A poll by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reveals that Americans say that work (70%), family stress (68%), exercise (65%), and social habits (61%) have more impact on their mental health than their diet does (58%).

But that's because they don’t know the deep-fried pork sandwich or sugar-loaded soda they just downed is causing changes in their gut biome — and those changes make brain neurons misfire, triggering increased anxiety and stress.

That's significant because stress is the number one cause of accelerated aging (poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are numbers two and three, followed by smoking).

Because another APA poll shows that 37% of adults are more stressed and anxious than they were a year ago (while the pandemic was still going on), and they're concerned about their family's safety, their health, money, and climate change, it's time to put together a powerful diet plan to combat these health-damaging worries.

Antianxiety foods are those that fight inflammation, don't cause blood sugar spikes, and deliver calming nutrients.

Fruits and vegetables are beneficial since they're loaded with phytochemicals and fiber. Specifically, magnesium is known to calm. Give it a try by increasing your intake of leafy greens such as spinach and kale, as well as nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

Zinc is also linked to reduced anxiety. It's in cashews, blackberries, avocados, pomegranates, and some seeds and nuts.

And a 2015 study suggests that fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut) may ease symptoms of social anxiety.