Tranquil Table

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When life feels overwhelming, remember: there’s a strong connection between food and mood. Keep these attitude-adjusting foods handy when stress strikes for a wave of calming feelings that keep worries at bay.

 

Bone Broth

Did you know intestinal disorders often coincide with depression and anxiety?That’s the gut-brain axis at work. Maintaining a healthy gut is complicated, but this gut-healing food is not. Grass-fed bone broth is high in glycine, an amino acid with calming properties — a great base for a warming winter soup.

Ghee

Ghee has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, gut-healing, and brain-boosting properties, mostly traceable to the substance butyrate. This short-chain saturated fat feeds and rejuvenates the cells lining your gut, helping your body do its thing with less effort.

Maca Root

Maca root powder is believed to have more phytonutrients than nearly any fruit or vegetable — including magnesium and iron, two important nutrients for controlling anxiety. Add it to foods or beverages to enhance stamina and energy.

Seaweed

Seaweed is rich in nutrients, including magnesium and tryptophan. It’s a great mood-boosting alternative to whole grains for those sensitive to gluten.

Oats

Turkey and bananas aren’t the only foods that contain tryptophan. Oats have plenty as well, with the added benefit of B-vitamins and lots of fiber. A bowl of warm oatmeal can boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.

Tea

The substance L-theanine is a stress-relieving compound in tea. Instead of a midday coffee — a stimulant that interferes with blood sugar and spikes your stress hormones — substitute naturally calming rooibos, chamomile, turmeric or green tea.

Grass-Fed Meat

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help control inflammation, which can be a factor in feelings of anxiety. Try omega-rich foods like Alaskan salmon and grass-fed beef to decrease inflammation and help cortisol and adrenaline from spiking.