Feeling Stressed? Add These Foods to Your Diet
April 22, 2024
Stress is an inevitable part of modern life, thanks to our fast-paced jobs, never-ending to-do lists, and constant connectivity. While a certain amount of stress is normal, excessive or chronic stress can damage mental and physical health.
The good news is that besides stress management techniques like meditation, exercise, and getting enough sleep, what you eat can also help combat stress. Certain foods have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, which is our body’s stress hormone. If you’re struggling with emotional or mental distress, adding certain foods to your diet can help alleviate symptoms and promote overall health.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that offer numerous health benefits, including a reduction in anxiety and depression. These essential fatty acids play a crucial role in enhancing serotonin transmission in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s can help alleviate symptoms associated with various mental health conditions. It’s best to consume least two servings of fatty fish per week to reap the maximum benefits.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, are a great source of probiotics that can help promote a healthy gut. A healthy gut is essential for overall well-being as there is a strong connection between the gut and the brain. By maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, you can reduce the risk of various mood disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Incorporating a probiotic-rich food in your daily diet can be a simple yet effective way to improve your gut health and overall health.
Complex Carbs
When you’re feeling stressed out, it’s natural to crave comfort foods that can give you a quick boost of energy. However, not all comfort foods are created equal. While simple carbs like cookies, chips, and sugary snacks might provide a temporary fix, they can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes that make your mood swings worse. Complex carbs are digested more slowly than simple carbs, which means they provide a steady source of energy over time. This can help you feel more balanced and stable, even when you’re dealing with a lot of stress.
Young woman with an effort breaks a large bar of dark chocolate with two hands on a white background
Dark Chocolate
Did you know that chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can actually be good for your health? Dark chocolate is high in flavanols, which are antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals in the environment. The flavanols found in dark chocolate have also been linked to enhanced brain function. These compounds can improve blood flow to the brain, which can in turn lead to better cognitive performance. To reap the potential health benefits of chocolate, it’s best to stick to an ounce or two of dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cacao.
Conclusion
While no single food will instantly melt your stress away, incorporating more of these wholesome, stress-busting foods into your balanced diet can provide some relief during difficult times. By making small changes to your diet and lifestyle, you can support your body and mind through difficult times and promote overall well-being.
