Stress is a normal part of life. But some people have ongoing stress, or even high levels of anxiety, over things that don’t matter. What you eat can affect your level of stress and the hormones that make you feel it. This article explains what foods help relieve stress and which ones don’t.
The food you eat can trigger various physical, emotional, and mental responses. Food is truly medicine! If your goal is to relieve stress, eating the right foods can make all the difference.
So if you are feeling stressed, remember to take a deep breath and look at your food.
Here are a few foods that help you relieve stress.
- Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the best stress relievers. It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like chocolate. Chocolate has a chemical, called phenylethylamine, which acts as a mood elevator and produces a feeling of excitement.
It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural mood stabilizer, enhancing your sense of well-being.
It also contains flavonoids and magnesium, which help relieve muscle tension. And dark chocolate is especially high in flavonoids and antioxidants.
In recent studies, people who ate 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate daily for two weeks experienced lower levels of stress hormones when exposed to stressful situations.
- Nuts
Nuts are a great way to get an energy boost, and they can also help you relieve stress. Walnuts, in particular, contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve your mood and brain function.
You may also want to try almonds, which contain magnesium, a nutrient that helps you feel calm and relaxed.
- Leafy greens
Leafy greens are high in B vitamins, which are essential for a healthy nervous system and brain function. They also have magnesium and potassium, which can help relieve stress hormones in the body.
Leafy greens include kale, spinach, collards, and others. Try them sauteed, steamed, or eaten raw.
- Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits contain a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C lowers the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which can cause stress and anxiety. Eating plenty of citrus fruits can help relieve stress levels and make you feel more relaxed.
- Avocados
When you are stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can cause you to gain weight. Avocados, on the other hand, contain healthy fats that help to counteract the adverse effects of stress. They also have a lot of fiber, which helps your body digest food properly.
- Artichokes
Artichokes are rich in cynarin and chlorogenic acid, which enhance the liver’s ability to process fats.
Artichokes contain high levels of antioxidants that may help your body fight stress. They are also a source of magnesium, which is known to relax muscles and reduce tension and fiber and vitamin C.
- Chickpeas
Chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans, are loaded with nutrients that can help fight stress. They have a ton of vitamin B6, which is known to help regulate mood.
A lack of B vitamins has been shown to contribute to increased levels of homocysteine, which is associated with depression. Chickpeas also contain minerals like calcium and magnesium that promote relaxation when absorbed by the body.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce stress hormones. They can also increase the production of dopamine, a chemical that helps regulate your mood.
- Brocolli
Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, which can help relieve stress. Low levels of vitamin C have been linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety.
- Garlic
Garlic is a superfood and is one of the most powerful and effective home remedies. Garlic is also known to help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression and helps in improving sleep quality.
- Eggs
Eggs are rich in B vitamins, which help calm and maintain a healthy nervous system. They also contain tryptophan, an amino acid converted into serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) in the brain. The yolks are also rich in choline, a B vitamin that helps your body produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate the brain and nervous system
- Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good source of B vitamins, which help the body cope with stress. They also contain magnesium, potassium, and fiber, all of which aid in relieve stress .
- Warm milk
Drinking warm milk before bedtime is one of the best ways to help you relax. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin helps you relax and promotes sleep. In addition, warm milk will cause your body temperature to increase slightly, causing you to feel sleepy and relaxed.
- Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, like tuna and salmon, have been proven to lower stress and anxiety levels. Fish can also provide you with a good amount of tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin.
If the best way to relieve stress is to eat healthily, then these foods are perfect for you. Combining these natural, healthy options with a lifestyle change will no doubt positively impact your physical and mental well-being.
By learning to manage your stress levels, you can help improve your overall health and your concentration, productivity, and creativity. With all of the great foods to help you deal with stress, it’s time to start incorporating some of them into your daily diet before you reach for that candy bar, soda, or cigarette. Remember, you’re what you eat (for good or bad)!
In the end, consuming a variety of nutrients is the key to keeping your body in balance. Try to mix up the foods you eat and keep your body fueled with plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains. And if you need a little help relieving stress throughout the day, a handful of nuts or a piece of dark chocolate will get you back on an even keel without overdoing it.
JoyScore is a handy tool for raising your awareness about stress management. So download this excellent app and start living better than ever before.
Download on the Appstore
Get it on Google Play
