EATING TO COMBAT STRESS

Many of us feel stress and have different ways of dealing with it. Some work out, meditate or eat to combat stress. Let’s talk about the latter.

Eating to combat stress can yield negative results such as weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. However, we can use food to help combat stress.

Stress can reduce levels of serotonin or “the happy hormone” also known as the “feel good” hormone. Serotonin is considered to be a major player in mood, appetite, sleep and memory. Some foods contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that is needed to produce serotonin. Adding tryptophan rich foods into our diet is a great way to increase serotonin levels which will help combat stress. Vitamin D rich foods may also help enable the body to convert tryptophan to serotonin.

Here are some examples of stress-fighting foods that can help reduce or combat depression, anxiety, insomnia and cardiovascular disease.

Broccoli, brussels sprouts and asparagus contain folic acid which is a vitamin associated with producing serotonin.

Turkey, shrimp, dairy and pumpkin seeds contain high amounts of tryptophan.

Dairy products and other sources of vitamin D may help increase serotonin levels.

Oatmeal and other complex carbohydrates can stimulate the brain to produce serotonin.

Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can help lower blood levels of stress hormones like cortisol.

The goal is to do our best to find a way through diet, exercise and meditation to reduce the stress in our lives.