You can fight stress by eating the right foods.
Stress is on the rise. According to a study conducted by the American Institute of Stress, a great majority of Americans (77%) experience the physical symptoms of stress while 73% experience its psychological symptoms on a regular basis. In addition, 33% of Americans revealed that they feel they are living with extreme stress.
Needless to say, these figures are very alarming especially since stress causes 60% of all human illness and disease. It is also linked to sleep problems (44%) and overeating (40%), and has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease (40%), heart attacks (25%) and stroke (50%).
Moreover, stress can also cause digestive and skin problems, restlessness, confusion and forgetfulness, tension and fatigue. It can also compromise your immune system and make you susceptible to infection, and worsen the symptoms of chronic illnesses such as arthritis and diabetes.
Considering the negative effects of stress on your body, you need to find a way to keep your stress levels under control. So, the next time you feel that you are under extreme pressure, try taking slow, deep breaths, do some stretching exercises and reach out for some stress-busting foods to calm your nerves.
Manage Your Stress by Eating the Right Foods
Eating the right kind of foods can help you calm your nerves and reduce your stress levels. Here are some of the foods that you should eat whenever you feel that you are about to reach your breaking point.
Oranges. Eating an orange can reduce stress and bring your blood pressure and cortisol levels back to normal after a stressful event, thanks to its rich Vitamin C content. As an added bonus, foods rich in Vitamin C can also give your immune system a much-needed boost.
Dried apricots. Apricots contain significant amounts of magnesium which acts as a natural stress-buster. By eating dried apricots, you can relieve the tension from your muscles, reduce heart palpitations and maintain proper nerve health. It is also a rich source of Vitamin C so it can help you boost your immune system as well.
Nuts. Nuts such as almonds, pistachios and walnuts contain tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts your serotonin level, and significant amounts of Vitamins B and E which strengthen your immune system. They also contain the minerals magnesium and zinc which promote proper nerve and heart function and a stronger immune system.
Fish. Salmon, tuna and mackerel are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids which reduce the cortisol and adrenaline levels in your body.
Avocados. Avocado can help lower your blood pressure since it contains significant amounts of potassium and healthy unsaturated fats.
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Remember, whenever you are stressed, reach out for any of these healthy foods to keep yourself from breaking down.
