It’s wedding season and millions of brides will be preparing for the biggest day of their lives.
For many, your wedding day is one of joy but also heightened anxiety – with stats showing this is true for most in the hours leading up to the ceremony.
Champagne or prosecco is a common tipple for the wedding party, thought to relax and loosen them as they prepare for the big day. However, studies have shown that the effects of carbon dioxide in these drinks can get you drunk quicker, and seeing as many have quite a few glasses in the early hours with plans to save themselves until the speeches, this can actually trigger anxiety once the serotonin boost wears off.
So, what is the secret to calming your nerves on the biggest day of your life?
Well, starting with a nutritious breakfast full of foods known to relieve anxiety symptoms is just what you need.
To ease pre-wedding jitters, this wedding morning meal is guaranteed to leave your mind feeling clear…
Main: Salmon and eggs
A great breakfast staple – salmon and eggs are a great way to kickstart your day thanks to both food’s brain-boosting properties.
Salmon contains nutrients that promote brain health and regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin to make you calmer, such as Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Meanwhile, eggs also contain Vitamin D and are a good source of tryptophan, a neurotransmitter found to ease anxiety symptoms. If cooked in turmeric, this could increase this meal’s effectiveness as it contains curcumin, which is known to prevent anxiety disorders.
Side: Chia bowl
If you’re not quite full and looking for something less heavy but will tide you over until the wedding breakfast, a chia bowl is the perfect addition.
Start with a tablespoon of chia seeds as these are a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and mix these with yoghurt and nut milk. Yoghurt is a probiotic, which can promote gut health, reduce inflammation and increase the production of serotonin.
Almond milk helps to break down the mixture and contains Vitamin E which is an antioxidant with calming properties.
Add some blueberries that are high in Vitamin C, as well as bananas that contain tryptophan and dark chocolate which contains flavanols to help brain function. Finish with a light sprinkling of almonds which contain antioxidants to help prevent oxidative stress.
To drink: Chamomile or green tea
In addition to a glass of water to ensure you’re well hydrated, grab a non-alcoholic drink in the form of tea to wash down your pre-wedding meal.
Studies have found that chamomile contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can lower inflammation associated with anxiety and regulate serotonin and dopamine levels.
Alternatively, pour yourself a cup of green tea which contains L-theanine, an amino acid found to lower stress, target low-cortisol levels and increase dopamine and serotonin.
By Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy