How foods can relieve stress

Stress can cause headaches, insomnia and anxiety, but but by eating certain foods, the effects can be reduced or relieved.

Anti stress B vitamins;  Stress puts a lot of pressure on the fight or flight hormone, Adrenaline, but B vitamins support their function and help reduce stress levels.  Primarily vitamin B5 & B6, which can be found in wholegrains, dairy, liver, dark leafy vegetables, shellfish, wholegrains & soya beans.

Antioxidants;  these fight the free radicals created by high levels of stress in the body that have been shown to cause premature ageing, cellular damage and mental impairment. Vitamin E found in nuts & seeds, Selenium in shellfish, wholegrains and nuts, Zinc in oysters, ginger & seeds, Vitamin A and Carotene found in fish oils, egg yolk, orange/yellow fruit and veg.

Vitamin C;  is essential for peak adrenal gland performance & is also a good antioxidant.  Eat more Vitamin C rich foods when stressed, as the body requires more of it during these periods and the body cannot store Vitamin C within itself. Fruit, vegetables, berries, tomatoes.

Magnesium, calcium, potassium;  Magnesium & calcium both become depleted during stressful periods.  Increasing their intake will help with insomnia, tiredness, restlessness, irritability and mental fatigue. Magnesium - wheatgerm, wholegrains & nuts. Calcium - dairy produce, green leafy veg, can induce a calming effect. Potassium - celery, avocado ward off mental confusion & depression.

Chromium & slow release carbs;  Following the adrenaline rush brought on by stress, the body then goes through an energy slump.  To help combat this eat complex carbs such as wholegrains, beans, lentils as these release energy gradually and aid in the mood boosting hormone serotonin.  Chromium found in yeast, wholegrain bread, potatoes, chicken, lamb, green peppers, balances out blood sugar levels.

Common stress busting foods!

• Banana - rich in potassium and carbs, are perfect for keeping energy levels high and stress levels low.
• Tomatoes; rich in vitamin C, beta carotene and potassium.  Also contain lycopene which is thought to help protect from cancer.
• Chicken - chromium balances blood sugar levels
• Eggs - boost levels of vitamin B and chromium
• Pumpkin - Source of Vitamin A and beta carotene, a good antioxidant.
• Potatoes & Lentils - complex carbohydrate slowly releases its energy and helps in the production of serotonin.
• Cherries - great source of Vitamin c to ward off free radicals.
• Salmon - an oily fish, is a good source of vitamins A & B.
• Cauliflower - Vitamin C & potassium, both are depleted by stressful episodes.
• Peas - good source of Vitamin B
• Broccoli - Good source of Vitamin A & potassium for healthy nerves