Foods that calm

Once you have eliminated or reduced the foods that are causing you stress, you may want to consider replacing those harmful foods with beneficial ones, foods that will actually reduce stress. Under stress, your body increases the production of stress hormones, which contribute to symptoms like high blood pressure, muscle tension, digestive upset, among other things. Nutritious foods that also support adrenal gland function are especially beneficial for stress reduction.

Foods that  lower stress

• Celery helps to lower blood pressure. Compounds within the celery lower the concentrations of stress hormones that cause blood vessel constriction. Celery contains nutrients such as niacinimide, which are calming.
• Sunflower seeds – are a rich source of potassium, B-vitamins, and zinc which play a role in supporting the adrenal glands.
• Brown rice – is a low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate that can trigger the release of the body’s feel-good chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine. It can help you deal better with stress by helping to lift the mood and giving you more sustained energy.
• Algae – contains 60% protein, including all 8 essential amino acids. Algae has an energizing effect on the liver, helping to eliminate the buildup of toxins, thus lowering stress levels in the body. Algae contains virtually every nutrient known to man, including all those that have a positive effect on the nervous system. It provides all the nutrients that stress robs from the body.
• Cabbage – is a good source of the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and the mineral selenium. Antioxidants fight the damaging effect of free radicals in your body, which are released in response to stress and they help with the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, helping to boost mood.
• Almonds – are high in magnesium, the mineral responsible for helping muscles to relax. Almonds support adrenal function as well as the metabolism of fatty acids. Low levels of magnesium are associated with nervous tension, irritability, and insomnia.
• Berries – Rich in manganese and vitamin C, blackberries stave off stress by supporting the immune system. Strawberries and raspberries are also good sources of manganese and vitamin C. If you feel generally stressed and run down, you may be deficient in vitamin C.
• Sesame seeds – are an excellent source of zinc. The need for zinc increases in times of stress and it is necessary for the metabolism of fatty acids and for the production of serotonin.
• Cucumbers – have a cooling effect on the blood and the liver and, you guessed it, on the mood as well. When the liver is balanced, the liver assists in balancing hormones, boost mood, and beat stress.
• Asparagus - Many of the elements that build the liver, kidneys, skin, ligaments and bones are found in green asparagus. It also helps in the formation of red blood capsules, and is high in glutathione, an antioxidant which helps the liver function optimally. When the liver is healthy, your mood and ability to deal with stress is greater.
• Garlic - significantly impacts the lowering of blood pressure associated with stress. Garlic contains a powerful antibiotic called allicin, which is both antiviral and anti-fungal as well as cholesterol-lowering, blood-pressure lowering, and mood-boosting.
• Avocados – contain 14 minerals all of which regulate body functions and stimulate growth. They contain enough iron and copper to aid red blood regeneration and the prevention of nutritional anemia – one common cause of fatigue and an inability to cope effectively with stress.

Eating these foods may not have the immediate effect that popping a pill might. But the effects of changing your eating habits to include the foods listed, among others, will have long-lasting effects. Practicing proper nutrition is the first step in managing stress. Isn't your health worth it?