Do you run to the snack drawer when you get stressed out? For many people there’s a direct connection between stress and the foods that they consume. For many turning to snack foods in trying situations is a system of reassuring themselves, but what many do not understand is that what you’re eating may also add to your stress.
Stress
Stress has more of a part in what we eat than many realize and a wonderful deal of overeating can result from stress. One common substance that we ingest that could be associated with our anxiety levels is caffeine. Caffeine isn’t only found in java but can also be in tea, chocolate and soda. Caffeine can increase your stress by bettering your heat beat as well as your blood pressure. Cutting out caffeine may help you reduce anxiety, but it’s suggested to reduce gradually to avoid suffering the ill effects of withdrawal.
Some folks turn to alcohol when they get worried but alcohol may actually increase anxiety. Alcohol can make your body produce adrenaline which can affect your sleep. Drinking alcohol can make you stressed and can interfere with your bodies immune system. One common comfort food which many stressed out people turn to is sugar. Who has not torn open a candy bar after a stressful work day? While it might seem like this is comforting you, it may actually make you feel more stressed.
But why?
This is because sugar can affect the adrenal glands that may result in depression and irritability. Fatty foods go together with fat and sugar may strain the cardiovascular system resulting in more stress in your system. Typically individuals either turn to salt or sugar for snack foods but eating salty foods is not any better in your system. Salt increases blood pressure and can make you feel out of control with your emotions. If you’re already stressed out this can compound your own feelings.
If you would like to control anxiety, you need to have a close look at what you’re eating. Try eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole foods. These foods will obviously help you combat stress and are full of nutrients that will help your general health. Additionally, eating healthy will not pack on the pounds thus letting you prevent the stress of weight reduction.
Good to know
To be able to get the most amount of nutrients, aim to eat most your fruits and vegetables raw as some essential vitamins and enzymes could be lost during cooking. How do you tell if a diet is adding to your stress? Pay attention to any warning signs. Do you experience headaches after eating? Are you having back or neck pain? Do you get irritable after dinner? Are you feeling stressed for no reason? If you answer “yes” to any of them, you may have food induced stress.
Conclusion
While fighting this with better food choices, also be certain you get at least seven hours of sleep every night to be able to make certain that you’re well-rested. Being tired can contribute significantly to your anxiety level. There’s absolutely not any question that there’s a link between stress and you diet. Eating caffeine packed drinks and sugary foods can make you jittery and hyper as well as reduce your ability to focus and relax. On the other hand, meals loaded with minerals and vitamins will provide you clarity of mind and give your body the ability to better handle any stressful situation that appears.