Can food control stress?

Stress and fast life – they are best companions who always go together, and it is irrespective of age. A child can also have stress and an old man too. Exam fears in kids, job stress in adults or health issues in elderly people – stress doesn’t spare anyone. Whenever we face severe stress, in most cases unexpectedly, its energy is taken from the food we taken. Yes, certain food items can reduce stress level, and here are a few.

Okra – This green vegetable contains Folate, one of the B-vitamins in plenty. Folate can produce Dopamine, also known as happy hormone. It improves the happiness of brain, and thus reduces pressure and tension.

Oats – This complex carbohydrate induces the brain to produce the chemical substance, Serotonin which contains anti-oxidants. It also gives an illusion that stress has overcame. If oats in included in the breakfast of kids, they stay energetic throughout the day. Half cup warm oats drink can give relief and calm to body.

Spinach and amaranthus – Because of stress our muscles get stiffen, blood pressure increases and we can loss sleep too. Magnesium is a solution to all these problems, which is found in plenty in spinach. Read more about the health benefits of spinach.

Blueberry – It contains antioxidants and phytonutrients can help the defence mechanism of human body to fight stress and related issues. It also gets rid of free radicals – one of the major stress and aging factors. Blueberry also improves the production of white blood cells.

Kiwi – It’s abundant in tryptophan. When it reaches human body, due to chemical reaction it changes to serotonin. This reaction can give relief to nerves and thus makes our mind calm. A stressed person suffers from insomnia, and if such persons make kiwi a part of their regular diet, such persons can get sound sleep.

Potato – Some people eat a lot of food if they are stressed and the end result is obesity and health problems related to it. The secret behind this over eating process is excess hunger due to stress and this hunger also known as hedonic hunger is the drive to eat to obtain pleasure in the absence of an energy deficit. Such persons are easily attracted to food items with high calories and sweet potatoes give an easy alternative. It provides energy as well.

Fish – Fatty fishes such as salmon and sardine which contains Omega-3 fatty acids are best for diet. Studies reveal that stress related issues have reduced by 20% in persons who take Omega-3 fatty acids (with D.H.A and E.P.A) daily for 12 weeks.

Please note: Before you include any new food item in your diet, please consult your doctor, particularly if you are taking medicines or any other forms of treatments. Certain food items may not go well with some medicines.  

Image source: Pixabay