It’s important to know the healthy ways to beat stress and the types of foods responsible for reducing stress and its many symptoms.
According to a current body-soul research poll, only 32% of the research sample preferred chocolate over carbs or other sweets when experiencing stress. So, here are a few suggestions to help keep your stress at bay from BetterHelp.
Oranges and lemons
Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which has a detrimental effect on our health when our body is exposed to it frequently. You can gain excess belly fat and trigger other health problems due to high cortisol levels in the body. So try eating foods known to reduce cortisol. These are oily fish, walnuts, turkey, and vegetables that are green, yellow, and red.
Suggestion: Try some oranges, carrots, peppers, and blueberries.
Go fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are a necessity for those frequently dealing with stress. They help to reduce norepinephrine, a stress-causing hormone. Some omega-3 fatty acids are known for reducing norepinephrine levels in the body.
Suggestion: Salmon is an excellent fish for omega-3 fatty acids. Also, try nuts (like walnuts) because they change plant omega-3 fatty acid (linolenic acid) into DHA.
Healthy Ways to Beat Stress: Eat more salmon!
The serotonin solution
There is an amino acid found in turkey called L-Tryptophan that alerts the brain to produce serotonin, a chemical known to make you happy.
Suggestion: Consume foods that encourage the release of serotonin: dairy products, whole grain carbs (like pearl barley), and lean meats (like turkey and chicken). Make sure to balance your diet of carbs with proteins. For example, try having smoked salmon served with a poached egg on wholegrain toast or sweet potatoes with chicken breast.
Popeye was right
Stress tends to lower your body’s magnesium levels, which can trigger headaches, fatigue, and joint pain.
Suggestion: Try consuming a morning cup of spinach with a poached egg, or make a morning smoothie with spinach, cucumber, avocado, and pear.
Make it a goal to take time out and do something that relaxes you, and don’t feel ashamed for putting work down and having some playtime for a change. Also, embrace some chocolate, but don’t go overboard with eating it in excess. Kick back with a good book and have some dark chocolate to enjoy the day!
