Help….I’m Stressed! What Should I Eat?

MAY 19, 2020

Does the current Coronavirus pandemic have you feeling anxious and unsettled? Have you ever stared at your computer screen for hours and felt so much stress that your shoulders and neck seethe with pain? Or have you tried to close your eyes and go to sleep at the end of a stressful day only to lie awake rehashing in your mind everything that went wrong that afternoon?  We’ve all been there. And while there is no one “right way” to deal with stress, there are proven ways to combat the effects of increased stress hormones through simple changes to your food intake.  Foods rich in B vitamins and antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E) help the brain maintain normal function. Also, during stressful times, our bodies often become depleted of magnesium and potassium, two important nutrients that help relieve muscle tension and symptoms of depression.

Choose the Right Foods

Including some of the following foods can help combat stress in a variety of ways:

• Bananas –High in potassium, magnesium and Vitamin B6
• Whole grains – High in Vitamin E and fiber which slows digestion and releases serotonin, a “feel-good” hormone
• Apricots – High in magnesium, fiber, and Vitamin C
• Berries – Rich in antioxidants
• Avocados – Excellent source of heart-healthy fats and B vitamins as well as potassium
• Dark Chocolate – High in iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, as well as theobromine which lends to feelings of happiness
• Asparagus – High in folic acid, which helps ease feelings of anxiety
• Leafy Greens – Full of Vitamin A and C as well as magnesium
• Yogurt – Rich in probiotics that aid in digestive wellness, as well as in emotional well being
• Salmon – Chock full of Omega-3 fatty acids that help regulate cortisol and adrenaline
• Seeds and Nuts – High in Vitamin E, magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids
• Green Tea – Great source of anxiety-reducing polyphenols as well as Vitamin C

So relax, take a deep breath, and instead of grabbing a bag of potato chips or a tub of ice cream, opt for some healthy foods to help with the stress!