What is the one thing everyone has in common? Yes! That's the right answer. It is stress.
What do most people do when feeling stressed? The universal solution is to eat.
Stress causes many health issues. When feelings of stress come on, bodies react. Sickness can range from headaches, to migraines. Back, neck or head muscles tighten. Stress can cause a variety of symptoms from sadness, to being anxious. It can cause tempers to flare, make our hearts pound and cause sickness to claim the body. In short, stress is the cause of any number of health problems.
Over 300,000 people lose time off work because of stress related symptoms. The one thing almost everyone does when stressed is . . . Break out the junk food and eat until there is no more.
What if there was a way to still eat, and satisfy that craving part, yet help to reduce the stress levels? It is possible by choosing foods with a high nutritional value. So put away those cookies. The high sugar content is not good. It can spike up insulin levels and when blood sugar is high, it can lead to diabetes. Of course, when sugar levels are low, mental, physical and emotional energy decreases. Only the stress continues to increase.
According to MSN there are 9 Foods That Reduce Stress Levels Not only are they good to eat, they defend the body against attacks that cause sickness or depression.
Foods That Help Reduce Stress And Are Healthy
If the feeling of a cold is coming on, reach for an orange. Oranges are full of vitamin C. Not only does this vitamin boost the immune system, but also it helps reduce stress. It can help bring cortisol and blood pressure back to normal levels after feeling stressed.
Sweet potatoes aren't just for Thanksgiving anymore. They can satisfy the cravings for something sweet. These food gems are rich in Vitamin A, C, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, protein and beta-carotene. When choosing, get the ones that are the darkest orange in color. They are the sweetest and don't take as long to cook. When the body is under pressure, magnesium levels go down. When this mineral becomes low, it causes the body to become irritable and nervous. Sweet potatoes are just one of the delicious ways to increase magnesium. Some other choices include dried apricots, apples, brown rice, and leafy green vegetables
Turkey is an excellent stress reducer, not just for the holidays. Ever wonder why, after eating that turkey dinner, a feeling of relaxation claims the body. It is because turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This triggers the release of serotonin, which ther brain converts to a calming emotion.
Salmon is an omega-3 food source. Not only is omega3 good for reducing stress, but it keeps cortisol and adrenaline levels from peaking. Fish is brain food and it is a good source of magnesium.
Stress Causes Depression
When depressed, it can be an indication that the body is low in vitamins B6 and B12. Bananas, walnuts and fish provide an excellent source of B6. A deficiency of B12 contributes to many anxiety disorders. To combat this, salmon, seafood and meat should be in diets daily.
Folic acid, the vitamin most prescribed for pregnant women, is also good for reducing stress. This vitamin helps make dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for transmitting feelings of pleasure. This vitamin is in a variety of foods. Some of them include asparagus, dates, beans, mushrooms, leafy and root vegetables.
According to Irina Wardas Founder of NaturalCounselor.com ; the first step in helping with stress overload is to eat foods that can help reduce stress.
The next time stress threatens; don't reach for that package of cookies, chips or other processed foods. Reach for something that will not only help reduce that stress, but will have excellent nutritional value and keep the body healthy.
