TryGOLD- Free

Food therapy
New Zealand Listener|May 06 - 12 2023
We live in trying times, and a better diet may help in reducing the debilitating symptoms of anxiety.
- Jennifer Bowden
Food therapy

Question: I understand that a healthy diet can help with the treatment of depression, but does diet have any impact on anxiety? I have been diagnosed with a generalised anxiety disorder.

Answer:

The cost-of-living crisis along with the global pandemic have given many people plenty to worry about. Yet even before the pandemic began, researchers had identified a substantial increase in general anxiety in recent decades. Rates of anxiety and depression globally climbed a further 25% in the first year of the Covid-19 outbreak, according to the World Health Organisation. And the 2022 Southern Cross Healthy Futures Report, which surveyed more than 5000 New Zealanders, found cost-of-living stress was affecting both physical and mental health, including by disrupting sleep and exercise.

Anxiety disorders are marked by excessive worry, to the point it is counterproductive, and affect physical, emotional and social functioning. Many forms exist: generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorders and more. Generalised anxiety disorder is defined in the Lancet as "a persistent and common disorder in which the patient has unfocused worry and anxiety that is not connected to recent stressful events, although it can be aggravated by certain situations".

Observational research has long linked healthier diets, such as the Mediterranean one, to better mental health. But observational studies cannot prove that the diet caused the better mental health they only show an association between the two.

This story is from the May 06 - 12 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 06 - 12 2023 edition of New Zealand Listener.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND LISTENERView All
Sights to behold
New Zealand Listener

Sights to behold

Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.

time-read
6 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Pages of delight
New Zealand Listener

Pages of delight

Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.

time-read
5 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Heart of the matter
New Zealand Listener

Heart of the matter

Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.

time-read
8 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Balaclava beats
New Zealand Listener

Balaclava beats

Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.

time-read
2 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Friends like these
New Zealand Listener

Friends like these

One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.

time-read
2 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Irresistible force
New Zealand Listener

Irresistible force

A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.

time-read
3 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Fleeing the nest
New Zealand Listener

Fleeing the nest

A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.

time-read
2 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Life less ordinary
New Zealand Listener

Life less ordinary

Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.

time-read
7 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
Not on our watch
New Zealand Listener

Not on our watch

Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.

time-read
5 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025
No free lunch
New Zealand Listener

No free lunch

The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?

time-read
10 mins  |
Febuary 1-7 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more