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YourHub.com \\ Stuart \\ Stories \\ Health and Fitness \\ Healthy Lifestyles

BEAT STRESS!

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Contributed by: Paula Macri on 8/21/2008

There are very few of us who are strangers to stress. Especially now. Many Americans experience high levels of stress at least once a week. Trying to do too much all at once, deadlines, etc. - all are known to have unhealthy physical effects on the body.
When stress strikes, the body perceives a threat and gets ready for action. Blood flow is diverted to the muscles, precenting the rest of the body from properly absorbing vitamins, minerals and water. With no physical attacker to fight or flee from, this physical "pumping up" has no outlet,which compromises normal body function and may adversely affect your health. Stress can cause fatigue, lower immunity and raise blood pressure, making it a risk factor for many problems, including infections, depression and heart disease.
Eating the right foods can help the effects of tension and strain. Start by getting enough of vitamin C, an immune booster, whose levels drop when you are under pressure. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially oranges, strawberries, asparagus and broccoli.
Vitamin B-12, aids in blood cell formation and helps improve the nervous systemand can help fight stress induced fatigue. Fish, eggs, lean meats and milk are some foods for that.
Stress puts the body in an extremely agitated state. The right foods can soothe your nerves by evoking feelings of comfort and security.
Hot soup forces you to shift into a slower, calmer state of mind. Chicken noodle soup is packed with nutrients.
Eating a warm snack like toast topped with marmalade is soothing and also provides fiber, which is important for proper digestion in times of stress.
Yogurt is satisfying to the sweet tooth, and it's smooth and easy to digest. It also offers the B vitamin riboflavin, which helps distribute oxygen in the body and aids in tissue growth and repair, minimizing the negative effects of tension and strain.
A hot cup of ginseng, chamomile or other herb based tea induces relaxation quickly. Chammile and peppermint help quiet stomach upset and produces a calming effect.
Foods to avoid: A cup of coffee may seem to help you get through a stressful day, but it can actually heighten the tension you feel. Caffeene boosts production of cortisol, a stress hormone that raises blood pressure and heart rate. It can also increase your adrenaline, making you feel even edgier and more irritable.
Instead of coffee, take a break with a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea.

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