7 Foods to Soothe Stress and Anxiety

Feeling frazzled? Reach for foods that really fight stress and anxiety, like these seven wonders of the high-wired world.

1. Nuts

Almost all nuts are good sources of vitamins B and E, plus selenium and zinc, but some nuts have more than others, so cover your bases by mixing them up.

Just an ounce -- a small handful -- will help replace those stress-depleted Bs (walnuts); give you a good dose of selenium and zinc (Brazil nuts), which are also drained by high anxiety; boost your vitamin E (almonds), which helps fight cellular damage linked to chronic stress; and may even lower your blood pressure by helping your arteries relax (pistachios). They're high in calories, so don't overindulge.

2. Guacamole

Avocados are loaded with B vitamins, which stress quickly depletes and your body needs in order to maintain nerves and brain cells. Scoop up the creamy goodness -- which comes from healthy monounsaturated fats -- with whole-grain baked chips or raw veggies. If you're watching calories, dip instead of scoop: 2 tablespoons have about 55 calories.

3. Berries, Any Berries

Blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, blueberries.

They're not just delicious; they're jammed with antioxidants, which is why they're great at countering the skin-damaging free radicals generated by stress. Eat them one by one (like healthy M&M's) when the pressure is on. If you're a jaw clencher, try rolling a frozen berry around in your mouth. And then another, and another.

4. Salmon and Other Fatty Fish

The omega-3 fatty acid in salmon, called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), isn't just good for your skin. Studies show people who eat ample amounts of DHA have a much lower incidence of depression, aggressiveness, and hostility. So this healthy fish may even help road rage! Some people report improvements in mood within days or even hours of eating omega-3-rich meals. Consider omega-3 supplements to assure you get the right amount.

5. Oranges

People who take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C before giving a speech have lower levels of cortisol and better-behaved blood pressure than those who don't take it. So lean back, take a deep breath, and concentrate on peeling a big, juicy orange. The 5-minute mindfulness break will steady your brain cells, and you'll get a bunch of C as well. (Read: Vitamin C - Stress Buster)

6. Spinach

Spinach and other happy greens (the dark, leafy ones) contain folate, a B vitamin that appears to be essential for mood and proper nerve function in the brain. Two cups of cooked spinach gives you the 400 micrograms of folate recommended to pick up your mood.

7. Dark Chocolate

The antioxidant flavonols in dark chocolate (check labels; you want 70% or more cacao) help keep your blood pressure steady and your mind sharp. They may also help counter cellular damage caused by stress. Try this when you need a mental lift: Microwave 8 ounces of vanilla almond milk on medium for 1 minute, and then stir in an ounce of dark chocolate till it melts (heat triggers antioxidant release). Delish. Just show a little restraint; chocolate packs a lot of calories. (Read: Stress and Chocolate)

Join my mailing list and receive free weekly newsletter that includes features articles about stress management, work life balance, wellness and longevity issues, updates from my blog along with my notes and features products.

You can join the mailing list Click HERE.