10 Stress-Relieving Foods That Fight Stress
All the things we put inside our bodies are important, but it is easy to forget this. Even if you can’t always choose a perfectly balanced diet, choosing stress-relieving foods can lower your stress levels.
Some stress-relieving foods may work for you while others may not. The best way to determine which ones work for you is to try them all and then integrate them into your daily diet.
Here are some stress-relieving foods that can help alleviate your stress:
- Green Leafy Vegetables. Magnesium is found in large quantities in leafy greens. A mineral called magnesium can relax muscles.
- Fish Oil. Fish oil contains essential fatty acids that help with serotonin uptake in the brain. Serotonin makes you feel good mentally and enables your brain to better cope with stress. You can get your fish oil from certain kinds of fish, such as salmon, or from supplements.
- Milk. There is a reason that milk is sometimes referred to as a “wind down” food. The proteins in milk can help reduce anxiety while the calcium is another mineral that can help with muscle relaxation.
- Chocolate. A small piece of dark chocolate each day can actually provide you with many health benefits. Chocolate has a stimulating effect. The caffeine also helps to increase serotonin. It’s okay to indulge in chocolate in small amounts!
- Red Wine. Many experts believe that a glass of red wine each day provides health benefits. The only drawback is that it’s easy to overdo it when drinking alcoholic beverages. Wine is packed with beneficial antioxidants and can temporarily lower blood pressure and help you relax.
- Oatmeal. Oatmeal and other carbohydrates also help increase serotonin levels in the brain. In fact, your brain needs carbohydrates in order to function normally. This is why it’s essential to include good carbohydrates like oatmeal in your regular diet.
- Lean Meats. Lean meats can help you combat stress by providing a good source of protein. Turkey, eggs, chicken and fish are all good choices because they contain necessary amino acids for healthy brain function. Remember not to eat fatty meats because the fat can interfere with proper digestion of the amino acids.
- Coffee. Yes, caffeine is a stimulant and there is also a risk of developing an unhealthy habit. However, moderation is the key. Coffee can help stimulate the brain into working with more energy and efficiency, helping you feel more motivated and less stressed.
- Nuts. Nuts help you maintain your proper blood sugar. They also contain plenty of the vitamin B complex, which combats fatigue.
- Spinach. Spinach is one of the world’s super foods. It contains many vitamins, antioxidants and omega 3’s. This means it would be hard to eat spinach and not feel good!
Vitamins & Supplements
Of course, getting your nutrition from natural sources is always preferable. If this isn’t feasible, or if you can’t eat a specific dish, it’s best to look for vitamin supplements to get some of the advantages.
Vitamin supplements provide your body with the nutrients it might be lacking. You will be on your way to feeling healthier and less stressed once you begin to consume these necessary nutrients.
Don’t rely on stress-relieving foods only, the key to lowering your stress levels includes exercising and getting enough sleep.
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