If someone told you that the food you have could create a beneficial impact on your stress levels, would you believe it? In all probabilities, you are unlikely to give the matter a second thought. It is likely that you believe that stress-reducing foods are non-existence. However, you will be surprised because the food you eat definitely has a positive impact on your stress levels. It may or may not make you feel better over a given period. Foods, unlike medications, are not instantly effective. These are the natural alternatives, which can help you and begin to have some of the foods suggested you can rest assured you will start feeling emotionally better soon.
“Man should not try to avoid stress any more than he would shun food, love or exercise.”— Hans Selye
The above statement is not an attempt to sell any food stuff or products. Rather, it is precisely the information you need to begin feeling better without the help of physicians or antidepressants. You just need to pay attention to the food you eat to have reduced stress levels.
How to Improve Stress Levels With The Food You Eat
Vitamin C
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If you are convinced that what you eat can indeed improve your stress levels, try to understand why you feel cold during your finals or any other occasion. The answer to the question is because your body lacks vitamin C, which has immunity boosting characteristics.
Vitamin C can help you from getting indisposed when you are stressed particularly if you consume it regularly. However, Vitamin C will not help you if you consume it when you are already sick. You need to get vitamin C regularly in order to keep your immune system healthy.
Probiotics
Recent research shows that probiotics, which is a component of food, is helpful in promoting gut health by nourishing good bacteria. Probiotics protect the decent bacteria within your guts from adverse impacts of stress. A significant portion of your immunity relies on your guts and the bacteria within. Therefore, it could, in every likelihood make you sick if you do not pay adequate attention to the food you eat. Probiotics can be found in products such as garlic, onions, and asparagus.
Potassium
Foods that are rich in potassium such as bananas, leafy greens, salmon and sweet potatoes will give your body the hydrating electrolyte. This electrolyte counteracts the effects of a high sodium diet and reduces blood pressure levels that may have risen due to stress.
Magnesium
Headaches and fatigue can be countered by foods, which contain magnesium. Magnesium is found in foods such as dark leafy greens, avocados, almonds and pumpkin seeds.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea like chamomile is a great option if you are looking forward to having a hot coffee but find yourselves stressed to have the additional caffeine. These teas have a calming effect which may be the precise thing you need particularly when you’re thinking about chilling out and taking a deep breath.
The Food You Eat Shouldn’t Comprise Of the Following
Sodium
When your stress levels are on the higher side, cut down on certain foods. Your stress can easily aggravate if you eat food that is high in sodium. Sodium can also make you feel bloated and thirsty while also pushing up your blood pressure. These are the last things which you would want to experience especially when you are highly stressed. Your best options in these circumstances would be to have a snack on pieces of fruit rather than a candy bar.
“Reduce the stress levels in your life through relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and exercise. You’ll look and feel way better for it.”— Suzanne Somers
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Alcohol
Caffeine is generally used by people who feel stressed out for any reason, and some would even extend this habit to include alcohol. Either of these substances is good in moderate quantities, but exceeding the limits suggested can make you nervous. On occasions, they may lead to panic attacks if you are also suffering from anxiety. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you avoid these foods and continue with the foods suggested earlier.
Do not be under the impression that the foods you eat will give you a sense of positivity right after the consumption. You will be required to develop a routine where these foods will become part of your everyday diet before you begin to reap the benefits of your efforts.
