Drink This The Next Time You're Feeling Anxious

If you've heard of golden milk, you've likely seen its benefits touted as deeply healing and restorative for your mind and body. Indeed, according to nutritionists, golden milk may be a noteworthy antidote for anxiety. As mental health has taken center stage throughout the pandemic, many have searched for new ways to soothe difficult emotions. Drinking something warm and calming has helped people from all over the world cope with the ups and downs of life.

Uma Nadoo, M.D. a nutritional psychiatrist tells Mindbodygreen that a "golden latte" is her staple for an anti-anxiety drink. This type of drink, made with turmeric and other herbs, helps combat inflammation in the body and the brain — helping you calm down faster. The outlet reports that depression can be caused by inflammation, and curcumin, a compound in turmeric, can be a helpful antidote to this issue.

"My tip: Always add a pinch of black pepper to turmeric, which enhances the absorption of curcumin 20-fold," Nadoo suggests. That way, your body can fully absorb the beneficial properties of your latte and help you calm down.

Aside from calming inflammation and providing mood-boosting benefits, golden milk also can help protect your body from stress. Healthline reports that making yourself a warm turmeric latte can fight oxidative stress as well as protect against sleep deprivation. Having your latte before bed can make a huge difference in how you wind down. Additionally, your golden milk latte may enhance your digestive and heart health. Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN tells Mindbodygreen that "because curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier, research has suggested the brain can benefit from its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant benefits and stave off conditions like Alzheimer's," 

If you're looking for another stress-busting drink to sip, a matcha latte can do the trick as well. The outlet notes that this type of tea contains the compound, L-theanine, which helps increase GABA, serotonin and dopamine levels. Soothing your nerve endings and only providing a small amount of caffeine, matcha lattes can provide a respite from feelings of anxiousness and help you relax.

After a long day, grabbing a cup of your favorite calming drink can improve your state of being rather quickly. Pick up a milk frother, find a golden milk mix that you love and feel better, faster.