Stress is basically your body's reaction to anything that you work or worry more than you should. Our body experiences two types of stress - eustress and distress. Eustress is good stress which motivates us to do more. Distress on the other hand can be pretty exhausting and your body sends you messages through headaches and fatigue to say that I can't handle this anymore and that's when you need to take care of your body. One effective way to relax and relieve stress is through our food. Foods that are bright, full of fibre, proteins, vitamins and minerals can fight stress and improve your physiological health.
FOODS TO RELIEVE STRESS:
1. Spinach
Spinach, or any other leafy green vegetable can reduce stress if incorporated in your diet on daily basis. They contain folate which makes dopamine- a pleasure giving brain chemical. It keeps you calm and cures depression. It works on your mood and provides nutrition to brain cells.
2. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent carbohydrate. Many carbohydrates contain a lot of sugar which make you fat and stressed out. Fortunately, Oatmeal is not like them. You can have oatmeal when you crave some sugar, sweet doughnuts or pastries. Oatmeal satisfies your cravings better than them. Carbs like Oatmeal help produce serotonin in your brain which act as antidepressants. Stress can increase your blood sugar level.
3. Yogurt
We have millions of bacterias in our gut. These bacterias can induce stress in our brain. This is the reason why our brain signals symptoms of gastrointestinal problems. . These probiotics fight bad bacterias and reduce stress and improve your emotions. Yogurt is packed with calcium and protein and is a good source of probiotics.
4. Seeds
Seeds like Flaxseed, Sunflower seed, and pumpkin seeds, are all rich sources of magnesium, just as leafy vegetables, yogurt, nuts, and fish. Good intake on the mineral can help regulate emotions. Magnesium has been proven to help cure depression, irritability and fatigue. In addition, if you're feeling very irritable and moody during that time of the month, the mineral will also help to fight PMS symptoms, along with water retention and menstrual cramps. T
5. Salmon fish
Stress can stimulate your anxiety hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Salmon is always a better source of Omega 3 fatty acids. It helps keeping the stress hormones in control, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Eat Salmon for 2-3 times a week to reduce your anxiety and relieve stress. It is also very nutritious, which comes an added benefit for your body.
6. Dark chocolate
There's hardly any human who will say no to chocolate unless they are allergic. Dark chocolate is a best combination of bittersweet. You can ditch your coffee and grab a bite of this rich and smooth desert. An average size of a dark chocolate tile can lower cortisol. Its chemical reaction after eating is pretty much like falling in love. Eat dark chocolate to light up your day.
Now you know how to lead a stress-free life! Stay Happy! Stay Healthy!