In today’s time, stress has become such a common part of our lifestyle. Though its coping mechanism varies from person to person, a common way to reduce your stress is eating right. Food can be your friend or foe when it comes to stress. It can increase or decrease your stress level as it has varying properties. So it is important to pay attention to what you are eating.
There are certain foods that can help you in relieving your stress. They help you calm down and feel relaxed. They help boost the mood uplifting hormones in the body. So without any delay let’s jump right into the list.
Herbal Tea
Dark Chocolate
Warm Milk
Fish
Whole Wheat
Nuts
Citrus Fruits
High - Fiber Foods
Herbal Tea - Research suggests that holding and sipping a cup of warm herbal tea induces feelings of warmth. The soothing effects of this tea help your mind relax. You can have them in any flavor but herbs like Lavender and Chamomile are known to have greater calming effects.
Dark Chocolate - Dark Chocolate is rich in antioxidants which lower the level of stress hormones in the body. It has both a chemical and emotional impact. Eating dark chocolate feels like such an indulgence that the feeling alone can help us combat stress and feel good about our life.
Warm Milk - Warm Milk is a centuries-old formula for a good night’s sleep. It not only provides a relaxing effect on the body but also good for health. This calcium-rich food makes our bones strong and reduces depression causing elements. It can help reduce muscle stress and stabilize mood.
Fish - The Omega - 3s present in Fish helps fight depression and reduce heart diseases. The nutrients present in fish interact with brain molecules that affect our mood. Fatty fish like Tuna, Halibut, Salmon, Sardines, etc. make great food when you are feeling low and stressed.
Whole Wheat - It is proven by research that carbohydrates can temporarily increase the production of serotonin hormone in the body which helps in reducing stress. When your body has a high serotonin level it becomes easier to concentrate even under stressful conditions.
Nuts - Nuts are high in Vitamin B which is an important part of a healthy diet. It retards the production of stress hormones in the body. Almonds, Pistachios, and Walnuts also help in regulating the lower blood pressure in the body. The magnesium present in them is found to help in better anxiety management.
Citrus Fruits - Studies have found that Citrus Fruits high in Vitamin C can help in easing stress levels. Fruits like oranges, grapes, strawberries are not only good for your skin but also for your mind. Make sure to include them in proper amounts in your diet.
High-Fiber Foods - Fiber-rich foods are healthy for our gut. They are easy to digest and make us feel satisfied for a longer period of time. High-fiber foods help in fighting oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It also helps in maintaining blood sugar levels which cause fatigue, anxiety, and irritability. So, consuming a fiber-rich diet can help in combating stress and make you feel calmer.
Apart from this, there are certain foods that ramp up the production of stress in the body. Some of the major ones are - Alcohol, Coffee, Salty Crisps, Lollies, etc. Try to avoid them as much as possible or limit their consumption to a minimum. Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water so that your body does not feel much stressed.
“Eating healthy food fills your body with energy and nutrients. Imagine your cells smiling back at you and saying: “Thank you!”. – Karen Salmansohn
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