Does any know about or had any experiences with salt intake affecting anxiety levels?

About six months ago I cut added salt out of all our home cooking (for blood pressure reduction), and have become aware how salty restaurant food really can be. I had a lunch today that was quite salty, and in the hours following had a mild panic attack (I haven't had one in a long time) so it really surprised me. There we no other major stessors at the time.

Normally I stay away from anything very salty, just to help keep my blood pressure down.

Or are there any foods / additives that counteract the effects of Xanax type medications?

Maybe the guy in the restaurant dropped half a bag of MSG in my soup by accident! LOL

Hi Frank!

Yes, certain foods or condiments can worsen anxiety. Dairy products, chocolate, sugar, alcohol, wheat, salt, commercial salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, coffee, black tea, and red meat may worsen anxiety symptoms. High-nutrient foods such as vegetables, brown rice, whole grains, seeds and nuts, fruits, poultry, fish, olive oil, and flax seeds/oil can help relieve stress and prevent anxiety.

That is great that you are taking steps to improve your health. As far as food interactions with xanax, I am not sure. I was on klonopin and do not remember any food interaction issues.

Hope this helps!

Thanks schnauzermom!

I think I'll make my own lunches to take work! That's the only way to reduce all those refined ingredients, and it's cheaper anyway.

I like Japanese food alot, especially lots of fish and rice, but they do like to use tonnes of preservatives, MSG, dressings etc.