Have you ever considered managing your stress with food? With the current challenges that we are all facing, each one of us deals with stress differently. When you’re feeling stressed a combination of movement, food, hydration, rest, and time can help you manage.

As a Registered Dietitian, I always ask clients what type of stress they deal with on a day to day basis; whether you realize it or not, stress and what we eat go hand in hand.

Chronic stress can build up over time and wreak havoc on your body. It affects mental and physical being, as well as gut health. Deep inside our bodies, there is a gut-brain connection. while these two parts of your body are constantly working together, some days, it can seem that they are screaming at each other. Stress can trigger bloating, discomfort, and can even change your gut bacteria, which can affect your mood. Focusing on whole foods and mindfulness when eating is so important as you work through stressful events – and, there are even certain foods and beverages that have stress-reducing qualities.

Blueberries

These are some of my favorite berries, whether fresh or frozen. They contain flavonoid antioxidants that are helpful in reducing inflammation in your body, including stress-related inflammation. Eating blueberries can not only boost your mood but can be a barrier against depression.

Fatty Fish

Getting those omega-3 fatty acids can benefit our bodies in so many ways, due to being essential for the body to increase mood, aid in brain health and prevent heart disease. Fatty fish includes salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines and as a bonus, they also contain Vitamin D, a critical piece of our mental health and stress regulation.

Kimchi

If you haven’t tried this deliciousness, now is the time. Kimchi is a fermented food, made with napa cabbage and radish. High in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, probiotics are one of the top boasts from fermented foods, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. There is that gut-brain connection again. Kimchi can have a positive effect on your gut, thus helping to reduce stress overall in your body.

Swiss Chard

Similar to spinach or kale, swiss chard is a dark, leafy green vegetable, that you typically cook or sauté. One cup contains 36% of daily recommended intake for magnesium, which is a powerhouse for ALL of the stress related activities. When your body is running low on magnesium, you may feel an increase in panic attacks, anxiety and a decreased amount of sleep.

Matcha powder

I love having a hot cup of matcha tea, especially in the cooler temperatures. I feel relaxed right away. That should be no surprise as it contains an amino acid called L-theanine; this can help reduce stress within your body. L-theanine is higher in matcha than other green teas due to the leaves being grown in the shade. Research shows that matcha contains stress reducing and anti-anxiety properties, it also increases relaxation by reducing your resting heart rate.

These are just a handful of the many stress-reducing foods that you can incorporate in your life. Food is medicine to our bodies; just like movement, hydration, and rest. The next time you start to feel your body tense up or can tell that your stress level is higher than what is was yesterday, remember to breathe. Focus on the things that you know will help you in the long run, and grab a handful of blueberries!

Sources: www.healthline.com

The purpose of this blog is solely for guidance and enjoyment. The information included on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before altering your diet, changing your exercise regimen, starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.