Can eating really relieve stress and anxiety? Is there anything like anti-stress foods? The answer is yes. Eating healthy has a crucial role to deal with stress. Eat when you’re stressed, but be sure that you grab only stress-fighting foods.
Foods that aren’t loaded with sugar, but are high on protein can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. So, mix cottage cheese, which is high in protein and calcium, with fruit/s that are high in Vitamin C, such as oranges. Vitamin C present in orange will fight free radicals, which release when you are working under stress.
Asparagus is high on folic acid and can therefore, help in stabilising mood swings that are common when you are under stress. Like other stress-relievers, asparagus also stimulates secretion of serotonin in the brain.
The production of serotonin in the brain is highly dependent on our diet. Eating green, yellow and orange veggies may enhance brain’s serotonin saecretion. It is because of an improved absorption of the amino acid L Tryptophan present in these vegetables that the serotonin secretion levels improve. Conversely, even though meat contains safer forms/levels of L Tryptophan, it does not match up to the absorptive ability of the acid present in veggies. So, choose veggies over meat, especially during stressful times.
Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that block the release of the stress hormone, cortisol. Subsequently, it reduces tension in the nerves and calms mind. Numerous studies indicate that high consumption of fish leads to decrease in the incidences of depression and other mental health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s. So, eat fish and feel the magic of the arch enemy of stress: omega-3 fatty acid.
Oatmeal is rich in carbohydrates, which stimulates the brain to produce more serotonin. In fact, the more slowly your body absorbs the carbohydrates, the steadier is the flow of serotonin. You will end up with reduced chances of snapping people and lower stress levels.
Spinach is rich in magnesium. If our body does not get enough of magnesium, it may trigger migraine, which would automatically make you feel fatigued and cranky. So, add spinach to your diet by slipping in a few leaves inside sandwiches or sprinkling them over salad.
Imagine that you wake up early in the morning for a job interview freaking out nervously. To beat stress at such point of time, pour orange juice in a glass and drink it. Undoubtedly, orange is a great source of Vitamin C and acts almost magically in reducing the stress hormone levels.
Skimmed milk is a terrific way of managing stress. Milk has tryptophan, which helps in making serotonin in the body and stabilising mood.
Warm milk can help you battle insomnia and restlessness. Moreover, muscle spasms and tension are struck out with the calcium present in milk.
Antioxidants, vitamin B12 and B22 present in milk remove free radicals associated with stress.
Crunch and crush some almonds to get aggression out of you. Almonds are rich in vitamin B2 and E, magnesium and zinc. The first two are primarily responsible for secretion of serotonin, a hormone which induces a feeling of well-being while zinc helps fight stress. Vitamins B2 and E prevent occurence of diseases caused by stress such as cardiovascular diseases by fighting the free radicals associated with stress.
If you don’t like almonds. munch on walnuts and pistachios. When stress invades your peaceful state of mind, the hormone adrenaline raises blood pressure levels. Pistachios and walnuts in such a case can be eaten to relieve the heart from working too hard by cutting down high blood sugar levels.
Potassium and monounsaturated fats present in avocados help in lowering blood pressure levels. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, avocados are best to eat to keep a thorough check on blood pressure.