If you are living a stressful life, you need to manage it in some way, because too much stress can cause a wide range of health problems and illnesses. Some foods can also help us to manage stress.
Oatmeal, for example, helps to increase serotonin levels in the body, which is a chemical that calms the body. Other foods can also help us to reduce levels of stress hormones, which, if left at high levels for long periods of time, can lead to serious chronic illnesses. A healthy diet can counteract the effects of stress by lowering blood pressure and positively affecting immune function.
Carbohydrates stimulate the brain to produce more serotonin. However, it is better to eat mainly complex carbohydrates because these foods are digested more slowly and help to keep blood sugar levels stable.
While simple carbohydrates can be digested quickly and also help to raise serotonin levels, we should also be aware that they can drastically raise blood sugar levels.
Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which reduces stress hormones in the body and even helps strengthen the immune system.
If you have low levels of magnesium in your body, it can be a cause of headaches and fatigue. These effects only exacerbate the symptoms of stress. However, spinach and green leafy vegetables are rich in magnesium, so it is worth eating them regularly.
Fish can also help to keep stress in check, as they contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help not only to reduce stress hormones but also to ward off illnesses such as heart disease and depression.
If you’re feeling stressed, just drink a cup of black tea and the stress will soon be gone. Black tea not only reduces stress hormones, it can also make you feel calmer.
Stress often causes high blood pressure. However, if you have enough potassium in your body, you shouldn’t have this problem. Avocados and bananas are also rich sources of this mineral.