Eight foods to fight stress

  Under stress - whether it is work, study, or a relationship - dietary habits change substantially. Some people lose their hunger when under stress while others tend to overeat - most often fatty, sugary, and junk foods. Always blaming stress for making poor food choices is not the right approach. In fact, making the right food choices will help stabilize blood sugar levels and your emotional response. Good nutrition helps in balancing your stress hormones, relieving stress, and boosting your mood.

  Here are eight foods to reach out for when you have just about had enough which will calm and soothe you.

OATS: Being a complex carbohydrate, oatmeal causes your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical. Serotonin calms you down and makes you feel good. Oats are also rich in beta-glucan, which helps in lowering blood cholesterol levels and also helps in weight management.

NUTS: Nuts help replenish Vitamin B stores that are depleted as a result of experiencing stress. The B vitamins help us manage the "fight or flight" response associated with stress. The potassium in nuts also helps keep the blood pressure in check thus reducing the strain on the heart.

SALMON: Eating salmon on a regular basis has been linked to reducing the risk of getting depression because of the omega 3 fatty acids present in it. It can reduce stress and anxiety in individuals when eaten just twice a week.

LEAFY GREENS: Leafy greens contain folate that produces dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is involved in the emotional regulation in the brain, thus keeping you happy. Besides folate, magnesium in the leafy greens also helps in keeping us calm and good.

SEEDS: Sunflower seeds, flax seeds, watermelon seeds, etc have stress-reducing benefits. These tiny powerhouses are rich in magnesium that promotes a healthy nervous system. They also are full of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin which helps you feel calm.

AVOCADOS: Avocados are rich in the stress-relieving B vitamins, Vitamin C, and folate. They also contain potassium that naturally helps in lowering blood pressure. This makes them one of the best foods for relieving stress and anxiety.

MILK: Milk contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor for the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is a "feel good" chemical known to promote relaxation and calm in a person. And, milk taken with another carbohydrate will help in the absorption of tryptophan.

LENTILS and BEANS: Being stressed can be detrimental to your nerve health. Lentils and beans are rich in magnesium, folate, and potassium that help calm the nerves, reduce anxiety, and promote brain health.

  Researchers have found that eating a diet of processed, sugary, and fatty foods increases the chances of stress and depression. So, as a general rule, steer away from these foods if you are looking to improve your mood. Eating a healthy diet not only helps in maintaining a healthy body weight but also helps in keeping moods in order.

  About the author: Arati Shah is an expert nutritionist who crafts personalized weight loss programs at Café Nutrition. Having earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition along with a Post-Graduation in Sports Sciences and Nutrition from S.N.D.T Juhu, she runs one of the top weight loss clinics in Mumbai. 

  This article was published by EzineArticles.com.