There have been several studies looking at the benefits of sound nutrition and, as with many things in life, these studies often contradict each other leaving us wondering where the truth actually lies. Generally however there is agreement that a balanced and healthy diet does have an important role to play in lowering stress.
There is also general agreement that, when a diet is not very well balanced, supplements can be helpful. For example, serotonin is a chemical that is produced in the brain which can induce calm and, with a poor diet, taking a supplement which helps the brain to produce serotonin will assist the body to reduce stress.
Timing is however important and, as serotonin levels are normally naturally raised in the morning and lower in the late afternoon, you can assist your body by either by taking supplements in the late afternoon or by enjoying a late afternoon snack which will help the body's natural production of serotonin. Try some pretzels or a baked potato, both of which are healthy and low in fat.
For a few individuals excessive eating, especially of foods which are high in fat, is the answer to stress. However, high fat foods tend to slow down or inhibit serotonin levels and so often have just the opposite effect to that which you want.
Another side effect of excessive eating is that of weight gain and, as more and more people are discovering today, being overweight is a sure route to stress and even depression. The answer therefore is both a sensible and balanced diet and a fair amount of exercise.
Sensible eating and exercise will have the double benefits of both lowering the production of stress-inducing chemicals within the body and of improving the way you look and feel, which will certainly lift your mood and provide you with a sound barrier to stress.
One other thing to look out for is the habit many of us have of missing meals. When you are stressed you will frequently find that this depresses your appetite and it is a very matter to begin skipping meals. Whether you are stressed or not, try to set yourself a regular routine for mealtimes and then stick to it.
Additionally, try to make mealtimes a 'break' in your day and leave your problems on one side while you are eating. Use this as time, specifically set aside for relaxation and for focusing your mind on the good things of life. You will almost certainly find that when you get up from your meal the world around you will be a lot calmer.
Author Resource:-
For more information about stress, including such things as stress symptoms, and for a wealth of stress articles, please visit Stress-Relief-And-Anxiety-Relievers.com
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