Your Guide To How Foods Relieve Stress

G'morning everyone....

I have shared with you all a great deal on herbs, flowers, aromatherapy etc...but we cannot forget that what we buy at the supermarket to eat is just as important to our minds, bodies and emotions as herbs and aromatherapy are. So today's post is on foods that help you relieve stress..

~Peace~

(Blogger is not letting me put the rest of the pics in, so this is it for now)

How Foods Relieve Stress



Anti-Stress B Vitamins~Under stress, the adrenal glands are put under strain due to the increase in production of adrenaline. All the B vitamins support the adrenal glands. Good foods to boost levels of B vitamins are:

• Brewers Yeast
• Brown Rice
• Wheatgerm
• Soya Beans
• Fish
• Whole Grains
• Dairy Products
• Liver

Vitamin B5~Found in:

• Mushrooms
• Avocado
• Wholegrains
• Leafy Vegetables

Vitamin B6~Found in the foods below can lift your mood:

• Wholegrains
• Shellfish such as shrimp, mussels, Lobster

Antioxidants: Fight Free Radicals~Antioxidants are needed to fight destructive free radicals. These are produced naturally by the body in times of stress and can cause cell damage, impair mental performance and lead to illness. he following fresh foods are the best source of antioxidants:

Vitamin E:

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Sesame Seeds
• Sunflower Seeds

Zinc:

• Oysters
• Seeds
• Ginger Root
• Brewers Yeast

Selenium:

• Brazil Nuts
• Shellfish
• Wholegrains

Vitamin A & Beta Carotene:

• Fish Oils
• Egg Yolk
• Yellow and Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Vitamin C~Is essential for the healthy function of the adrenal gland and is also a potent antioxidant. try to eat extra vitamin C rich foods several times a day during periods of stress/, because the body will use more than normal and vitamin C can't be stored in the body tissue for later use. Vitamin C easily degrades when exposed to air, so if you make fresh juices, drink them right away.

The Best Sources of Vitamin C Are:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables especially red and black berries
• Kiwi
• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Peppers of any color

Magnesium, Calcium & Potassium~Magnesium and calcium work in partnership and are both depleted during times of stress. An increased intake will help prevent insomnia, fatigue, restlessness, cloudy thinking and irritability. Good sources of Magnesium are:

• Wheatgerm
• Nuts
• Wholegrains

Calcium:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Dairy products

Calcium has a particularly calming effect.

Potassium:

• Watercress
• Celery
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Radish
• Avocado

Potassium is needed to ward off mental confusion and depression.







Chromium And Slow Releasing Carbs~Following the adrenaline rush brought on by stress, the body suffers an energy slump and needs a boost.

Complex Carbohydrates:

• Wholegrains
• Beans
• Lentils

These foods release energy gradually and aid production of mood-boosting serotonin.


Chromium:

• Brewers Yeast
• Wholemeal Bread
• Potatoes
• Green Peppers
• Chicken
• Lamb

Chromium balances blood sugar levels

Herbal Stress-Busters

Rose Hips~Contain vitamin C and combat stress. They can be taken fresh (2-3 tsp) or dried (1 tsp) in a cup of water.



Valerian~1 tsp of dried valerian root in a cup of hot water once a day (or before bed) will promote relaxation and sleep.



Peppermint~A tbsp of Fresh peppermint leaves in hot water or a tsp of the dried leaves, taken three times a day will relax muscles.



Hops~2-6 tsp of hops a day soothes due to sedative and muscle relaxing qualities.



Oats~Soak oats in hot water or make as porridge to calm frayed nerves.