Eating away stress: Top 6 foods for a calmer you.

In our busy lives, unfortunately stress tags along like an unwanted companion, following us in everything we do. Whether it's from work, financial pressure, raising kids or just daily life, stress messes with our bodies and makes different hormones go a bit crazy!

Interestingly, our body doesn’t know the difference between mental stress and physical stress. Nowadays we are not getting chased by a tiger, we are hit with a lot of chronic mental stress and it creates the same effect within our body. 

Our main stress hormone is cortisol. Think of cortisol as the big boss of stress—it's the main stress hormone. It partners up with adrenaline, and if we peek inside the adrenal gland, it's like a team effort. Inside, there's adrenaline shouting "go-go," and outside, cortisol signals "stress". Together, they get your body ready to handle stress, like a superhero gearing up for action.

So... let's chat about what foods to choose and which ones to avoid to keep your stress hormones in check. Picture the autonomic nervous system (a system that is on automatic) like a smart system in your body—it has two main parts: the "fight or flight" (sympathetic) and the "rest and digest" (parasympathetic). When your brain signals stress, the "fight or flight" mode kicks in, and that's when cortisol, the stress hormone, comes into action. So, we want to keep these stress hormones in harmony by making mindful food choices.

It's also important to remember that too much sugar in your blood stream can also cause your nervous system to go a bit haywire because of too much sugar in your blood. This can cause trouble for your nerves, especially those in your hands and feet and your vagus nerve that helps with digestion. Simply put, it means your nerves are getting a bit mixed up because your blood sugar is too high.

With that being said, to maintain a balanced nervous system and lower stress levels, steering clear of excess sugar and starches (pasta, bread, cakes, pies etc) becomes a crucial step. In other words excess sugar and starches keep you in a stressed mode. Therefore, by making mindful choices on our plates, we not only nourish our bodies but also pave the way for a more relaxed and carefree lifestyle. 

So what are some of the best foods to keep us calmed and relaxed?

Let's start with the sunny side of things—egg yolks! Packed with choline, eggs support the parasympathetic nervous system, your body's recovery system. This means better sleep, digestion, and overall calmness. So, consider adding eggs to your breakfast routine for a stress-busting start to your day.

 An important vitamin to support a calm state in the body is vitamin b12. This can be found in red meat, fish and if you’re into it - organ meat. 

To combat stress, your body needs vitamin B1 and B5, and nutritional yeast is a fantastic source for both. Incorporating this into your diet, along with foods like sunflower seeds, provides the essential nutrients to support a calm state, contributing to lower stress levels. You can sprinkle nutritional yeast on salads, soups, curries, and more, enhancing not just the flavour but also the stress-fighting potential of your meals.

The importance of leafy green vegetables cannot be overstated. Packed with potassium and magnesium, these veggies act as natural relaxers for the body. Maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens, such as through big daily salads, is a cornerstone of the carefree lifestyle, aiding in stress reduction and promoting overall well-being.

Salmon, a fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is a powerhouse for stress relief. Not only does it support your autonomic nervous system, but it also provides Vitamin D3, a hormone crucial for regulating cortisol. So, reel in the benefits of fatty fish to keep stress at bay and don't' forget about a healthy dose of sunshine. 

Finally, let's talk about gut health—a key player in stress management. Probiotics and fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, and fermented pickles promote a healthy gut flora. A happy gut equals a happy mind, making these foods an excellent addition to your stress-reducing diet.

In conclusion, what you eat matters, not just for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. By incorporating these six stress-busting foods into your diet, you're not just nourishing your body but also creating a foundation for a calmer, more balanced you. Say goodbye to chronic stress and hello to a carefree lifestyle! Sprinkle some nutritional yeast, savour the goodness of grass-fed meats, and dive into the calming depths of fatty fish—your stress-free journey begins on your plate.

If you would love more information about leading a healthy lifestyle where you feel happy, relaxed and confident, book a Free Health Reset call and let's have a chat. 

Your friend and Nutritionist,

Kate x