Eliminate Stress Through Proper Nutrition
Discover what information you need regarding the understanding and use of proper nutrition.
Just like a vehicle needs proper fuel and maintenance to perform
properly, so does the human body. Over time, abuse and neglect
can lead to a wide array of problems and eventual breakdown.
Stress has the same effect on the body, over time it causes a
variety of symptoms, which left untreated can lead to
life-threatening illnesses like heart disease and cancer. A
well-balanced, nutrient rich diet is essential for health and
stress reduction. Simple adjustments to your diet now can
immediately reduce the effects of stress, which in turn will
give you more energy, make you stronger, and more resistant to
disease.
Stress Busting Foods
* High fiber foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables and
whole grains, increase serotonin (a mood enhancing hormone) in
the brain, naturally reducing the effects of stress.
* Eat raw fruits and vegetables often. They are not only higher
in vitamins and minerals than cooked foods; they also contain
natural stress reducing compounds called flavonoids.
* Low fat dairy and yogurt are recommended because they are
high in calcium and magnesium. Foods high in calcium and
magnesium have been shown to reduce stress because these two
nutrients relax muscle fibers.
This is more information about proper nutrition to help you best understand and how it can help you.
Things to Avoid
* Avoid foods and drinks that are filled with stimulants like
caffeine which tax the nervous and immune system. Chocolate,
coffee, and most teas should only be used in moderation. In
addition, there are toxic levels of acid in most soft drinks
which rob the body of calcium (one of the natural stress
busters).
* Sugar is another food that can trigger stress because it
causes rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Sugars are
hidden in many foods under names like dextrose and sucrose.
* As much as possible avoid packaged meals and snacks that
contain artificial colors, flavors, additives, and
preservatives. These chemicals are hard on the body because they
are not recognized as natural, therefore the body responds
defensively to them, straining the immune system.
Unfortunately, many foods are loaded with refined sugars,
bleached flours, additives, preservatives, and other toxins that
can compromise health. Many foods today lack vital nutrients and
as a result you may not be getting the nutrition you need to
counteract the effects of stress. In most instances, diet alone
is not sufficient in meeting individual nutritional needs. A
good multi-vitamin and/or herbal supplements can help ensure
proper nutrition, and as a result help you reduce stress. In
particular there are a few vitamins that are essential for
stress management.
Stress Vitamins
There are a couple of vitamins that have been shown in studies
to greatly prevent and/or reduce the signs of stress. According
to Psychology today, people with high levels of vitamin C do not
display the expected signs of mental and physical stress when
subjected to intense psychological stresses.
In addition, the family of B-vitamins strengthens the nervous
and immune systems, which allows them to better combat fatigue
brought on by stress. The B vitamin Niacin also helps the body
effectively release energy from carbohydrates, balancing and
leveling blood sugar levels which also reduce stress.
About the author:
Oktay Ozadam has an avid interest in health and well-being. Find
out more about health and
href="http://www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com"
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