Too rushed or stressed to eat well? Think again. There is a very strong relationship between stress and our physical body. Good nutrition is a major tool for stress management. But when our bodies are poorly fed, stress takes an even greater toll on our health.
Sometimes, stress directly manifests in damaging effects on the body, and indirectly augments health issues. Besides, there are various harmful physiological changes because of chronic stress.
Our abilities to make healthy food choices can also be compromised under stress. Instead of reaching for a bottle of cold drinks, and knowing what healthy options are available, we can take advantage of the beneficial properties of healthy foods and supplements.
It is important to start the day off right and make a habit of taking breakfast. When you skip your breakfast, it makes it tough to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Always go for high-fiber foods like high-fiber cereals,steel-cut oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and fresh fruit. Fiber-rich foods digest slowly and keep you feeling full. They are also great for jump starting your metabolism and stabilizing your blood sugar levels.
Your brain needs glucose to work at its best. When you eat regularly throughout the day, it helps keep your blood glucose stable. Studies have shown that more stable blood sugar levels are associated with better academic performance.
Fatty fish like salmon and tuna and nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They have been shown to reduce surges of stress hormones and also confer protection against heart disease, depression as well as premenstrual syndrome.
When you are looking for a solution to get rid of stress, no other option is as effective as Vitamin C. Consuming foods that are high in vitamins Like oranges and other citrus fruits, effectively reduces stress and boosts the immune system.
Take this vitamin regularly to lower the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and blood pressure during high anxiety situations.
Some food products are not helpful for your brain and try to steer clear of refined sugar. Don't take foods with high levels of white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
Diets low in sugar have been shown to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a peptide responsible for the creation of new neurons. Try to take natural protein like soy or seaman that will help to build muscle.
Fruits and Vegetables contain various vitamins and minerals like copper, zinc, manganese, and vitamins A, E, and C that are good for the body as well as the brain. These vitamins and minerals work to neutralize harmful molecules products when your body is suffering from stress.
A study from the University of College London discovered that people who drink tea, they distressed faster. Although, caffeine is not a solution here.
Drinking herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger can be wonderfully soothing to the digestive tract; it can help with stress by calming the nervous system in your gut.
Apart from satisfying your taste buds, dark chocolates are great for relieving stress at the molecular level. Also, coca can enhance cognitive function and moods. People who take dark chocolate daily, stay away from suffering high levels of anxiety.
Caffeine may seem to help you concentrate better but, it leads to increased blood pressure and may make you anxious, mainly if you are already prone to anxiety.
Studies have already proved that caffeine only restores what is lost through a lack of sleep. Instead of taking caffeine, always go with a natural grade booster- sleep.
Enough quantity of magnesium is compulsory for avoiding headaches and fatigue. Oral magnesium can amazingly relieve premenstrual mood changes.
Besides, increased magnesium intake has been found to enhance sleep quality in older adults. Spinach, soybeans, salmon, and other leafy greens are health sources of magnesium.
How you deal with stress is a choice. Your eating habits and stress levels depend on each other.
When you are stressed, it is common that you will wish to eat comfort foods like desserts, fast food, and alcohol, but sometimes these foods become addictions and trigger a downward spiral.
Control your stress by following a healthy lifestyle that incorporates eating well, proper rest, physical activities and enjoying your free time.
