Eating Your Way Out of Stress

• When our bodies are nourished with the right foods, we can better cope with stress
• Such foods include:
  • Avocados
    • Contains plenty of lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E, B-vitamins
  • Oatmeal
    • Loaded with carbs that can help with producing serotonin (the “happy hormone”)
  • Oranges
    • Contains plenty of vitamin C, which lowers blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone)
  • Berries
    • All berries are rich in vitamin C (helpful in combating stress)
    • Blueberry bonus: contains high levels of antioxidant, anthocyanin.
  • Fish containing omega-3 fatty acids
    • salmon
    • Serotonin level booster
    • Suppresses the production of cortisol and adrenaline (anxiety hormone)
  • Spinach
    • Contains magnesium. Helps to reduce migraines and headaches
  • Milk
    • High in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12.
  • Nuts and seeds
    • Contains vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc
    • Also provide vitamin E, which fights stress-related free radicals that cause heart disease
    • Walnuts and pistachios lowers blood pressure
    • Cashews are a good source of zinc – low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety and depression
      • Our bodies does not store zinc, so it is important to get a dose every day.

Healthy eating can certainly help your body with stressful situations. But, it is only a part of it. Try these in combination with health foods for further well-being:

• Exercise: exercise increases the release of endorphins.
  • Endorphins interacts with the pain receptors in your brain.
  • Endorphins creates a positive feeling in the body, similar to morphine.
  • Aim to exercise 150 minutes per week
• Find ways to relax
  • This may include breathing exercises, meditation, massage, yoga, tai chi, or just quietly reading
  • Check out the other articles on the site for how to practice breathing exercises and mindfulness
• Sleep
  • Provides essential rejuvenation time.
  • Aim to receive 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
• Make time for fun!
  • Laughter is the best medicine!

Reference:

https://www.workhealthlife.com/Article/Read/fighting-stress-with-food