Bowl of porridge
If you are feeling stressed, it could be a good idea to look into what you are eating. Too much alcohol, caffeine, and sugary, processed foods can cause chaos with your blood sugar levels, causing instability which can, in turn, induce feelings of anxiety and stress. So, it is recommended that you cut down on these ‘unhelpful’ foods.
You could, instead, opt for some “calming foods” to your diet.
Did you know that when you are stressed, the body uses up B-vitamins very quickly? Therefore you need to ensure that you get enough B-rich foods: whole grains, oily fish, eggs, beans, brown rice, sunflower seeds and nuts. [See below for suggestions]
Complex carbohydrates such as those found in whole grains are high in tryptophan. [This amino acid increases levels of serotonin in the brain - producing a calming effect]. One good example of a complex carbohydrate is a bowl of oatmeal, or any whole grain cereal, served with warm milk.
Also, zinc could be an important antioxidant for anyone who is undergoing a stressful time. Zinc helps cell repair, it aids efficient digestion and boosts the immune system. Zinc rich foods include whole grains, yeast, seafood, eggs, pulses and pumpkin seeds.
Here are some calming food suggestions:
A glass of warm milk or Horlicks at bedtime
A small piece of dark chocolate
Green Tea or Chamomile Tea [or any herbal tea]
Sprouts – they are a great source of B vitamins and Vitamin C all useful vitamins in treatment of stress.
Bananas – To handle stress well, you need to maintain a correct balance between sodium limiting your salt and eating more potassium rich foods such bananas.
Kiwi fruit – known to be high in vitamin C and rich source of potassium
Beans – Good source of potassium
Eggs a great source of vitamin E, B2 A and D
Wheatgerm, Walnuts, Flaxseed
Oats – a rich source of Vitamin B2
Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna, Sardines
Coriander
Avocado
Turkey
