The Stress Diet:
Nutrition For Good Mental Health
You can help to protect your mind and body through a stress diet. For those
who are anxious or depressed, proper nutrition is a much needed thing. Our body
needs proper nutrition so that our body receives enough of the right vitamins,
minerals and amino acids that help protect our mind and body from the negative
effects of stress. Chronic stress depletes the body of much needed vitamins and
minerals and it's important to know that there are foods we can eat in our diet
that can help us keep a healthy mind and body.
What foods help with stress and anxiety?
In a stress diet, foods rich in B vitamins
are very important. They help support the
function of the nervous system as well as the
production of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Some foods rich in B vitamins are
cauliflower, eggs, peanuts, avocados, yogurt,
oats, pork, salmon, asparagus, clams, trout,
tuna, bananas, mangos, turkey, chicken, and
sweet potatoes.
Foods rich in calcium, magnesium and Omega 3 fatty acids are
also very beneficial for people suffering with chronic stress
and anxiety.
Calcium is not only found in dairy foods such as
milk, yogurt and cheese, but also in vegetables such as
broccoli, kale, and fish such as salmon.
Foods rich in magnesium like spinach,
almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados, are helpful
because they aid our muscles in releasing tension.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish such as
salmon and tuna.
For more detailed
information please visit
The
Anxiety Diet.
What foods help with depression?
Complex Carbohydrates (foods known as "comfort foods")
boost the serotonin level in the brain. Many people associate
"comfort foods" with macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes
as some of their favorites. However, these foods should be
consumed in moderation because they can be high in calories. It
is important to note that there are healthier ways to prepare
these favorite foods. Foods like broccoli, brown rice,
squash, and blackberries are also examples of complex
carbohydrates and contain much less calories than well known
"comfort foods".
As with anxiety and chronic stress, foods rich in B
vitamins, Omega 3 fatty acids, and folic acid are helpful
for depression as well.
For more detailed
information visit
The
Depression Diet.
Stress Diet Recipes
Are you looking for good recipes using foods that are perfect
for the stress diet? Or perhaps you know of one that you'd like
to share with others? If you'd like to see what's been posted so
far, or if you'd like to share one of your own favorites, visit
stress diet recipes.
What if there are foods you just don't like?
As with all of us, there are some things we
just don't want to eat. Fish is a common food
that is disliked by a lot of people including
well needed vegetables. In a stress diet, it's
important to supplement if your diet is lacking
any of these necessary nutrients. Supplements
such as vitamins, minerals, and fish oils can be
found at your local pharmacy, grocery, and
department stores. For more information on
supplements please visit the
natural stress relief section on this site.
Foods to Avoid
Since not all food are created equal, it is important to
recognize the foods that should be avoided during periods of
chronic stress, anxiety and/or depression. All foods containing
high amounts of saturated fats, sugars, salt, caffeine
should be limited in your diet. Coffee, soda, processed
foods, chips, fast foods are some examples of a few of these
types of foods. As good as these foods taste, they rob your body
of essential vitamins and minerals that you could be getting
from healthier foods. These foods can also contribute to
stubborn belly fat as well as chronic health problems and
diseases. It's best to greatly reduce (if not eliminate) your
consumption of these foods while experiencing anxiety and/or
depression.
What about Alcohol?
Alcohol is another item that should be removed from your
diet. It is a well known fact that alcohol is already considered
a depressant and a person who is depressed will only experience
more depression as a result. Many people use Alcohol to help
relieve stress and anxiety. Although they may experience some
short term relief, the long-term use of alcohol can lead to
physical and mental addiction. It is important to recognize that
anxiety symptoms are increased once the effects of alcohol are
gone. Visit
alcohol and depression to learn more about the negative
effects of alcohol for the anxious and depressed.
If you are using alcohol or any other substance to
self-medicate due to stress, anxiety or depression, please
contact your family physician to discuss alternatives that are
not addictive.
There are natural supplements you can use for
natural stress relief. They can be used as an alternative to
anxiety and depression medications and can help relieve the
physical symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression without the
negative side effects of prescription medications.
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