Written by Ronnie Freedman, Ph.D.

If you’re eating a food by itself, the glycemic index comes in handy. Foods listed lower on the index possess less sugar which help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Balanced blood sugar levels translate into less anxiety, less OCD, less depersonalization, less depression, less fatigue, and less IBS.

Interestingly enough. we generally do not eat foods alone. We eat them along with other foods during our meals. Therefore, we are able to use other foods, lower on the glycemic index, as a buffer to counter the foods we enjoy, which might be higher on the glycemic index. This is not to suggest that one might rush to eat simple sugars such as candies or cakes along with a glass of milk all day long, although eating a dessert right after a meal rich with protein would not have the same blood sugar rise as if we ate the dessert alone.

Bottom line, one has much more control over the foods they eat to create the way they wish to feel.
Combining complex carbohydrates with lean proteins, good fats and non-starchy vegetables creates a slower rise in blood sugar levels, resulting in a calmer, more relaxed and emotionally stable individual.

This is an extraordinary fact, and is worth using. Most who struggle with anxiety are insulin sensitive. The less sugar the less anxiety. Remember, carbohydrates, break down into sugars. Even complex carbohydrates, which break down slower are still sugar based.

Fruit is simple sugar and therefore many fruits are high on the glycemic index. Grapes, bananas, peaches and most sweeter fruits are high on the glycemic index. A piece of cheese along with your fruit often helps to balance out the blood sugar surge in the body.

Every single time you combine a complex carbohydrate with a protein, good fats or non-starchy vegetables you are lowering the sugar surge to the body and helping to avoid an anxiety reaction.

Aim for meals with less sugar, and definitely avoid snacks that are lower in sugar. Avoid refined and processed treats and you will be aiding in your own recovery.

Suggestions:

Snack foods- Nuts, seeds, dairy (low fat cheeses), lean meats, nut butters on whole grain crackers.

Avoid Sugar substitutes. These create anxiety reactions. If you crave sugar terribly, have small amounts or use small amounts of honey.

Eat fruit that is low on the glycemic index, along with a protein. Aim for a protein along with every meal and snack.

When you ingest less sugar, eventually your body stops craving it. You maintain a healthy body and find your anxiety, depersonalization, IBS, depression and fatigue begin to diminish and then dissolve.