Stress and nutrition have a close relationship. We have all heard the term “stress eating”. It’s eating comfort foods or high-calorie foods during the stressful times of our lives. It can be temporary or chronic but usually not nutritious or helpful toward a healthy eating pattern. But did you know there are foods that will help you reduce your stress? Yes, there are many. So, when you are in a stressful situation, you can be strategic with your foods to help soothe the soul and mind.
Foods that reduce your stress affects your stress hormone levels, cortisol and adrenalin. A healthy diet to tame these hormones will improve your immune system, normalize blood sugar, and reduce blood pressure. Here are the 12 foods you should include in your diet regiment to reduce and maintain stress in your life.
- Complex carbohydrates – whole grain breads and pastas
- Citrus fruits – Strawberries, Oranges – vitamin C
- Spinach – magnesium
- Selenium & Vitamin E – brazil nuts, soybeans, mushrooms – reduce inflammation.
- Fatty Fish – Omega 3 fatty acids [salmon, tuna, mackerel] prevents the surge of hormones.
- Nuts – pistachios, walnuts, almonds [remember moderation]
- Avocados – healthy fats
- Vitamin D – improves depressive moods – eggs, milk [warm at bedtime]
- Pumpkin seeds – potassium and zinc
- Dark chocolate – improve brain mood hormones.
- Turmeric – reduce inflammation, reduce blood pressure, reduce anxiety.
- Tea – chamomile, green tea – reduce anxiety and improves mood.
Enjoy healthy eating and reducing stress toward living your best life.
If you want to deep-dive and explore more wellness lifestyle changes and how nutrition can play a part, sign up for the Wellness Lifestyle and Stress Management course at stressnwellness.com.
Yvette McQueen MD
