Stresses are the forces that life throws at you every day. When they are winning the battle, strain is the result. When your body is under strain, it uses up some vital nutrients quicker. One of the stresses that many of us inflict on our bodies is a poor diet. Here's a few dietary stresses we can either do without or at least moderate.
Caffeine
Coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas cause the release of adrenaline which increases the level of stress. Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant, so in moderation, coffee can increase your alertness, increased activity in the muscles, nervous system and heart. But consuming too much caffeine has the same effect as long term stress. If you need a little caffeine, drink tea. Coffee has many negative effects on the body.
Alcohol
The body can tolerate a small amount of alcohol; the liver metabolizes it fairly quickly. But a few ounces in rapid succession is a major cause of stress. The irony of the situation is that most people take to drinking as way to combat stress. But, in actuality, they make it worse by consuming alcohol. Alcohol and stress, in combination, are quite deadly.
Alcohol stimulates the secretion of adrenaline resulting in the problems such as nervous tension, irritability and insomnia. Excess alcohol will increase the fat deposits in the heart and decrease the immune function. Alcohol also limits the ability of the liver to remove toxins from the body.
Sugar
Sugar provides no nutrients only a short-term boost of energy resulting in the exhaustion of the adrenal glands if used habitually. This can result in irritability, poor concentration, depression and diabetes.
Keep your blood sugar constant by eating low glycemic index foods. Do not use sugar as a "pick me up."
Salt
Salt increases the blood pressure, deplete adrenal glands, and causes emotional instability. Use a salt substitute that has potassium rather than sodium. Avoid junk foods high in salt such as bacon, ham, pickles, sausage, etc.
Fat
Avoid the consumption of foods rich in saturated fats. Fats cause obesity and put unnecessary stress on the cardiovascular system. High fat is believed to cause breast, colon and prostate cancers.
Excess Protein
Reduce animal foods. High-protein foods elevate brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which are associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress. Eat just enough lean meat to obtain your protein needs.
Good Foods to Reduce Stress
Carbohydrates trigger release of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, which soothes you. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, pasta, potatoes, breads, air-popped popcorn and low-cal cookies. Experts suggest that the carbohydrates present in a baked potato or a cup of spaghetti or white rice, is enough to relieve the anxiety of a stressful day.
Eat more fiber to keep your digestive system moving. Your meal should provide at least 25 grams of fiber per day. Fruits, vegetables and grains are excellent sources of fiber. For breakfast, eat whole fruits instead of juice, and whole-grain cereals and fiber-fortified muffins.
Eating more vegetables can increase your brain's Serotonin production. This increase is due to improved absorption of the amino acid L-Tryptophan. Vegetables contain the natural, safe, form of L Tryptophan. Meats contain natural L-Tryptophan also, but when you eat meat, the L-Tryptophan has to compete with so many other amino acids for absorption that the L-Tryptophan loses out. The net result is that you get better absorption of L-Tryptophan when you eat vegetables.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
