Foods to Avoid if You Have Anxiety or Depression
Learn about specific foods to avoid if you're struggling with anxiety or depression and explore holistic treatment options at Intrepid Mental Wellness.
Intrepid Mental Wellness
1/15/20252 min read


Living with anxiety or depression can significantly impact your daily life. While therapy and medication play crucial roles in managing these conditions, your diet can also have a profound effect on your mental well-being. Certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms of anxiety or depression. If you’ve noticed worsened symptoms after eating these foods or drinks – here’s why. We’ve compiled a list of what you should consider avoiding to help improve your symptoms. Check it out!
5 Foods to Limit or Avoid if You Struggle with Anxiety or Depression
Soda and fruit juices: Packed with sugar and artificial sweeteners, regular and diet soda can negatively impact blood sugar levels and contribute to anxiety and irritability. Despite being natural, fruit juice is high in sugar, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, leading to mood swings and increased anxiety.
Processed and fried foods: Chips, fast food, and prepackaged snacks are often high in unhealthy trans fats and low in essential nutrients, which can contribute to inflammation and negatively impact brain health.
Alcohol and caffeinated beverages: While alcohol may initially feel calming, it is a depressant that can disrupt sleep, deplete serotonin levels, and worsen mood over time. Caffeine can increase heart rate, jitteriness, and restlessness, which may mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Refined carbs: Foods made from refined grains, like white bread, pasta, and rice, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, similar to sugary foods, leading to crashes that impact mood and energy.
While avoiding certain foods is important, focus on incorporating nutrient-dense options like whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, which can support brain health and stabilize mood. And most importantly, focus on balance. You don't have to cut out all your favorite foods to live a healthier, happier life. Treating yourself is important, too!
Managing Anxiety or Depression at Intrepid Mental Wellness
At Intrepid Mental Wellness, our dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioners in Denver, Colorado, are driven by a profound commitment to delivering empathetic and comprehensive mental healthcare. We believe in treating not just the symptoms, but also the underlying causes of mental health challenges.
Our holistic approach combines prescribed medications to alleviate symptoms with natural supplements that support overall mental wellness. We are passionate about getting to the root of your concerns and empowering you with a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Contact Intrepid Mental Wellness today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you manage anxiety or depression!
Providing compassionate holistic mental health care to Colorado and Arizona.
Phone: Colorado 719-505-4404 | Arizona 623-263-3590
Copyright © 2018-2024 Intrepid Mental Wellness, PLLC. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions


Content on this website is not considered medical advice. Please consult with a licensed health care provider before making any medical or lifestyle changes.
Holistic mind & body supplements & products
Contact |
Shop |
Fax: 720-899-3575