5 Foods That Slash Stress
By Andrea Green, Contributing Writer
Stress can be detrimental to our bodies.
Stress leads to anxiety, grumpiness, sleep problems, and lack of concentration. All of these then contribute to heart disease, digestive upset, high blood pressure, and even thyroid problems.
Most of us are familiar with the term “stress eating” and it’s negative effects. When stressed, we often grab for the wrong foods in search of a quick fix.
Caffeine, sugar, and refined flour products can boost our moods temporarily, but inevitably lead to mood swings and increased stress hormones.
What if you could use food to combat your stress instead of fuel it?
You can.
All you need to know is what food to grab.
5 Foods That Slash Stress
Nuts
Nuts are a good sources of magnesium. Magnesium is known to have a calming effect on the body. It also has the added benefit of contributing to good sleep.
Other good foods that contain magnesium are green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, swiss chard, mustard greens. You also can reach for avocados and seeds.
Recipe to try: Apple, Quinoa and Kale Salad
Organic Yogurt
Foods like yogurt that are high in calcium work to reduce anxiety.
You can also grab green beans and broccoli.
Recipe to try: Homemade Yogurt
Wild Caught Salmon
Although salmon is my favorite source, you will get omega-3 fats from any wild caught cold water fish. The omega-3s you get from fish work to reduce inflammation in the body. It will also stabilize your mood.
Recipe to try: Salmon Cakes
Turkey
Rich in tryptophan, turkey provides the precursor to serotonin. Stress reduces serotonin, which leads to depression. Have a bit of turkey to help your body naturally regulate serotonin levels.
Other sources of tryptophan are cottage cheese, oats, and eggs.
Recipe to try: Egg Salad with Avocado
Grass-Fed Beef
This is a food high in B vitamins. The B vitamins work in the body to improve mood which will help balance stress.
Beans and whole grains are also good sources of B vitamins.
Recipe to try: Homemade Cheeseburger Helper
No one can escape the stressful situations of life. However, once you know how to fight stress, instead of contribute to it, you can weather the stormy spells better.
