Diet to manage your stress

Stress management can be a powerful tool for wellness. People who are under constant stress are more vulnerable to everything from colds to high blood pressure and heart disease. Although there are many ways to cope, one strategy is to eat stress-fighting foods.

Food can fight stress in several ways.
Comfort foods, like a bowl of warm oatmeal, actually boost levels of serotonin, a calming brain chemical. Other foods such as oranges, spinach, fish like salmon and tuna, pistachios, avocados and almonds can reduce levels of cortisol and adrenaline - stress hormones that take a toll on the body over time. Finally, a nutritious diet can counteract the impact of stress, by strengthing the immune system and lowering blood pressure.

Crunchy raw veges can fight the effects of stress in a purely mechanical way. Munching on celery or carrot sticks helps release a clenched jaw, and that can ward off tension headaches. Another stress buster is the time-honoured glass of warm milk. Researchers have found the calcium can reduce muscle spasms and soothe tension, as well as ease anxiety and mood swings link to Premenstrual Syndrome. Recommended skim or low fat milk.