How to Control Stress by Eating Food

The Food Pyramid

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By Jill M
eHow Community Member

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(11 Ratings)

Did you know that stress produces hormones in the body, which then produce toxins? These toxins can reduce the average life span by years! Let us tell you what you can do to help yourself.

We all know what stress makes us feel like. 90 percent of Americans experience high levels of stress at least once or twice a week. Work, relationships, trying to do too much at once-all have unhealthy physical effects on the body.

Let me expound first on stress and resulting effects on the body. At the onset of stress, the body puts up a defense against the threat. Blood flow is diverted to the muscles, preventing the rest of the body from properly absorbing vitamins, minerals, and water. As there is no "physical" attacker, to fight or flee from, this physical "pumping up has no outlet, which endangers and encumbers the normal body functions. Over a period of time, this will adversely affect your health. Stress can cause fatigue, lower your immune system, raise blood pressure, and open the doors to other maladies such as infections, constipation, sexual dysfunction, depression, heart disease and even cancer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Good foods listed below
Vitamin C-optional but suggested
Daily supplements-optional but suggested

Step 1

Try something new, like Brussels Sprouts with cheese and chili seasoning or other favorites.

Eating the right foods can help counteract the effects of tension and strain. Simple, whole foods can help relieve tension. You will need to get ample amounts of vitamin C, an immune booster for when your C levels drop when you're under pressure. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially oranges, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and broccoli.
Step 2

High in B12

Vitamin B12' helps the cell formation and improve nervous system functions, and can help fight stress induced fatigue. Good sources to find this would be fish, eggs, lean meats, and milk.
Step 3

High in B6

B6 also boosts your immune system. B6, is plentiful in bananas, and potatoes. It also elevates levels of dopamine, a mood-enhancing chemical in the brain, therefore taking the "edge" off of anxiety and irritability.
Step 4

Comfort foods

Stress puts the body in an agitated state, but the right foods can soothe nerves by evoking feelings of comfort and security. Many times we reach for comfort food. We reach for are sweet, creamy, or rich treat. Momentarily, the trigger the release of calming brain chemicals like opioids and Seritonin. Soon to follow there is the crash in energy and mood. You're better off with soothing foods that won't leave you lagging later.
Step 5

Natural Chamomile

Here is a quick list to remember or print out. Apples, oranges, strawberries, whole grain breads, all fresh vegetables, especially, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggs, lean meats Low-or nonfat dairy products herbal teas, ginseng, chamomile.

Comments

nadine1373 said

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on 12/6/2008 This is a great article with information for instant use. Keep it up!!

on 12/6/2008 This is an excellent article which does not stop short of information that persons are searching to know instantly. Great article!!! Keep it up.