When there are a lot of workloads and piled-up deadlines and not a single minute for yourself, who has moments for healthy food habits? However, when you are anxious and loaded with a lot of stress, eating is the best way to combat high-stress levels and reduce your tensions. Some great foods directly influence anxiety and other stress-related issues and may support in stabilizing your blood sugar level or betterment of emotional capacity.
Calming your anxiety through the right choice of food is the best available way for everyone. Not to mention, no need for expensive supplements or complex strategies are required.
One who has already started to reduce their stress levels may know how to initiate it with the basics, such as self-care, sleep management, and regular workout. Yet, some foods also tend to give better results in lowering your stress levels.
You need to be wise enough in your choices as foods can act as both an ally and foe. Unhealthy food habits can bring your stress levels to heights and enhance your risk of other health-related issues. Hence, it depends upon your selection that your stress level will go down or up, so focus on the kind of food while you are feeling annoyed. According to many researchers, demand for some nutrients will increase if you are stressed, such as vitamin C, vitamin B, selenium, and magnesium.
Here, we have mentioned some of the best available food to reduce stress levels.
Green leafy vegetables not only look pleasing but are very good for your stressful behavior. For example, spinach, cabbage, etc., consist of folate, and they help in the production of dopamine which is a pleasure-generating brain chemical and enables you to be calm and relaxed. It has been suggested that people who eat fruits and green vegetables seem more peaceful, happier, and more energetic.
We know it sounds weird as there are many bacteria that are responsible for the increased stress levels. However, many studies also showed that consumption of probiotics in yogurt lessened brain activity in areas that handle emotions, including stress. Moreover, yogurt contains calcium, protein, and probiotics, so adding some yogurt to your diet is good.
Being a stressful person, there is always a conflict inside you. In these kinds of situations, antioxidants and phytonutrients act as the best way to support you and make you win in this battle. There are different antioxidants, and phytonutrients found in blueberries in your support and improve the stress level condition in your body. Studies have indicated that eaters of blueberry endure natural killer cells, a type of white blood cell essential for the immune system and stress.
When your head is filled with negative thoughts and impressions and builds a loop that plays with your mind, in this situation, repetitive activities with your hands enable you to silence your inner battle. For instance, knitting or kneading flour and nuts such as pistachios or peanuts. This rhythmic movement supports you and provides relaxation to your mind. Additionally, breaking the shell to open it slows down your eating habit, making pistachios a diet-friendly snack. Even pistachios are perfect for your heart health.
Therefore, eating pistachios help in lowering your acute stress level and reducing your blood pressure and heart rate. Nuts consist of phytonutrients that have antioxidants which are needed for cardiovascular health.
Regular intake of dark chocolates (just a bite, not a full bar!) might have the capacity to maintain your stress levels. It can lower your stress hormones, comprising cortisol as well. Furthermore, cocoa powder has antioxidants that activate the walls of blood vessels to relax and reduce blood pressure, leading to improved circulatory function. Even dark chocolates also have unique natural substances that have the ability to develop a sense of euphoria, similar to the feeling of being loved.
Eggs are not only an excellent option for brunch staples, but whole eggs consist of a few natural nutrients like vitamin D. This nutrient is directly related to many health benefits, including improved immune function, anti-inflammation, and mood maintenance, including diminishing the symptoms linked to depression.”
Additionally, eggs also have acetylcholine, a bio-chemical that acts as neurotransmitters in the brain functioning and helps in the regulation of your mood swings.
Many times, it’s a feeling associated with food or drinks only, not any other nutrient which helps lower the stress level. That’s why regular drinking one cup of tea helps make you calmer and relaxed—as per many studies and research, carrying and tasting a warm beverage enhances the feeling of interpersonal “warmth” and friendliness.
Regardless of any aroma, there is always a soothing consequence linked with warm drinks due to certain herbs, such as lavender and chamoline, that have a relaxing effect.
According to many researchers, carbohydrates tend to increase the serotonin level temporarily, and it’s a hormone that stimulates mood and reduces stress. After increased serotonin levels, people under stress have better concentration power and are more focused.
However, you must choose healthy and unrefined carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes and whole grains. That helps improve stress and reduce the consumption of simple carbohydrates, such as cookies, cake, and white foods.
Therefore, the proper selection of food help in reducing anxious behavior and support the growth of your brain. You can combine various food and drinks to bring a more soothing effect on your mood that improves your mental health only.
