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Some foods may help stabilize your emotional response to stressors of life. Here are a few of them. Of course, research shows that because each nutriment affects us deeply, it’s important to be aware of what and how much we are having. Our awareness is the key. Without it, we may turn nourishing foods into toxins.
Green leafy vegetables – Go green when stressed! Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain folate, which produces dopamine, a pleasure-inducing brain chemical, helping you keep calm. A 2012 study in the ‘Journal of Affective Disorders’ found that those who had the most folate had the lowest risk of depression.
Orange juice – Elevated levels of cortisol can affect your weight and increase fat storage in your belly. Studies have found that foods rich in vitamin C can help decrease the production of cortisol, helping to lessen the impact it has on your body when under stress. When stressed out, the best thing to do is drink a glass of vitamin C-loaded orange juice.
Berries – All berries, including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to be helpful in combating stress. When you’re stressed, the antioxidants and phytonutrients found in berries help improve your body’s response to stress and fight stress-related free radicals. Research has also shown that those who eat blueberries experience a boost in a type of white blood cells that plays a vital role in immunity, and is critical for countering stress.
Oatmeal – According to research, a complex carbohydrate, oatmeal causes your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical. Not only does serotonin have antioxidant properties, it also creates a soothing feeling that helps overcome stress. Beta-glucan, the type of soluble fibre found in oatmeal, promotes greater satiety than other whole grains
Salmon – Stress can ratchet up anxiety hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon have anti-inflammatory properties that may help counteract the negative effects of stress hormones. In a study by the National Institutes of Health, USA, medical students who took omega-3 supplements had a 20% reduction in anxiety compared to the group given placebo pills. One 3-ounce serving of cooked wild salmon can have more than 2,000 milligrams of omega-3
Dark chocolate
A bite of dark chocolate might have the power to regulate your stress levels. It contains more polyphenols and flavonols—two important types of antioxidants— than some fruit juices. Research has shown that dark chocolate can reduce your stress hormones, including cortisol. The antioxidants in cocoa make the walls of your blood vessels relax, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. Dark chocolate also contains unique natural substances that create a sense of euphoria -like being in love. Choose varieties that contain at least 70% cocoa.
Chamomile tea –
Chamomile is a very good tea to drink if you are suffering from stress and anxiety attacks. It not only reduces stress and anxiety, but also helps treat insomnia, relaxes the muscles, and reduces irritability. A study from the University of Pennsylvania tested chamomile supplements on 57 participants with generalized anxiety disorder for eight weeks, and found it led to a significant drop in anxiety symptoms.
