The old saying you are what you eat is actually a good rule to follow. That’s because food plays a very important role in your health and wellbeing. This is especially true in the high stress lifestyles that most people live.
Everyday stressors like juggling life/work balance can take its toll, according to Natural Savvy. But there are foods that can help you take the pressure off and promote calm. Some of these foods help to turn off the stress hormone cortisol while others can raise the levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin. Check out these seven stress-reducing foods.
Berries
Berries are truly a superfood. They contain large amounts of vitamin C which is a natural stress reducer and high levels of antioxidants that can protect you from the cellular damage that can cause chronic diseases. The best berries to eat are blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Pair with oatmeal to help boost your serotonin levels.
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Dark Chocolate
While many people think that chocolate with its high sugar content is bad for you, the opposite is true. Dark chocolate is actually very good for you because it contains powerful antioxidants called flavanols and polyphenols. These antioxidants can boost your serotonin levels and help to improve your mood.
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Fermented Food
A healthy gut can actually mean a healthy brain. That’s because there is a direct link between these regions of your body. Fermented foods contain gut beneficial probiotics that have a direct impact on your brain chemistry and help boost serotonin. This feel-good hormone is actually produced in your gut.
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Turkey
Turkey contains an amino acid called tryptophan which can reduce stress and promote relaxation, according to Everyday Health. Tryptophan actually helps your body produce serotonin and is found in a large variety of foods, including bananas, cheese, soy, nuts, and sesame seeds. The amino acid also increases melatonin so it could also improve the quality of your sleep.
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Dairy Foods
Calcium rich foods are a healthy part of any diet and getting enough calcium can lead to less stress and anxiety. In fact, warm milk can help you relax, that’s why it is promoted as a home remedy to induce sleep. Eating yogurt is also an excellent way to add more probiotics to your diet.
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Seafood and Fish
Fish and seafood are full of vitamin B-12, a necessary nutrient to produce dopamine, the feel-good hormone, according to y!life. In fact, a 2020 study from the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology found that getting enough vitamin B-12 could help prevent depression.
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Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are a great source of folate and magnesium, two calming nutrients, according to Natural Savvy. Leafy greens are also calcium rich. Kale is the most nutrient rich leafy green you can eat. Toss some avocado, salmon, or seeds in your leafy green salad for added stress reducing benefits.
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