A healthy stress level isn’t bad for your body as it can help you overcome certain challenges or threats. However, chronic stress can trigger or aggravate conditions like heart disease, weight problems, and depression. While its strongly recommended that you see a doctor if you are experiencing severe distress, living an active, disciplined life wherein you are thoughtful of your lifestyle can significantly help relieve stress.
Here are a few healthy food items that you must incorporate into your diet in order to alleviate stress:
1. Sweet Potatoes
You can get plenty of nutrients from regularly eating whole eggs, some of which can help with stress management. Eggs are a rich source of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants that can help your body fight stress. Eggs contain choline, an essential nutrient that’s also available as a supplement. Animal studies have shown the nutrient’s ability to promote stress response and improve mood.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli can help with various aspects of physical and mental health. The cruciferous vegetable contains nutrients that may lower your risk of cardiac problems, depression, and some types of cancer. It gets its antidepressant properties from nutrients like magnesium and vitamin C. It can also provide sulforaphane that helps alleviate depressive symptoms, enabling your stressed mind to calm down.
4. Chamomile Tea
If you enjoy herbal teas, try chamomile. Ancient societies consumed it as a natural treatment for multiple health problems, including stress. The natural herb reduces stress in several ways, such as by enabling you to have a high-quality night’s rest. Regularly drinking chamomile tea can reduce the ill effects of anxiety and depression.
5. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are some of the healthiest sources of therapeutic nutrients that you can get from seafood. You can also try options like salmon and mackerel, which provide plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. According to numerous studies, consuming these nutrients can help with stress relief and mood regulation. When you’re low on vitamin D, you’re at a higher risk of anxiety and depression, so it’s always a good idea to include these nutrients in your regular diet.
6. Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur compounds that help boost glutathione levels in your system, helping combat stress. Studies support this notion by showing the effectiveness of garlic in reducing anxiety and depression in animals.
