Anxiety and stress affect a person’s ability to work or perform their daily tasks and other activities but consuming these foods can help make you feel better.
The stress of the pandemic has gotten to many people. Being stuck locked down at home can affect the ability to function on daily basis, but what you eat can make you feel better about things.
Some of the management options for anxiety and stress can include exercise, relaxation and correct breathing techniques.Another way to overcome these feelings of anxiety and stress is through a dietary adjustment.
There are foods that help ease anxiety and stress while there that food that help induce stress. It is essential to know what helps and what doesn’t. Nicotine, caffeine triggers your adrenal glands to release adrenaline – one of the main stress chemicals, or food that include salt and artificial additives induce stress and are best avoided. Inadequate intake of vitamin B and calcium can also exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Whereas there are many foods you can add to your diet that will help overcome feelings of anxiety. Food with mineral magnesium helps muscle tissue to relax, and a magnesium deficiency can contribute to anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Here are foods that will help ease your stress when times get tough
Wholegrain cereals – Whole grains contain a type of amino acid that makes your body produce ‘serotonin’ – also known as the ‘happy chemical’. Serotonin helps calm the mind, improve your mood, and keep your sleep cycle on track – all of which is helpful for maintaining a good head space. They are high in fibre and really good for you. These include corn, brown rice, quinoa, oats, rye and barley.If you’re feeling down or low on energy, eating some brown rice, corn, or quinoa can help release more of the happy chemical into your body. You could even start your day off with a healthy bowl of oats for a wholegrain booster.
Dark Chocolate – Chocolate improves your mood, this is because it reduces the stress hormone cortisol, which is linked to anxiety. The high flavonoid content in dark chocolate also stimulates blood flow to the brain, which may improve cognition and mood.
Asparagus –Asparagus reduces anxiety and is rich in potassium, fibre and Vitamins A, C, and E. It is high in folate – a mineral that enhances mood making it a great stress buster.
Green leafy vegetables – Say yes to greens! They are packed with magnesium that help your body to relax. They can help regulate cortisol – stress hormone and blood pressure levels. So make sure you don’t skip out eating greens such as – spinach, fenugreek greens, kale and the like.
Milk – A warm glass of milk before bed with help you sleep better. If you aren’t lactose intolerant then you can opt for plant-based milk such as soy or almond which you can make at home.
Eating right will definitely help you fight the pandemic better, mentally as well as physically.
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