Eating to Reduce Stress

Although that might sound like permission to eat ice cream and chocolate, instead there are foods which contain substances that help us reduce our stress.

In an article on MSN, Oz Garcia Ph.D, nutritional counselor and life extension specialist, suggests a few good food sources.

Oranges

The Vitamin C in oranges is what helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. People who have high levels of vitamin C do not show the expected mental and physical signs of stress when subjected to acute psychological challenges, according to a study cited in Psychology Today.


Dried Apricots

Apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well.

Other sources of magnesium are vegetables like buckwheat (kasha), mature lima beans, navy beans, kidney beans, green beans, soy beans (including tofu), blackeyed peas, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, oats, whole barley, millet, bananas, blackberries, dates, dried figs, mangoes, watermelon, almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazel nuts, shrimp, and tuna.

For a complete article on magnesium and stress see an article by Dr. Leo Galland

Nuts

Almonds are packed with B and E vitamins, which help boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help lower blood pressure. Nuts also contain zinc which helps alleviate anxiety.


Turkey

Turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This amino acid triggers the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. L-Tryptophan has a documented calming effect.


Avocados

The monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocados help lower blood pressure.