In Need of Stress Relief? The Answer Might Be in Your Diet

In Need of Stress Relief? The Answer Might Be in Your Diet

While acknowledging the merits of these methods for alleviating and controlling stress, they tend to overshadow the significance of diet in the context of protecting against stress.

Abbott senior research scientist Matthew J. Kuchan, Ph.D., stated, "A healthy diet can mitigate the detrimental effects of stress on the body." "A healthy diet builds a solid, more enduring foundation for your body by reducing oxidation and inflammation and by helping to reduce weight gain."

Eating healthily is undoubtedly a difficult practice to uphold, particularly when we are exceptionally occupied and, consequently, more susceptible to stress. Dining out is the prevailing choice rather than preparing nutritious meals due to the hectic schedules of many individuals.

"This generally contributes to a less healthy diet," according to Kuchan. "We all know how easy it is to treat ourselves to that rich, high-fat meal we have been craving — but would usually not fix for ourselves."

Incorporated into your daily or weekly regimen, therefore, is the preparation of nutritious meals, which can substantially improve your diet and ultimately reduce your stress levels.

"Eating at home generally increases the likelihood that you will eat a healthy diet," said Kuchan. Preserving fresh, nutrient-dense foods for one's use is one method of facilitating adherence to a healthy diet. Nuts, fruits, and high-fiber cereals are a few examples of foods that can be canned or desiccated.

How Exactly Do Healthy Foods Reduce Stress?

"Stress negatively affects blood pressure and blood flow," Kuchan commented. "There is a strong relationship between fluctuations in brain blood flow and brain health and these compounds over time."

The nutrients found in nutritious foods, according to Kuchan, can assist in enhancing blood circulation.

"Examples of nutrients that improve blood flow include omega-3s (EPA and DHA), vitamin E and polyphenols found in red wine, blueberries and dark chocolate," Kuchan explained. "By improving blood flow, a healthy diet subsequently enhances the delivery of vital nutrients to the brain, thereby inducing a 'cascading effect' on brain health." Physical fitness is therefore one of the most potent "anti-cognitive decline" factors; it operates by ensuring that the brain receives adequate blood flow.

According to Kuchan, omega-3 fatty acids are present in fish such as tuna and salmon, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties. Foods such as avocados, sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach are rich sources of vitamin E.

Additionally, Kuchan stated that recent research is revealing the anti-stress properties of plant compounds.

"Like polyphenols and carotenoids found in foods like green leafy vegetables and bright colored peppers," he continued.

Furthermore, Kuchan highlighted the expanding corpus of research that establishes a robust correlation between cognitive function and digestive well-being.

"Emerging research is now suggesting that the gut microbiome can influence the body, including the brain," he continued. "The microbiome can be supported by consuming fiber-containing foods like beans, vegetables, cereals and yogurt."

Also read: Why stress causes people to overeat?