3 Foods That Help to Lower Stress
By Genevieve Cunningham
Stress. This one little word has major impact on far too many people’s lives. When stress hits, which is bound to happen in life, it can leave you feeling drained, confused, irritable, and generally worn out. While most of us have heard the typical methods of lowering stress -- get some exercise, get a massage, take a vacation -- it might be a good idea to check out your diet. To get a handle on stress through your diet, take a look at these stress busting foods to add to your menu.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal serves as a comfort food, which is very beneficial when you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. Like any other comforting object, stress levels may be lowered because of serotonin production in the brain. This hormone is produced in response to the comfort food, and the result is lower stress and a feeling of peace. Just cook a hot bowl of oatmeal in the morning to experience lower stress levels all day long.
Oranges
Oranges contain massive amounts of Vitamin C compared to their size. While you have probably heard that this vitamin is good for boosting the immune system, it’s also an excellent way to lower the stress hormone cortisol in the body. When this hormone is lowered, you feel less stress as a whole. Oranges are delicious when they are simply peeled and eaten raw, though you can add them to various recipes as well if you crave a bit of variety.
Avocados
Avocados, because of their high potassium content, are great at lowering blood pressure. When your stress gets high, blood pressure goes up in response. Eating even half of an avocado may help it come down low enough for you feel a lower heart rate as well as a little less stressed. Avocado can be enjoyed raw, diced and thrown in a salad, or mashed up and turned into some delicious guacamole.
Stress will definitely happen throughout life, most likely over and over again. It’s impossible to go through the ups and downs of every day and completely avoid it. But if you take care of yourself and know what to do, you can keep your stress levels under control to leave you feeling healthy. Start by adding these foods to your diet, and manage your stress for a happier life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Summerville, S.C.