Saturday 19 January 2013

Poor Nutrition and Stress



Most of us experience a degree of stress in our lives – it’s part of being a human being. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, and we seek out ways to actively reduce the levels of stress we feel. While many see external factors as solutions – changing jobs, moving homes, getting rid of toxic relationships or bad habits – it could be that what you’re feeding yourself is making you feel anxious and on edge. Or what you’re not feeding yourself. If you’re always feeling stressed out, it could be that you’re not getting enough of the following:

Complex carbs: these stimulate serotonin production in the brain and stabilize your blood sugar.

Vitamin C: studies have shown that consuming Vitamin C before a stressful task can reduce the level of stress experienced. Oranges, blueberries and strawberries are all a great source of Vitamin C.

Green leafy vegetables: You may not love the taste of spinach but it contains loads of magnesium which is proven to reduce stress. The darker the leaf, the more nourishment it contains.

Fatty fish: Fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are loaded with good fatty acids, essential for healthy brain functioning and a great way to prevent a surge in stress hormones.

Potassium: Potassium is vital for our muscles to move, our nerves to fire and our kidneys to purify our blood. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include fatigue, anxiety, lethargy and even depression. Get your potassium from foods such as bananas, spinach and avocado.

Getting all the nutrients you need to make sure your body functions to its best ability can be difficult, not to mention expensive. While it’s easier now not to worry about whether you’re getting the vitamins and supplements you need, the long-term effects can include inflammation, low bone density, high cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar, which can lead to even more serious conditions and over time, chronic illness. A good way to ensure your body gets what it needs is to supplement your diet with the correct vitamins and nutrients.

Look after yourself!

 

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