What beverages help calm anxiety?
Written by
Thomas Wilson
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.There are specific beverages that can help alleviate anxiety, particularly through their impact on biological pathways. I recommend these as a daily alternative to sugary drinks for my clients. The natural constituents will help regulate anxiety by targeting specific stress hormones and neural pathways. This will allow you to see that proper liquid selection can be a particular and powerful anxiety management method.
Chamomile tea contains apigenin, which binds to GABA receptors in the telomere, calming neural activity within approximately 30 minutes. Drink about one to two cups daily, especially before stressful situations. Many of my clients report that not drinking coffee in the morning has significantly reduced their anxiety levels during that time.
Lemon water is better than plain water at lowering cortisol. Studies show that vitamin C reduces stress hormones by 25%. Try starting your day with warm lemon water. This effortless action helps prevent dehydration anxiety and provides antioxidant protection.
Cucumber-Mint Infusion
- Reduces inflammatory cytokines linked to anxiety
- Provides cooling phytonutrients calming nervous system
- Steep 4 cucumber slices + 10 mint leaves in 1L water
- Drink throughout day for sustained calm
Kombucha
- Probiotics support serotonin production in gut
- Contains natural B vitamins for neural function
- Choose low-sugar varieties under 5g per serving
- Limit to 6oz daily for best results
Magnesium Water
- Regulates neural excitability via GABA pathways
- Look for mineral waters with 100mg/L magnesium
- Effective alternative to magnesium supplements
- Drink 16oz with meals for optimal absorption
Consistency is mostly key. Try subbing out one drink that raises your anxiety level each day for one of the suggestions. Be sure to take a thermos filled with cucumber-mint water with you. You will feel calmer in a matter of days. Your nervous system will respond exceptionally well to these hydration options.
Start your day with lemon water first thing in the morning. At night, add chamomile tea. Track how these changes impact your anxiety patterns. Small changes in beverages can produce significant levels of calm over time. The very next beverage could be the beginning of your process of anxiety reduction.
Read the full article: Anxiety and Diet: Science-Backed Foods and Strategies
