Foods to Calm Shakiness
Your hands and other body parts shake slightly from the time awaken until your head hits the pillow, due to tiny muscle fibers contracting and releasing randomly. Normally, you will not notice this shaking unless it begins to interfere with normal activities like writing or eating.
Your hands and other body parts shake slightly from the time awaken until your head hits the pillow, due to tiny muscle fibers contracting and releasing randomly. Normally, you will not notice this shaking unless it begins to interfere with normal activities like writing or eating. If you experience shakiness in your hands or elsewhere, seek medical advice to determine the cause. Certain foods may help calm your shakes, depending on which diagnosis you receive.
Anxiety
Everyone experiences times of anxiety or stress, which may produce a shaky feeling. If you suffer from generalized anxiety disorder -- or GA -- you may feel tense and shaky all day, without any real reason. Whether you are anxious due to this disorder, or you have a speech that you are nervous to make, certain lifestyle adjustments may help lower your tension level. Cutting out caffeine and eating a healthier diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may calm your unsteadiness. Sociologist and psychologist, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., recommends taking time out to eat a pleasurable meal or slowly eating a decadent treat to soothe yourself and reduce stress.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when your blood glucose drops below where it should be. Hypoglycemia is most common in diabetics, but may be related to a different medical condition and occurs within four hours of eating your last meal. To avoid the symptoms related to hypoglycemia, such as hunger, sleepiness, confusion, anxiety, weakness and shakiness, eat small meals or snacks every three to four hours. Eat protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Avoid sugary foods, especially on an empty stomach. When you have blood-sugar levels below 70 mg/dL, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends eating glucose-rich foods, such as 1/2 cup of fruit juice or 1 cup of milk. Talk to your doctor about how to treat your particular symptoms.
Essential Tremor
Instead of the muscles in your hands contracting and releasing at random, as normal, if you experience essential tremor, your muscles contract and release simultaneously, causing more extreme shaking. More common in people over age 40, essential tremor can affect your hands, head, voice and other body parts. According to Margaret Stearn, a physician and author of "Embarrassing Problems: Straight-Talking Good Advice," alcohol sometimes improves the tremors, but she warns you not to overuse the remedy.
Parkinson's
Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological condition that effects the part of the brain controlling muscle movement. Although more research is needed to discover which foods might help control the shakiness you experience with this disease, the Parkinson's Research Foundation suggests that berries hold great promise as being beneficial to Parkinson's patients, along with apples and citrus fruits. Two to 3 cups of berries per week may provide healthful properties. Red and purple vegetables hold similar potential, including tomatoes, eggplant and red bell peppers. A healthful diet will minimize the disease's negative effects.
Warning
Speak to your doctor regarding your diet and your shakiness before making any changes to your eating plan.