Thankfully we don't have to face this kind of stress every day!!
But if your work, finances, or personal relationship overwhelms you, believe us,
you're not alone. Overthinking can take control of your life and trigger anxiety and stress.
Currently, in the U.S., around 40 million adults feel stressed or overwhelmed daily.
Self-care, healthy sleep, and exercise are the best places to start when attempting to
reduce stress. But did you know that some foods can also help?
In today's video, let's discuss the top foods to eat when you are stressed or anxious. Can
special teas help? Should you indulge in a bit of chocolate? We'll discuss all that and more.
Time to begin your day with a cup of tea to calm your mind.
Maybe not this kind…
When it comes to stress management, what you eat is not the only factor to consider.
The drinks you're consuming could also contribute to your stress levels. For example,
most people believe drinking alcohol can help them unwind. In a temporal sense, yes. However,
you also have to deal with health issues like dehydration, headaches, and hangovers.
We recommend drinking healthier beverages to unwind,
and there are so many delicious teas associated with unique health benefits.
Like green tea! It can stimulate neurogenesis and increase the happy hormones serotonin and
dopamine. One cup of green tea contains loads of theanine, an amino acid that does the trick.
Green tea is often referred to as a mood lifter and brain food.
It provides mental clarity and relaxation by enhancing your
cognitive and physical functions and setting the tone of your day.
It's no surprise that people have sipped this drink for thousands of years to stay sharp.
Additionally, green tea contains antioxidants that
help reduce inflammation and the stress hormone- cortisol.
If overthinking keeps you up at night and you’re looking to calm your mind,
sip on some chamomile tea. This tea has proven to lessen anxiety disorder symptoms significantly.
The beverage is also well-known for calming powers, dropping
blood pressure, easing tight muscles, and calming the body's nerve centers.
You can pick up prepackaged chamomile teas at the store or make one yourself.
If you make it from scratch, use three to four tablespoons of dried chamomile,
add hot water, and steep for five to ten minutes. Alternately, add fresh chamomile to hot water and
steep it for three minutes. You can also add a sprig of garden mint to awaken your senses.
Drink your sleepy-time tea an hour before going to bed. The recommended
daily intake is one to three cups. You can skip drinking chamomile tea if you
are on anticoagulant drugs or planning to undergo surgery. People allergic to
sunflower products and those who have asthma or are pregnant should avoid it as well.
Next, a bowl of oatmeal can help you break free from the anxiety cycle.
Did the image of this Quaker pop into your head? Well, The Quaker Man was allegedly the first logo
for a morning cereal trademarked with the brand tagline "Nothing is better for thee than me,"
But is it so? This famous brand has loads of hidden sugar. Though you might feel
you need something sugary when you have a mental breakdown, it can actually reverse your healing.
Serotonin is a happy chemical in the brain.
Numerous studies have shown that carbs can assist the brain produce serotonin. But whenever you feel
anxious, try eating complex carbohydrates like a bowl of organic sugar-free oats.
Making plain oatmeal and flavoring it with fresh fruit is tasty and beneficial.
It will have a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins B1 and B5, manganese,
copper, iron, and more. It also has a high protein and fiber content and low-fat content.
Moving along, it’s time to gorge on bananas.
Mix them with your porridge or eat them as a snack.
They’re portable and convenient and have abundant potassium, fiber, and carbs. A mix of nutrients
offers a sustained source of energy. As a result, the body will begin to feel tranquil.
Bananas contain loads of potassium, supporting the body's electrolyte homeostasis and lowering
blood pressure. Low levels of potassium and magnesium in the body lead to the adrenal
glands producing more cortisol, a stress hormone that increases anxiety and stress.
Tryptophan is another amino acid found in bananas that the body converts to serotonin.
In short, bananas are a must-have if you want to feel relaxed and alleviate anxiety.
There's one more yellow food worth mentioning. We're talking about turmeric!
Have you ever had a turmeric latte? No? You should really give it a try.
Don’t worry. It's not going to turn you into a yellow monster.
This Spice is a staple of South Asian and Indian cuisine. Curcumin, turmeric's active component,
may assist you with anxiety by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress.
It also may help with mood disorders.
According to a study, those who consumed even one gram of
curcumin daily reported feeling less anxious. According to another study,
curcumin boosted docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, a chemical that decreases anxiety.
Adding turmeric to your daily cooking is simple and easy. It blends seamlessly in smoothies,
curries, and casseroles. It also gives a mild lingering flavor. If you are taking supplements,
talk to your doctor before consuming high curcumin doses.
Moving on to everybody's favorite: chocolate. Dark chocolate, that is. Although dark chocolate
may not first appeal to your taste buds, it is fantastic for your body.
Consuming dark chocolate can lower stress chemically and emotionally.
Simply savoring a piece of chocolate feels like a great delight and can help to relieve tension.
Dark chocolate enhances memory. According to a study, those who regularly ate dark chocolate
showed fewer signs of depression than people who didn't. Always remember that dark chocolate,
which has more cocoa and less sugar, is healthier than other varieties of chocolate.
Need something packed with protein? Eat some eggs!
A lot of recipes we enjoy contain eggs. However, when it comes to breakfast,
eggs are hands down the clear favorite. One egg has 7 grams of protein. Additionally,
it offers 6% of the daily needed amount of vitamin A and 4% of the recommended amount of calcium.
Tryptophan, the same anti-stress compound found in bananas, is also found in eggs.
An average egg provides around 6% of the daily required value of vitamin D.
According to several studies; low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased signs of anxiety
and sadness. Eat eggs all day long, as omelets, salads, egg curries, and other meals can help.
Eggs also ensure that you get enough healthy fats. Fat gives the body energy
and aids in vitamin absorption, which is crucial when you are down the dumps.
Still stressed?
A piece of fatty fish can calm you down.
Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and herring contain a valuable nutrient called
omega-3 fatty acids. These fish are also high in neurotransmitter
regulators referred to as EPA and DHA, the two critical fatty acids that help
the body fight inflammation and support normal brain function.
Try having grilled or baked fish for at least two weekly meals.
Taking supplements high in omega-3s may also help lower anxiety.
But what exactly happens when you have omega-3s? Omega-3 reduces inflammation in the body.
Inflammation can significantly impact specific brain regions essential for regulating anxiety.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to enhance cognitive performance and support mental health.
Research also shows that people who consume a lot of
omega-3s have healthier microbiomes in the gut and deal with fewer chronic diseases.
But if fish is not your thing, chia seeds are one more whole-food alternative.
These tiny seeds are rich in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
They are also a fantastic source of Omega-3 healthy fats. A small portion of chia seeds
added to your diet each day can improve immunity, protect your heart, and help with digestion.
Experts claim that chia seeds' fats effectively prevent depression and mood swings.
An adult should typically consume around 1 to 2 grams of omega-3 fat per day.
Chia seeds swell up after soaking them in water, making them help you feel fuller,
which helps with weight loss. You can include them in your shakes and smoothies. You can also
add some to your morning cereal. Sneak them in your salads, dips, muffins, and granola bars.
Why not have a good dose of fermented foods?
A healthy digestive system can control your mental state. According to scientists,
the gut-brain axis acts as a channel for communication between the billions of bacteria
in your gut and your brain. This regulates vital bodily processes like digestion and hunger.
It also implies that your brain's emotional and cognitive regions have strong ties to your gut.
Fermented foods are loaded with gut-friendly bacteria or probiotics. They guarantee a smooth
digestive process and continued intestinal health. As a result, you experience mental tranquility.
They have also been studied to significantly lower anxiety and boost the production of serotonin.
You can choose anything from kefir to miso, kombucha, and sauerkraut. But the most convenient
fermented food is yogurt. It is a quick breakfast and can be enjoyed with citrus fruits, like
blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and bring mental peace.
Being mindful of what you consume is essential in guiding you to a healthier lifestyle. From looking
great to feeling great, It can dramatically impact your overall health. Let's keep the
conversation going with foods that can help you think more clearly and feel more awake.
Check out:
12 TOP Foods That Help Lower CORTISOL Levels & Relieve STRESS
or 21 Unhealthy Foods That Should Never Be In Your Kitchen
Go ahead. Click one, or better yet, watch both and learn how to avoid mental health impairments
with a great diet. What healthy foods do you eat to feel better? Let us know in the comments below.