Managing stress involves a number of changes in your daily routine, but one key component is your diet. Watching your diet and the foods you eat can help to relieve stress and prevent stress from harming your health, according to health writer, Sacha Tarkovsky on Buzzle.com. Some of the foods you eat can increase stress levels, so making simple changes in your diet can increase calmness and help you become better equipped to fight stress. Check with your health care provider to find out which foods are appropriate for you.
Fats
Your body is naturally equipped to cope with stress, but it needs to proper fuel to function at its peak, according to Buzzle.com. While stress is a natural part of life, supplying your body with essential fats can help to reduce its effects. Oily fish is packed with essential fatty acids that naturally increase serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate mood and increase the ability to cope with stress. Fish such as mackerel, sardines and salmon are healthy options, but fish oil supplements can be substituted if these are not options for you.
Vitamin B
B vitamins are effective in strengthening the body's systems when anxiety and stress attack, according to Psychology Today online. Vitamin B helps to maintain nerves and brain cells, while also converting the food you eat into energy. Vitamin B deficiency can inhibit the nervous system and increase stress levels. Foods that are rich in vitamin B include bananas, fish, potatoes, avocados, chicken and leafy green vegetables.
Carbohydrates
Oatmeal is a healthy carbohydrate that sends the amino acid, tryptophan, into the brain to stimulate serotonin levels to improve mood, according to Redbook online. When you eat carbohydrates, you naturally start to feel better, since without them, your brain cannot produce serotonin. The most ideal carbohydrates to consume are those that are rich in fiber, such as whole wheat pasta or beans. High fiber carbohydrates are absorbed slowly, which helps to further regulate serotonin levels.
