Foods to Alleviate Physical Stress
As we come to a close on our April topic of stress, a common question is which foods are the best choices for your body to help it function optimally? This is a great one to consider because a healthy body is key to a healthy lifestyle!
Here are some foods that can help alleviate physical stress:
- Fatty fish: Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce stress hormones and improve mood. Omega-3s are also essential for brain health and may help your body handle stress.
- Complex carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, provide sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar levels. This can help to improve mood and reduce stress. Some good choices include whole-wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and leafy green vegetables.
- Foods rich in B vitamins: B vitamins are essential for energy production and nervous system function. They can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Foods rich in B vitamins include chicken, fish, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Foods rich in magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that helps to relax the muscles and nerves. It can also help to improve sleep quality, which is important for stress management. Foods rich in magnesium include avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
- Foods rich in vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and improve stress resilience. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, and bell peppers.
- Fermented foods: Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir, are a good source of probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria that can improve gut health, which has been linked to stress reduction.
In addition to eating a healthy diet, there are other things you can do to manage stress, such as getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques.
And as always, if you’d like to introduce chiropractic into your health and wellness journey, Dr. Desiree Van Bogart at Desired Health Chiropractic is here to help!