Panic Attacks and Food

Research has shown that certain foods can increase your likelihood of having a panic attack. While your panic attacks might not be triggered by what you eat, it is still helpful to know the foods that have been shown to increase anxiety and panic.

Caffeine
This is one is not a surprise to me. Caffeine blocks adenosine, a protein found throughout the body. Adenosine regulates the firing on nuerons in different brain regions. Caffeine has been found to increase the calcium flow to nuerons which increases anxiety levels.

Caffeine also increases the lactic acid levels in the bloodstream. Increased lactic acid levels can increase anxiety.

Sugar
Sugar can cause a dramatic increase in anxiety. Like caffeine, sugar can cause lactate to build up in the bloodstream. In addition, the ingestion of sugar causes a release of insulin which decreases blood glucose. This causes mood swings. If you suffer from anxiety you should limit your sugar intake and try to eat complex carbohydrates. Also, try eating smaller meals throughout the day.

Alcohol
Most of us use alcohol to calm down. Well, it appears that alcohol can actually increase your level of anxiety. Drinking alcohol not only increases lactate levels in the blood, it also causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This all leads to increased anxiety.

If you are suffering from anxiety or panic attacks it might be time to look at your diet. Try eliminating the above foods and see if this helps to lessen your symptoms.

Learn more on how to get rid of panic attacks.