Nutrition & Stress

Feeling stressed?

When it comes to combating stress levels, what you eat may actually relieve some tension.

Stressful events, no matter how big or small, cause our cortisol levels to rise. Cortisol aka the “stress hormone” increases our heart rate and blood pressure and can even lead to food cravings, especially for sweets (while there’s nothing wrong with a sweet treat) these foods below contain certain nutrients known to be helpful in eradicating stress .

Omega 3 fatty acids present in salmon and other fatty fish contain anti-inflammatory properties that can counteract the negative effects of stress hormones.

Antioxidants are found in Blueberries + Dark Chocolate. When you’re stressed, there’s a battle being fought inside of you. The antioxidants and phytonutrients present in berries fight in your defense which improves your body’s overall response. Berry consumption also leads to a boost in white blood cells (natural killer cells) that enhances immunity and counteracts stress.

The cocoa in dark chocolate also contains antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the body. This nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels, raising blood supply and ultimately lowering blood pressure. Thus, reducing the physical war happening inside of you and decreasing the sensation of stress.

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps to maintain a healthy nervous system. Zinc is especially crucial in vagus nerve functioning, which connects the brain to your body where messages of ‘calm’ are transported. A healthy nervous system can help ease anxiety. Zinc is found in nuts and seeds such as cashews, pumpkin seeds and almonds.

When faced with a lack of control on what’s happening around us, optimal food intake can help regain power. Choosing foods rich in nutrient dense compounds does not only taste delicious, but also plays a major role in improving mood, feelings of anxiety, inflammation and more.