Stress is really a circular thing. You are stressed, so your body reacts to it. The immediate reaction to calm your body is to do something that is typically unhealthy for a quick fix. That could be smoking, alcohol consumption, or eating a pint of ice cream. However, those things then put your body chemicals, sugars, and insulin into a tailspin causing more anxiety and stress.
Food has a lot to do with stress. There are five foods you can put more into your diet that will get you off the stress merry-go-round.
- 1. Get oats
Oats can stabilize blood sugar, and help balance serotonin production, which affects moods. It has amino acid tryptophan, which is important to producing serotonin. Oats also have vitamin B6 that helps your thinking skills. You can avoid the afternoon drowsiness with some oats.
- 2. Eggs give protein power
Most people know eggs have tons of protein, but many don’t realize the link of protein to reducing stress. It has omega-3 fatty acids, which offsets stress hormones and has anti-inflammatory effects. Eggs also have tryptophan to help with serotonin production and the protein and “good fat” in eggs keep blood sugar levels in check.
- 3. Include spinach
Spinach has more to it in its leafy, dark greens than most realize. The folate in the greens, and in other similar greens, produce dopamine in the brain which creates feelings of pleasure. Spinach has calcium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which support nerves and muscles that will keep you calm during stressful situations.
- 4. Oranges brighten your day
Oranges have a lot of vitamin C that controls the stress hormone cortisol. It also has water that adds to your body’s fluids and is filled with fiber and potassium. Other fruits that offer the same level of nutritional benefit are mango, berries, and kiwi.
- 5. Yogurt for you
Most people understand that eating yogurt or other probiotic foods helps digestion. Most even realize that cleaning the gut leads to better brain communication and overall health. However, foods like yogurt with all the probiotic properties also soothe stomach problems caused by stress, according to a 2013 study. Plus, yogurt has calcium, potassium, and protein, which help nerve and muscle function.
Including these five goods in your diet regularly will help you handle stress better over time. Feeling more relaxed in stressful situations will help you work your way through them easier.
