What to Eat to Fight Stress?

Posted on November 12, 2007 in Latest News

Do you the fact that simple and best tool to control stress is - diet? Stress is part of our daily life, and the foods you take can increase or decrease stress. Actually many of the foods you prefer to take increase your stress. So, there is a vicious circle forming - feeling stressed, eating stress increasing diet and further increasing stress.

By making some simple diet changes, you can reduce stress and calm your mind. Take a look at stress relieving foods and supplements.

Green Vegetables & Oil Fish

Green leafy vegetables and oily fish can control your irritation. Cabbage, broccoli, tofu cod and mackerel are full of magnesium - the number 1 stress-busting mineral. If your body lacks enough magnesium, it fails in regulating blood sugar levels. It causes stress and makes you sleep less.

Essential Fats

Oily fish is a great stress busting food. Essential fatty acids increase the levels of serotonin in your brain, the mineral that regulates your mood and ability to manage stress. To supplement your body with fish oil you can eat - mackerel, salmon and sardines. You can also take magnesium and omega 3 fish oil supplements everyday.

Carbohydrates

Eating carbs helps in keeping your blood sugar levels steady, which makes you energetic. Take in high fibre and low GL foods like oats or brown rice.

Nuts

Snacking on nuts between meals can keep blood sugar levels steady. Cashews, almonds, unsalted peanuts and walnuts are great choices. These nuts contain vitamin B complex vitamins that can control exhaustion tiredness and adrenal problems. Snack every three hours and take an all round B complex vitamin supplement.

Shellfish and Zinc

Zinc deficiency can cause stress. Zinc controls key stress control hormones - serotonin and melatonin. The zinc rich foods are - prawns, shellfish, seaweed, mushrooms turkey, brown rice, and asparagus. Also, add a daily zinc supplement to your diet.

Tryptophan

Take necessary amount of essential acid tryptophan. It gives you a good nights rest and also gives you relaxation by regulating the neuro transmitters in your brain. The foods rich in tryptophan are: bananas, milk, fish, chicken, oats, cheese and turkey. Get three portions of these in a week.

Apart from the essential diet suggestions keep in mind one thing. When you rushing for some work or busy in thinking about some important thing, you forget to eat correctly. But, we suggest taking time to relax and chew your food. This helps in better digestion and also your body gets the proper nutrients. Also, consider taking three important stress busters - magnesium, zinc and B Complex supplements - daily.

Remember that stress is part of life, its common for everyone and you are no exception. By following the above tips you are definitely at the advantage. The foods listed above help fight and cope with stress. Above all, you can have a better control on your hectic daily life.

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