Reduce Stress - 10 Edible Stress Busters

It is in everyone's best interest to take a journey on the road to learning to reduce stress. Reducing stress adds quality and quantity to your life and helps you be at your best for yourself, your family, your job and all the other things that life entails. It also engages you in a more healthy lifestyle and can help add years to your life.

Most people love to eat and hopefully you are someone who eats healthy or at least is attempting to make that change in your life. When making difficult adjustments in your life, like trying to improve your diet, keep your mind focused on the payback you will receive for your efforts and it's only a matter of a short while (1-2 months) before your body begins to feel success and you feel the differences it makes in your life. There are other benefits you may notice sooner, depending on your health status.

Keep these foods in your diet regularly to keep your stress levels in tact and provide your body with essential vitamins and nutrients.

Orange

Returns blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after being raised by stress.

Other Benefit

Vitamin C which  keeps the immune system in tact.

Whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, vegetables, fruits

These are unrefined forms of carbohydrates boost positive energy levels thus reducing stress.

Dried Apricots

Magnesium is a stress buster and a natural muscle relaxant. Apricots are rich in magnesium and come as fresh fruit or dried.

Almonds, Pistachios, and Walnuts

Full of vitamins B and E, which helps lower blood pressure - often found with stress.

Other Benefit

Immune Booster

Turkey

Turkey has high levels of an amino acid called L-tryptophan, which sets off the release of serotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical documented for it's calming effect.

Spinach

Spinach has several powerful qualities, one being high levels of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can cause migraines and fatigue.

Other Benefit

Antioxidant, colon cleansing, high in fiber

Salmon

Omega-3s keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.

Other Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease.

Avocado and Banana

The monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocado and banana assist to lower blood pressure.

Green Vegetables

Dark green leafy vegetables have bucket loads of vitamins that help replenish the body with vital vitamins and nutrients in times of stress. (broccoli, kale,collard Greens, arugula, mustard greens, Romaine Lettuce, spinach, and swiss chard)

Other Benefits

High in fiber, prevent certain types of cancers, and promotes heart health.

Eggs, lean meat, dried fruits, wholegrain cereals, peas and potatoes.

These foods are high in iron. Lack of iron in the body weakens the bodies stress response levels and slows down the release of oxygen.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

• Regular Exercise.
• 2 liters of water a day. Drink water the minute you wake up in the morning before breakfast.
• Increase your metabolic rate by eating small amounts about 6 times a day - depending on how small the snack.
• Excess Alcohol. Studies show that over consumption of alcohol causes anxiety and depression.
• Moderate consumption of tea and coffee.
• Stay away from fast food and fatty foods.
• Avoid saturated fats. These raise the cholesterol levels in the body increasing chances of high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Go easy on the salt.

Keeping these food regularly in your diet will help reduce stress levels and help your body, mind and emotions cope better when faced with stressful situations.

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