Natalya Lyaskovskaya says people who want a snack while feeling anxious could choose unsweetened Greek yogurt or an apple. She stresses that no food can reduce anxiety itself.
In an interview with Lenta.ru, Lyaskovskaya said people may eat in response not only to anxiety but also to fatigue, strain or irritation. Using food to suppress difficult emotions, she said, can contribute to an eating disorder.
She suggested taking a walk, exercising, talking with friends, reading or taking a warm bath instead. If a person cannot manage the distress on their own, she recommended seeking support from a psychologist.
The UK National Health Service includes regular healthy meals in its general self-help advice for anxiety, but does not identify any particular food as a way to reduce it.