Know About Foods That Cause Stress

Studies have shown that food and stress are linked together. You would be surprised to know that some kinds of food that cause stress. On the other hand, there are also certain foods that reduce stress. Leading a healthy, stress-free life includes maintaining a healthy diet. Therefore, one should be aware of what he or she is eating.

Foods that cause stress

Many packaged foods contain agents that stimulate or cause stress. The irony is that foods containing people get tempted to consume these foods for various reasons. Some of the food items that are commonly known to cause stress are as follows:

Caffeine:

This is commonly found in coffee, tea, colas and chocolates. Caffeine increases stress levels by stimulating the central nervous system. Excess intake of caffeine will result in hyperactive mood and cause irritation and stress.

Alcohol:

Alcohol, if taken in large doses, disrupts sleep. It will also cause malfunctioning. It has the potential to create interpersonal problems with family, friends and coworkers. This creates plenty of sources for stress.

Sugar:

Sugar may be sweet to taste, but it won't be very sweet for the body. It quickly raises the energy levels in the body in a short-period. But the ultimate effect is negative. This is because the body handles sugar by releasing insulin into the blood to reduce sugar level. Even after the body has handled the sugar intake, the insulin release may persist, and cause a fall in the energy level.

Foods that reduce stress

Certain foods can help the body to control stress. It goes without saying that the cooking methods employed to make such foods should be healthy. For example, cooking foods at very high temperatures (as in deep frying), using too much of common salt, and use of additives like food colors and preservatives should be avoided.

Here are some foods that help feel better during stress:

Proteins:

Proteins maintain the body's muscles and strengthen them and this goes a long way in fighting stress. Some examples of protein-rich foods are meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, beans, and soya.

Carbohydrates:

If carbohydrates are taken in unrefined form boost positive energy levels and thus, help to combat stress. Some examples are whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, vegetables, fruits, etc.

Potassium:

Potassium helps to prevent blood pressure. Corn, potatoes, avocadoes, leeks, fish, natural yogurt, chicken, and bananas have plenty of potassium in them.

Iron:

Iron helps in transporting oxygen via the bloodstream. Iron deficiency can lead to poor intellectual capacity and this in turn weakens the body's stress-response levels. Some foods that are rich in iron are eggs, lean meat, dried fruits, wholegrain cereals, peas and potatoes.

Zinc and copper:

Zinc helps in speeding the metabolic process of proteins. This ensures that proteins are not converted to fat. Some studies say that a lack of copper in the body may harm the heart. Foods like chicken, liver, kidney, oysters, banana, rice, beans, pears, and soya t have these minerals.

Diet and stress reduction

Nutritionists are of the opinion that some changes made to the diet will help in combating stress. Here are some diet tips that are believed to help combat stress:

• Water should be consumed in high quantities. It is good for the skin and helps you throw out toxins from your body and keeps the kidneys in proper shape. Doctors recommend that you take 2 liters of water daily.
• Eat little and eat often (at least 6 times in a day, depending on how little you eat). Experts believe that this helps in increasing the metabolic rate.
• Avoid fast food as it carries lot of fats, preservatives/additives that may harm your body. Fast foods also contain lot of salt. Salt can cause high blood pressure.
• Tea and coffee should be taken in moderate quantities. Soft drinks should be avoided. Chocolate intake should be moderated. All these foods have caffeine in varying degrees. Caffeine causes or adds to stress.
• Saturated fats should be avoided. A diet rich in saturated fats can increase the cholesterol content in the body. This increases the chances for heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Avoid excess intake of alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the body and is believed to increase depression and aggression.
• Excess salt (sodium) intake should be avoided. Salt can raise the blood pressure, thereby leading to heart problems. Processed and packaged foods contain high quantities of salt. It will be advisable to avoid such foods.

If you can change your food habits you will be able to fight with stress quiet easily. However many people fail to do this because they think that they can get rid of stress without changing their food habits and as well as by following other methods to alleviate stress. If you avoid junk and other undesirable foods it will not only help in reducing stress but also ensure that you lead a healthy life.