Stress is something that we all have to manage. There are articles every week giving us tools to support managing the stress of daily life.
Would it be nice to know that something you are doing every day helps you to relieve your stress? The foods you eat can be stress-busting tools in your life.
In my blog last week Antioxidants are Stress-Busting Foods: Do You Have Them in Your Diet? I began sharing my favorite stress-busting foods. This week I will continue with foods that support your body’s ability to manage stress.
Salmon, or other cold water fatty fish contain omega-3, an essential fatty acid that prevents your stress hormones, adrenal and cortisol, from going through the roof. Omega-3 fatty acids also help stabilize blood sugar levels and are heart-healthy too.
Other examples of cold water fish include mackerel, herring, light tuna, sardines, cod and halibut. Mussels are another good seafood choice. Try eating some of these seafoods twice a week.
If you want vegetarian options look for chia seeds, flax seed oil, hemp seeds, walnuts, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and tahini.
Magnesium-containing foods such as spinach are key foods to reduce stress. Magnesium calms and relaxes your muscles.
This includes the muscles in your blood vessels that reduce your blood pressure in times of stress. It relaxes your other muscles, which in turn relieves pain and stress, especially tension headaches related to stress.
Magnesium is also responsible for your nervous system’s communication system. When we don't have enough magnesium our nerves get irritable and that can escalate our stress levels.
Other magnesium-containing foods are pumpkin seeds, Swiss chard, bananas, soybeans, almonds, cashews, kidney beans and black beans. Grains like oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa are loaded with magnesium.
Avocado is a superfood for just about any health condition. This exotic fruit is full of healthy monounsaturated fat which reduces the insulin rush that happens with the release or adrenaline from stressful situations.
The potassium and monounsaturated fat reduce blood pressure as well. The wonderfully rich and thick texture can calm those frantic thoughts and feelings that accompany stressful situations.
Life can be stressful so isn’t it nice to know that eating foods that you love can help you stay balanced and calm?
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Daemon Jones
Dr. Dae's website: www.HealthyDaes.org
Download one of Dr. Dae's books: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living, Cultivate Health: Recipes for Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic Conditions @ www.HealthyDaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats patients all over the country using Skype and phone visits. She helps her patients cultivate health and feel great, using a combination of safe and effective naturopathic and conventional methods.
Sources:
Brown, Elizabeth Nolan. "Omega 3's: 8 Vegetarian Ways To Sneak More Into Your Diet." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2013.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/26/omega-3-vegetarian-vegan_n_1299283.html#slide=722315
"Free radicals - definition of Free radicals by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.." Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2013.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Free+radicals
Mateljan, George. The world's healthiest foods: essential guide for the healthiest way of eating. Seattle, Wash.: George Mateljan Foundation, 2006. Print.
"Stress-Busting Foods | Women's Health Magazine." Women's Health: Health, Fitness, Weight Loss, Healthy Recipes & Beauty. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/beat-stress
"Top Sources of Omega-3s | Eating Well." Healthy Recipes, Healthy Eating, Healthy Cooking | Eating Well. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2013.
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/top_sources_of_omega_3s
Reviewed April 9, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith