Caffeine, Sugar and Processed Foods: Their Hidden Role in Worsening Anxiety
Publication Date : 31-10-2025
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Abstract :
One of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the world is anxiety disorders, to which teenagers and young adults are particularly susceptible. As a stimulant of the central nervous system, caffeine disrupts the equilibrium of neurotransmitters and adenosine receptors, resulting in symptoms like sleeplessness, restlessness, and irritability. Anxiety and mood instability are exacerbated by high-sugar diets because they alter blood glucose levels, trigger stress response, and increase inflammation. Similarly, consuming ultra-processed foods (UPF) frequently, which are high in carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and additives, causes oxidative stress and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, both of which have a detrimental effect on mental health. The synergistic effects of these dietary components amplify anxiety risk. Promoting balanced diets, such as the Mediterranean diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients, may offer protective effects against anxiety and enhance overall mental health.
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