood vessels to transport blood more efficiently. Secondly, catechins cause blood vessels to release nitric oxide, ultimately increasing the size of blood vessels to improve blood flow. Healthier blood flow makes it easier for the penis to become erect. 

Apples

An apple a day does not keep your libido at bay, or so a few studies indicate. Apples contain quercetin, which is a flavonoid that may play a role in managing symptoms of prostatitis, promoting circulation, and remedying symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED). A 2016 study found that men who had a higher fruit intake reported a 14% reduction in ED symptoms. A separate 2016 review reported that consuming 500 milligrams (mg) of quercetin helped lower blood pressure. In men, high blood pressure may lead to sexual dysfunction, as blood vessel damage impairs blood flow to the genitalia. For women, high blood pressure may decrease libido and cause them to lose interest in sex. Experts believe the reason for this is because high blood pressure causes fatigue, and reduced circulation to the vagina makes it more difficult to experience satisfaction.

Pumpkin Seeds

Zinc is integral to a healthy male reproductive system. Not only does it assist with wound healing, maintaining eye function, and improving immunity, but it also helps to boost testosterone and sperm production. Several studies indicated that low zinc levels led to low testosterone. Zinc affects the cells in the testicles that produce testosterone and one study found that men who consumed 30 mg of zinc per day were able to increase free testosterone in the body. All this is to say that pumpkin seeds are some of the best plant-based sources of zinc. Next time you need a little testosterone boost, snack on some organic pumpkin seeds!

Oysters

You have probably heard that oysters exhibit aphrodisiac properties. The reason for this is because they are naturally rich in zinc, being the richest food sources of the mineral. One serving of oysters provides you with 673% of the recommended daily intake of zinc. Studies show that zinc may be an integral nutrient for male fertility because it regulates testosterone levels. Additionally, zinc aids blood flow to sexual organs, which may improve your libido.

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Nearly 50% of the American adult population has high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is defined by a systolic reading of 130 mmHg or greater and a diastolic reading of 80 mmHg or greater. Nearly 45% of adults with uncontrolled high blood pressure have a reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher. That includes nearly 37 million U.S. adults. Additionally, about 34 million adults who should be taking medication (due to hypertension guidelines) may need a prescription or fill a prescription to start taking medication. 

The fact of the matter is that a lot of people have high blood pressure and do not know about it. That is either because they do not go to annual check-ups, or they do not monitor blood pressure at home. At-home blood pressure monitoring is easy to do, but there are many small things that can affect readings. In this article, we cover what you need to know about how to take your blood pressure at home, and how to avoid common mistakes people regularly make.

Common Mistakes

If your blood pressure reading is inaccurate, even by as little as 5 mmHg, you may not be able to effectively manage blood pressure. Essentially, you run the risk of either being prescribed medication you do not need or leaving hypertension untreated. Common mistakes you should avoid include:

• Taking your blood pressure over your clothes
• Taking readings after drinking, smoking, or eating
• Using the wrong size cuff or putting it on incorrectly
• Putting your arm in the wrong position
• Talking during the measurement
• Forgetting to rest and relax before taking blood pressure
• Crossing your legs or having poor posture
• Moving around during the reading
• Taking only one reading
• Failing to empty your bladder before taking a reading

Why Accurate Home Readings Matter

Health experts refer to high blood pressure as the silent killer because it doesn’t cause symptoms. Unless you consistently monitor it, you may not realize your blood pressure is high. Taking your blood pressure at home can help you take steps to keep it under control. The numbers you see may encourage you to exercise regularly, get more sleep, limit alcohol intake, and make smarter, heart-healthy food choices. 

Believe it or not, the readings you take at home are likelier more accurate than when a healthcare provider takes them. That is especially true if you have white coat syndrome, which causes blood pressure to go up each time you step into a doctor’s office or see a healthcare provider. It is usually caused by stress or anxiety during a medical appointment. 

Most people only check their blood pressure once per year at annual check-ups. Tracking it at home can give you a more accurate picture of your heath. The more readings you have, the more likely you are to know what your blood pressure actually is. 

Choosing the Right Monitor And Cuff Size

If you want to have an accurate blood pressure reading, you have to make sure that your monitor and cuff are appropriate for you. Your cuff should fit because if it is too large or too small, the readings will be off. When you select your monitor, look for an automatic, cuff-style, upper arm monitor that fits over the bicep. Finger monitors and wrist cuffs do not yield readings that are as accurate. 

Before you purchase a monitor and cuff, make sure to check the Validated Device Listing. It should be validated in that database. Additionally, pregnant people need to ensure that a device is specifically validated for use during pregnancy. 

Finally, measure your user arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct cuff size. Once you have your monitor, you should take it to your next appointment with your healthcare provider. They can observe whether you are using it correctly or not, as that will help you get the most accurate readings.

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Most people think of inflammation as a temporary thing. It is the immune system’s natural response to a foreign threat to the body. You get sick or your gut flares up, you adjust some habits, and things eventually settle down. That isn’t exactly how biology works, though. Past inflammation may not come and go as you suspect. It’s possible that past inflammation can leave an imprint that can shape your health, specifically gut health, in years to come. 

Recently, this idea has been gaining traction because colorectal cancer rates continue to climb, especially among younger adults who are not normally “high-risk.” Emerging data now reveals a surprising culprit, and that is the “memory” that your cells carry after inflammation seems to have healed. 

How Did Researchers Discover “Memory” In Gut Cells?

A recent study aimed to help scientists understand why inflammation is linked to cancer, especially in the gut. Scientists used an animal model to trigger inflammation in the colon, which is similar to what happens in conditions like chronic colitis. They then allowed the tissue to heal, at least on the surface. Instead of stopping the study there, scientists observed individual cells. They used advanced tools to track active genes and how accessible different parts of the genome were. Additionally, they looked at how cells passed those changes down as they divided.

This level of detail is of particular interest because the body is not solely driven by DNA. The body is influenced by the epigenome, which is a layer of regulation that determines which genes are active and which are quiet. Scientists found that, even after the inflammation resolved and tissue appeared healthy again, some cells carried lasting changes in this epigenetic layer. That suggests that although the gut healed, certain cells “remembered” the inflammation. 

Why Does Past Inflammation Raise Cancer Risk?

Later in the study, researchers introduced a cancer-related mutation. The cells that carried the epigenetic memory behaved differently. In fact, they activated tumor-promoting genes more quickly and developed bigger tumors that grew faster compared to cells without history. That revealed that there is a two-step process taking place. First off, inflammation leaves behind some sort of molecular imprint. Then, if a second trigger shows up later, the primed cells are more ready to respond in a way that encourages tumor growth.

That helps explain why not everyone with cancer has a clear genetic cause. Additionally, not everyone with inflammation develops cancer. The combination of past exposures and later triggers may tip the scales. Scientists note that this reinforces the idea that your past environment, including stress, diet, infections, and gut health, can shape your future risk in ways that are not yet visible. 

How Can You Support Gut Health Right Now?

There is no reason to panic every time you experience inflammation, especially a mild bout. The body is designed to recover from stress, but you should know that chronic inflammation is something to take seriously, even if symptoms are not always present. Your goal should be to reduce unnecessary stress on the gut. Begin by:

• Limiting your intake of ultra-processed foods can help reduce unnecessary inflammatory responses. Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods!
• Engaging in regular physical activity, as research shows that it supports gut diversity and reduces systemic inflammation.
• Eating a diverse, fiber-rich diet with a lot of plant-based foods. Fiber encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and helps regulate inflammation over time. 
• Considering a probiotic supplement, which may help support a healthier balance of gut bacteria, especially during periods of stress or illness. 

One bad meal or stressful few days will not be the end of you. This is more about patterns because the body keeps track of what it goes through. Over time, those patterns can either work for you or against you. Keep that in mind as you move forward in life.

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How many memes do you see that involve hurting your back when you sneeze after age 30? It seems almost too real, as the mere idea of bending the wrong way could throw your entire body out of alignment. There is no need to live in fear of movement! In fact, the less you move, the higher the chances are of injury. If you want to maintain healthy joints and muscles as you get older, you have to engage in exercises that increase range of motion and overall mobility.

When you take your joints through a full range of motion, you can keep them healthier and protect them from injury. Regularly practicing mobility exercises can also help you move pain-free. Ideally, you do some mobility movements every single day, but you can also have an entire workout session dedicated to mobility training. You can do full-body mobility movements or target specific areas, such as the ankles or hips. 

Don’t worry about buying equipment because mobility exercises only require your body. Do your best to do the following movements daily, or at least plan on doing them two to three times per week for optimal range of motion and muscle and joint health. 

Quadruped Thoracic Rotation (T-Spine Rotation)

This sounds like a highly difficult maneuver, but it is quite easy and targets the thoracic spine, located in the upper and middle parts of the back. By increasing mobility in the thoracic spine, you can help reduce neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders directly above your wrists and hips above your knees. 

Place your left hand behind your head, pressing it into your head with your fingertips and keeping your elbow facing out to the side. Take a big inhale and slowly open to your left, pointing your elbow toward the ceiling. On your exhale, rotate to the right as you come down to bring your elbow to the floor, keeping your hips stable throughout. Bring your elbow back up toward the ceiling on your next inhale and continue repeating the cycle for 20 seconds. Repeat on the other side. 

Shoulder Rotation

If you sit at a desk all day, then you probably round your shoulders, whether you know it or not. This is a complete shoulder mobility exercise that helps increase stability and range of motion in the shoulder joints. Begin by lying face down, legs extended behind you, fingers interlaced behind your head, and elbows out to the sides. On an inhale, lift your head and shoulders off the mat, squeezing your shoulder blades together.  Extend your arms straight out to the sides and then bring them together at your lower back. Reverse the movement to bring your hands back behind you lower your head and chest to the ground in a controlled movement. Repeat this for a total of 60 seconds and then rest. 

Spiderman Lunge

This movement works to target the hip flexors, hip abductors, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Potentially one of the best moves to help open up your hips before a workout, this dynamic stretch is a must-do everyday movement. Begin in a high plank position, shoulders stacked over your wrists, core engaged, and feet extended behind you. Step your left leg forward and plant it outside your left hand. Exhale and drop your hips slightly toward the ground to deepen the stretch. You should feel it along the front of your right hip. Step your left foot back and switch sides, stepping your right foot outside your right hand. Continue alternating this pattern for 60 seconds. 

Couch Stretch

Everyone can do a couch stretch, right? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as sitting on a couch, but it involves a couch, wall, or workout block for stability. It aims to stretch the hips, specifically the hip flexors, which can tighten and cause back pain after long hours sitting. Begin in a kneeling position in front of a couch, wall, workout block, or bed. Place the left knee on the ground and the top of your left foot against the base of the couch, wall, or block behind you. Your right foot remains planted firmly on the ground in front of you with a 90-degree knee bend. Inhale and raise your arms overhead, engaging your core and glutes to balance. Aim to keep your hips square and the spine neutral. Hold for 20 seconds and then repeat on the other side. 

Shin Box Get-Ups

Targeting the muscles around the hip joint, this exercise helps to activate your glutes before you start your day. Practicing it regularly can help reduce the risk of lower back pain. Begin in a seated position with your high leg in front of you and left leg behind you. Both of your knees should be bent at 90 degrees. Create a little distance between your right heel and top of your left knee. Before you move, think about driving your right and left knees into the mat at the same time to deepen the stretch. Maintain a strong core and long spine as you engage your glutes to drive your hips up and off the ground. You should come to a kneeling position, both knees and shins pressed into the ground. Slowly lower yourself to the ground back to your 90/90 position. Complete 10 reps with your right leg in front and 10 with your left leg in front.

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Eating seasonally is not a new concept, but it is a concept that more people should embrace. Many restaurants have seasonal menus, prioritizing the produce they can get during the given season. Most people have access to all sorts of produce items all year long because of importing. The reality is that different foods grow better at different times of the year, which affects its peak harvest season.

Have you ever noticed that strawberries and melons just taste better in the summer? Sweet potatoes and parsnips thrive in the fall and things like asparagus, spinach, turnips, carrots, kiwi, plantains, and more thrive in spring. We believe that you should get your hands on as many seasonal produce items as you can before the season ends. Plus, eating seasonally means that the fruits and vegetables you eat have a higher nutrient content. That is because produce items are richer in nutrients during peak ripeness. 

Eating seasonally is also a more sustainable way to live. It is a small effort you can make to lower the environmental toll associated with food transportation. You can easily purchase seasonal produce locally, either from farmers’ markets or local grocery stores. Lastly, eating seasonally can benefit your wallet, as in-season produce items tend to cost less than when those items are out of season and have to be imported from far away places that can grow them year round. 

Spring Cleansing Green Smoothie

Enhance your spring cleansing efforts by blending up this green smoothie, which contains enzymes that help to enhance digestion.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Seasonal Spring Fruit Salad

Craving a light, sweet fruit salad that’s versatile enough to go with any meal? This combination of seasonal fruit is exactly what you want!

Click here to make the recipe.

Green Goddess Spring Salad

It’s officially spring, which means that it’s time to enjoy as much fresh produce as possible! Indulge in this herbaceous green goddess salad.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Raw Collard Spring Rolls

Fill up on these vibrant, raw vegan collard spring rolls with a deliciously addictive almond butter dipping sauce.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Spring Salad With An Avocado Dressing

Spring into flavor with this crunchy salad that’s tossed in a smooth and deeply rich, vibrant avocado pesto dressing.

Click here to make the recipe.

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If you run to the fridge or pantry when you are upset or feel down, you are not alone. It is very common for people to turn to food for comfort as a way of coping with personal struggles or big, difficult things. When you eat in response to the emotions you experience, that is emotional eating. Almost every person does it at some point. The body needs food to survive, so it makes sense that eating ignites the brain’s reward system and makes you feel better. 

When emotional eating becomes habitual and you have no other ways to cope with feelings, it can become a problem. Eating does not address the core issue, no matter how it makes you feel in certain moments. If you feel stressed, bored, lonely, sad, tired, or anxious, food will not fix those feelings. The unfortunate reality is that the cycle of turning to food to cope can trigger feelings of shame and guilt, which are more difficult feelings to deal with. 

It is hard to get away from food, as it is the center of so many things that you do. Food is celebratory, but you can also make food for someone going through a rough time to show you care. It is only natural to have an emotional relationship or connection with food. But you want to be able to make conscious decisions about when, what, and how you eat.

What Causes Emotional Eating? 

There are numerous reasons that trigger the urge to eat. The most common external reasons for emotional eating can be: 

• Health issues
• Work stress
• Relationship issues
• Financial worry

It is more common for people who follow restrictive diets, or have a history of restrictive eating, to eat emotionally. Other potential causes can include:

• Emotion dysregulation (the inability to manage emotional responses)
• Lack of introspective awareness (realizing how you feel)
• Reversed hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) stress axis (under-active cortisol response to stress)
• Alexithymia (lacking ability to understand, process, or describe emotions)

Is Emotional Eating An Eating Disorder?

On its own, emotional eating is not an eating disorder. That said, it can be an indication of one and potentially lead to the development of an eating disorder. Disordered eating can look like:

• Labeling foods as “bad” or “good”
• Frequent dieting or restrictive eating patterns
• Irregular meal timing
• Being rigid with food choices
• Feelings of guilt or shame after eating foods you view as “unhealthy”
• Eating in response to emotions as opposed to hunger cues
• Obsessive thoughts about food that interfere with your daily life

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that eating disorders are diagnosed when a person’s eating behaviors meet certain criteria. A lot of people have irregular eating behaviors, but they don’t meet the criteria for eating disorders. It should be noted that you do not have to develop an eating disorder to seek help. Everyone deserves to have a good relationship with food. If you think that you may have disordered eating behaviors, speak with a mental health expert or dietitian to help your situation. 

Emotional Eating vs. Physical Hunger

You need food to live, so it is very natural to need food and desire certain textures or tastes. How do you tell the difference between emotional and physical hunger cues? It can be tricky because you can occasionally experience a combination of both. Here are some clues to help you tell the difference: 

• Emotional hunger comes on suddenly.
• You may not notice fullness when you eat emotionally. It does not prevent you from wanting to eat more.
• Emotional eating is triggered by the need to comfort yourself. 
• Physical hunger develops slowly over time.
• You feel the sensation of fullness and take that as a cue to stop eating when you are not eating emotionally. 
• Physical hunger is tied to the last time you ate, not how you feel. 

Are You An Emotional Eater?

People who experience emotional eating may feel:

• An urge to eat even when they are not physically hungry
• Out of control around certain foods, especially snacks
• Food is calming or rewarding
• An urge to eat when they experience powerful emotions

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It’s safe to say that everyone experiences stress at one point or another. After all, stress is the body’s natural response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is another symptom of that stress response, and it is also a natural process that most people experience at least once. Problems arise when the stress response is constantly activated, which is when anxiety may become a chronic condition, not merely a temporary symptom. 

Anxiety disorder is the umbrella term for a group of mental health conditions. Although they may manifest differently and result from certain triggers, anxiety is the core symptom. Managing chronic or intense anxiety may require professional help, but you can also develop certain coping techniques. The following tips in this article may help you relieve anxiety symptoms as they arise and before they overwhelm you. Practice them and they may become useful tools for you to manage anxiety. 

Use Aromatherapy

There is some research that suggests that aromatherapy may help relieve anxiety in certain instances. Aromatherapy practitioners and followers tend to report many benefits of using essential oils to improve mental health. Consider using a diffuser, incense, or candle at your workplace or bedroom. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are very calming scents that sooth the senses and help you calm down quickly. 

Use Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques work to connect you with physical sensations, helping to distract your focus from the stressor. Essentially, you work to interrupt overwhelming anxious thoughts by anchoring yourself in the present moment via sensory input. The 333 rule is one example of a grounding technique. Take a few minutes to identify three things you can see, three sounds you can hear, and three things you can touch. Try to spend at least one minute on each thing you see, hear, or touch before you move on to the next. A more physical way to ground yourself is to hold an ice cube, splash cold water in your face, or stretch to relieve tension. The 4-7-8 breathing method is yet another grounding technique that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to help calm the mind and body.

Question Your Thought Patterns

It is very easy for unhelpful thoughts to take hold of your mind and completely distort your assessment of something or a situation. A common example is negative self-talk or cognitive distortions. If you feel anxious or feel anxiety rising, challenge your thoughts and ask yourself what is fact and what is emotional reaction or assumption. When you meet your negative thoughts head on, you can often come to a calm conclusion and manage anxiety. 

Exercise More Often

There is a natural rise in some hormones, such as cortisol, involved with the stress response. Engaging in physical activity may help balance hormones, thereby regulating stress and anxiety. Exercise presents an opportunity to step out of your thoughts and focus on the body’s physical sensations, even if it is just for a moment. Low impact exercises like Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, or brisk walking can help you reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Physical activity can also boost your mood and calm the mind. Feeling anxious or stressed? Try doing some squats, jumping jacks, push-ups, or lunges for one minute. 

Practice Focused, Deep Breathing

There are many reports of deep breathing helping people manage feelings of stress and anxiety. An easy breathing technique is to inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and then breathe out for four seconds. Repeat this pattern for a total of five minutes to slow your heart rate, which in turn brings about a sense of calm. As mentioned earlier in the article, the 4-7-8 technique is another breathing pattern that aids both sleep and anxiety. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and then exhale for eight seconds. Repeat until you feel at ease. 

These are coping techniques to help you deal with anxiety in the moment. Managing this condition long-term may require lifestyle and behavioral changes for lasting results. 

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