Breaking News:

LET'S GET MOVING WITH MARIA

Foods and drinks linked to anxiety

Jun 16, 2024, 7:00 AM

(Canva)...

(Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY – According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorder. Can the foods and drinks we put into our digestive system trigger and even worsen our anxiety levels?

In the latest Let’s Get Moving with Maria podcast episode, Maria Shilaos spoke with Dr. Julie Gatza, Health Educator and Co-founder of the Florida Wellness Institute, to learn what to eat and what to avoid to reduce anxiety.

Foods and drinks linked to anxiety…
12 minutes

The digestive system was designed to follow a couple of steps. First, it breaks down the foods we eat. Then, it pushes those nutrients into the bloodstream, before finally being carried to different areas of the body.

When people have anxiety, they don’t digest quite well. This causes them to feel gassy, bloated and irritated. Sometimes they even experience heartburn.

“This is often because of the fact that there’s just other stressors going on in the body, and there’s no way digestion is taking over as its first main event,” Gatza said.

So, what kinds of foods and drinks should we be consuming if we have anxiety? Gatza says the first rule is eating protein 3 times a day.

“I think that people have a tendency to skip eating the amount of protein that they need… You don’t want your blood sugars to dip down. That on top of it can trigger somebody to actually feel anxious and hyper,” she said.

The second rule is eating vegetables, and the key here is to have them steamed or sauteed.

“Just get them cooked slightly so that they’re easier to break down. Then you can have things like fruit,” she said.

Follow Let’s Get Moving with Maria on Facebook and Instagram.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Let's Get Moving with Maria

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

5 days ago

Adaptive resistance...

Michelle Lee

What is adaptive resistance exercise?

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Rob Darnbrough with The Smart Fit Method to learn how adaptive resistance exercise works.

12 days ago

(Canva)...

Michelle Lee

Small changes to get the year off to a healthy start

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Kerneen to discuss some small changes we can make for a healthier and happier new year.

26 days ago

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, yes. Prolo...

Michelle Lee

Prolonged sitting may increase your risk for heart disease

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Clint Anderson with CommonSpirit Health to learn the dangers of sitting for too long.

1 month ago

Walking routine...

Michelle Lee

Walk your way to a healthier life

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Dr. Julia Kammel, a sports medicine physician, to learn what makes up a good walking routine.

2 months ago

Healthy eating on a plate...

Michelle Lee

Healthy eating during the holidays

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with USU Extension's Lea Palmer to learn her tips for healthy eating during the holidays.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

Foods and drinks linked to anxiety